Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth has been lauded for its innovative narrative and blending of genres, deftly combining comedy, tragedy, and satire. Critics appreciate its timeless themes and social commentary. However, some find the play's unconventional structure challenging. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and thought-provoking content.

A reader who enjoys The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder is often drawn to innovative, meta-theatrical works that blend humor and existential themes. Similar audiences are captivated by the quirky, thought-provoking nature of works like Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author or Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder follows the Antrobus family, who symbolize humanity's resilience as they endure and survive three catastrophic events: an ice age, a great flood, and a devastating war, with each act reflecting a different crisis. Employing surrealism and epic theater techniques, Wilder uses a cyclical plot to highlight themes of survival, family loyalty, and human perseverance.

Fantastical / Humorous / Contemplative / Hopeful / Mysterious

- The Skin of Our Teeth won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1943, making Thornton Wilder one of the few playwrights to win the prestigious award more than once, as he also won it for Our Town.
- The play is known for its inventive use of anachronism, blending various historical periods and mixing modern references with ancient ones, creating a unique and timeless narrative style.
- Tallulah Bankhead, a notable actress of the time, starred in the original Broadway production of The Skin of Our Teeth, bringing her distinctive personality to the role of Sabina.

**George Antrobus**  
The patriarch of the Antrobus family, who embodies the American Dream and represents foundational human innovations such as the wheel and the alphabet; he navigates various disasters in an effort to remake the world alongside his family.

**Maggie Antrobus**  
The matriarch of the Antrobus family, known for her fierce protection of her children and her role as a strong domestic figure, representing a historical everywoman adjusting to the changing roles during the 1940s.

**Henry Antrobus**  
The son of George and Maggie, previously known as Cain, who struggles with his violent nature and acts out a historical and symbolic role within the family narrative.

**Gladys Antrobus**  
The daughter of George and Maggie, who faces high expectations from her family to embody proper behavior while quietly challenging these norms and contributing to the family's efforts in times of crisis.

**Lily Sabina Fairweather/Miss Somerset**  
Initially George's mistress turned family maid, Sabina represents temptation and pleasure, often breaking character to express disdain for the play and adopting assertive, nonconformist qualities.

**Mr. Fitzpatrick**  
The stage manager responsible for maintaining the structure of the play, whose interactions with Sabina and other disruptions remind the audience of the performance's metatheatrical elements.

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