Thornton Wilder's play, Our Town, is enjoyed by its audience due to its recognition and popularity. Along with the work's recognition and praise, some people have even recognized it as America's greatest tragedy. However, Stephens' article, "Our City: America's Great Tragedy?", called this claim into question. Furthermore, in this article, Stephens makes questionable claims about the effectiveness and tragic nature of Wilder's work. Furthermore, Stephens argues that there is a weak emotional connection between the work and the audience and minimal depth to the characters. However, the depth of the characters and the cathartic moment of Our Town capture the tragic nature of the play. First of all, the variety of characters and their complexity offer a reflective image for each individual who is part of the audience. The characters in this play range from an older woman to a girl in her pre-adolescence. Therefore, the variety of characters gives the reader a chance to connect or relate better. However, Stephens states that “Wilder engages his audience both emotionally and intellectually; but it is not a strong and complex involvement” (Stephens 261). Develop this topic by expanding on Emily's character. Stephens describes Emily as “pathetic, non-tragic” and “simple and superficial.” On the other hand, these are the characteristics idealized by Wilder to keep the audience interested in the achievements of a character who possesses similar qualities and a relatable life. And even if Emily doesn't suffer enough, according to Stephens' requirements, to play a tragic protagonist. It is debatable how much he really had to suffer, but it is clear that at the end of the play it turns out that he had already b...... half of the paper ...... as Stephens says, "the purgation and ennoblement desired by Aristotle as essential effects of tragedy.” The end result should be pity and fear as has been discussed in class and by Stephens Pity, however, may not necessarily be towards Emily but also towards all the characters in the play and also ourselves. And the fear component of this cathartic moment comes from the question of whether we will be able to reflect on life and its value before it is too late. As a result, Stephens fails to recognize the message in Our Town and too well packaged around the idea that the work is not the greatest American tragedy simply because it must challenge this idea. After all, any kind of literature is left only to the reader to interpret it and create meaning if there is any or consider it a tragedy. although it may be of a different nature for others..