How is the theme of hope portrayed in the skin of our teeth, and what is the plays
overall message about hope?
Do you think the idea of hope is a powerful one in our day and age? E sure to support
your argument with concrete and specific evidence.
The “The Skin of our Teeth” is a play that represents the end of the world as we know it.
The play depicts an upcoming natural disaster, and how a family responds to the emotions
that consume them in light of the disaster. The theme of hope is portrayed where the man
of the household- Mr George Antrobus, almost loses his will to live in the beginning, but
recovers it just in time to save his family and the rest of the human race. Throughout the
three Acts, forward progress is made through a progression of faith and hope; Act 1- hope
in individuals, Act2- hope in human relationships and finally Act 3- hope in human
existence. The overall message being essentially that as long as there is hope, we can
overcome anything.
In Act 1, after much discussion and uncertainty, George (the father) opens the door to let
the refugees in, subsequently ensuring their survival by offering them warmth and shelter.
Hope in individuals is portrayed here since the Antrobus family could have ignored them
while taking care of themselves, the act of opening the door and inviting the refugees in
represents faith in the goodness of people’s hearts. In Act 2, George learns to have hope in
