Thornton Wilder's Our Town, the Bridge of San Luis Rey, and Other Works (Monarch notes)

Throughout the novel, Wilder employs George and Emily to contend that the importance of appreciating and enjoying life every single second is essential to healthy and meaningful life. Any other approach would waste away life, as one would wander through life aimlessly without a purpose and emotion. If people were to age through life in monotony, there would be no difference between humans and robots. Perfunctory routine would only hamper the possibility of any spontaneous happiness, resulting in a poorly lived life. Emily dies as a result of birth, but George and completely and utterly overwhelmed with this incident to the point that he can not think properly. Such reaction is possible but unfavorable towards George. Lamenting temporarily may be necessary, if not inevitable, but not being able to live normally for the rest of the life is ridiculous. Wilder indicates that George should have saved his time by enjoying life after Emily's death. Instead of trying to make up or feel guilty for the Emily, he could have just simply moved on through life as best as possible. There is no need for a long term bereavement in any situation. Wilder emphasize that people take life for granted, but when the transient nature of life smacks them in the face, there is no turning back.