This is the central scene of Act II. It presents the simple but appealing account of how two teenagers overcome a misunderstanding and disclose their mutual love. The success of the scene lies in Wilder’s ability to re-create a romantic scene without cluttering it with sentiment. The scene is both honest and slightly nostalgic, but it contains hints of the absurdity of youthful declarations of love. The scene is delicately balanced between tenderness and the almost comic quality found in the young people’s naiveté.
In terms of the entire play, this is a love that grows out of daily life and leads to a sensible, down-to-earth union of two people from the same background. George, who is easily out-maneuvered by Emily’s logic and poise, makes up a clumsy ruse to cover for her tears. His manly protection of his girl from a maniac driver presages his moving farewell at Emily’s grave in Act III. Even though George fills the role of a loyal, protective husband, he is unable to hold back death.
