If George is not the "all-American" boy, he at least represents the typical American boy. In the first scenes, he is scolded for throwing soap at his sister. Even though he does not deserve it, he wangles a raise in his allowance. Later, he has difficulty with algebra. He uses his boyish charms to convince his intelligent neighbor, Emily, to help him. His invention of a communication system between their houses assures him that help is close at hand.
Later, in Act II, George — Si Crowell's personal hero — is elected president of his senior class. It is likely that his selection is based on superficial traits — such as his prowess on the pitching mound or his personality — rather than his intellectual excellence or leadership qualities. Thus, his inclination toward rowdiness, his love of the all-American game of baseball, and his position as class officer characterize him as the stereotypical small-town American boy.
Also predictable is the fact that he is obsessed with baseball to the exclusion of friends. His thoughts, however, have not strayed completely from Emily. He has thought about her enough to realize the depth of his attraction to her. The drugstore scene captures the emotion of high-school students exploring love. To heighten the poignance of the scene, Wilder breaks the spell abruptly so that George can hurry home to get money to pay the bill.
