Meaning: The quote "Wilder touches all the bases... in some kind of shorthand way. Now that's art." by James Naughton, an accomplished actor, offers an insightful perspective on the work of American playwright and screenwriter Thornton Wilder. The quote highlights Wilder's ability to capture the essence of human experience and emotion in a succinct and profound manner, emphasizing the artistic merit of his writing.

Thornton Wilder is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning plays "Our Town" and "The Skin of Our Teeth," as well as the novel "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." His works are celebrated for their exploration of the human condition, often delving into themes of mortality, love, and the passage of time. Wilder's unique storytelling style, characterized by its economy of language and deep emotional resonance, has left a lasting impact on the world of literature and theater.

When Naughton describes Wilder as "touch[ing] all the bases... in some kind of shorthand way," he is acknowledging the playwright's remarkable ability to convey complex ideas and emotions with remarkable brevity. Wilder's writing is economical yet profound, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and insights with seemingly simple gestures and dialogue. This minimalist approach to storytelling is a hallmark of Wilder's artistry, allowing his works to resonate deeply with audiences and readers alike.

Naughton's assertion that Wilder's concise approach constitutes art speaks to the enduring impact of Wilder's works on the artistic landscape. Through his ability to distill the human experience into its most essential elements, Wilder creates a timeless quality in his writing that transcends the boundaries of time and place. His ability to capture the universal truths of human existence in a "shorthand way" underscores the enduring relevance and power of his artistic vision.

In "Our Town," for example, Wilder eschews elaborate sets and props, relying instead on the power of language and the emotional depth of his characters to convey the beauty and tragedy of everyday life. The play's minimalist staging and profound insights into the passage of time and the significance of human connection have made it a beloved classic of American theater, demonstrating the enduring impact of Wilder's artistic approach.

Similarly, in "The Skin of Our Teeth," Wilder employs a combination of absurdism and allegory to explore the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through a series of episodic vignettes spanning centuries, the play grapples with themes of survival, progress, and the cyclical nature of history. Wilder's ability to distill complex ideas into a concise and impactful narrative underscores the depth of his artistic vision and the enduring relevance of his work.

In conclusion, James Naughton's quote offers a compelling insight into the artistic merit of Thornton Wilder's work. Through his ability to capture the breadth of human experience in a "shorthand way," Wilder's writing transcends the limitations of time and place, speaking to the universal truths that define the human condition. His minimalist yet profound approach to storytelling has solidified his place as a titan of American literature and theater, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and culture.