The Woman of Andros

"From the earliest

pages of his first novels and plays, Wilder examined the universal quandaries

Greek island, tells the story of the enigmatic Chrysis, a courtesan (and an

outcast) of haunting beauty and intelligence. In her gatherings with the young

men of the island, Chrysis probes what is precious about life, and how we live,

love, and die in a harsh world, themes that Wilder revisited eight years later

in his play, Our Town.

Pamphilus, the only son of a prominent villager, fathers a baby out of wedlock

with Chrysis's sister, whom he wants to marry. The questions faced by

Pamphilus, his family and the other "respectable" citizens of the island also

explore themes of social class and status.