Arthur Asher Miller (October 17, 1915 – February 10, 2005) was an essayist, playwright and cult figure in the American theatre in the twentieth century born in Harlem in the New York City. All My Sons (1947), Death of a Salesman (1949), The Crucible (1953) and A View from the Bridge (1955 – which was later revised in 1956) are some of his most popular plays. Besides this, The Misfits (1961) was his most noted work; besides he wrote several screenplays. In the 20th century, Death of a Salesman alongside A Streetcar Named Desire and Long Day’s Journey into Night has been considered one of the strongest literary influences. For Drama, Arthur was awarded the Pulitzer Prize during his time. The Saint Louis University Library Associates awarded him the St. Louis Literary Award in 1980. In 2002 he received the Praemium Imperiale prize and the Prince of Asturias Award. In 2003 he was awarded the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Jerusalem Prize.
Literary contribution : 50(6-10 titles and timelines)
Arthur Miller produced his first play, The Man Who Had All The Luck in 1942 and went on to win the Theatre Guild’s National Award. However with disastrous reviews, after four performances, the play closed. He won the Tony Award for Best Author for All My Sons, in 1947. It was in this year that he established his reputation as a playwright. In 1960 he wrote the screenplay for The Misfits, starring Marilyn Monroe and directed by John Huston.
Writing Style
Arthur Miller, an influential and important novelist and essayist, has experienced a lot of luck in his career in writing. His ingenious ability of controlling what the readers feel or picture has made him gain more fame. Through his ingenious writing he very effectively conveys the message that the inescapable problem of man is man himself. According to Miller, a man often has trouble while expressing his worries, feelings and thoughts and accordingly makes use of symbolism in his work.
Significant Themes
Arthur Miller was of the belief that delicate balance between society and individual, between collective and separated elements of life and between the singular polity and personality, should be central in his plays. Accordingly he synthesized diverse movements and dramatic styles in his social plays. More emphasis was laid on moral issues in the American society. Besides this he has questioned psychological behavioral causes in his plays. As far as familial relationships are concerned, he has penetrating insight. In his plays, he maintains that family and family relationships must immerse in social context. With the roller coaster of responsibility and guilt Arthur Miller has confronted a level of banality in his work.
Trivia
Arthur Miller married Mary Slattery, his first wife in 1940 and then left her to marry film star Marilyn Monroe in 1956. Arthur Miller received the Four Freedom Award for Freedom of Speech in 1993. He has been member of the American Theatre Hall of Fame and in 1979 was inducted in. His drafts, notes, letters and other documents are housed at the University of Texas at Austin at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Centre. Rebecca his daughter is married to actor Daniel Day-Lewis who in 1996, played the leading role, in the film version of The Crucible.