Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller

Paper Summary:

When examining American literature at any given period, there are always a certain number of similarities existing between authors. This paper compares the styles of two great American authors, Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. The paper provides a general introduction to each of the author's history. It then moves on to show character similarities in works by both. Finally, the paper shows how each of the two use similar settings in their works. The paper focuses mainly on the play "The Glass Menagerie" by Williams and "The Death of a Salesman" by Miller.

From the Paper:

"In Tennessee Williams' play The Glass Menagerie, the main role is Tom, a man faced with opportunity, but tied to home by the obligation of providing for his sister and mother. Likewise, in Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, the main role is that of Willy, a traveling salesman who could prosper in his efforts, were it not for the wife and children to take care of. Both Tom and Willy live in the city, surrounded by taller buildings which symbolize their opportunities being fulfilled by someone else. In the case of Willy, the sun that once shone so bright, (metaphoric of his high expectations in life) is gradually eclipsed by the ever growing skyline. (metaphoric of other, younger, obligation-free salesman taking his place gradually.) Both Tom and Willy are avid smokers, which they vow to quit. This is interesting because, in a way, this is a metaphor for their desire to succeed."

More papers on Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller:

• Analytical Essay # 68139 : "Fantasy in Arthur Miller's Plays"
• Analytical Essay # 147607 : "Parental Dreams and Danger in Modern Theater"
• Analytical Essay # 5225 : "Death of a Salesman" and Post War American Drama"

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