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Fantasy in Arthur Miller's Plays, 2006.
A look at the theme of fantasy in the plays "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams and "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller.
2,462 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the plays "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams and "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller share a similar theme in that they both explore themes related to living in reality versus living in a fantasy or a dream life. Both plays feature a main character that is living in a fantasy. In "Death of a Salesman, the main character is Willy Loman, an unsuccessful salesperson who lives in a fantasy world where he believes he is successful. In "The Glass Menagerie" the main character is Laura Wingfield, a young girl who escapes into a fantasy world to avoid the problems of her life. The issues of reality versus fantasy are explored by comparing and contrasting the two main characters of the two plays.
From the Paper
"The first consideration related to the two plays is why people escape into a fantasy world. For both Willy Loman and Laura Wingfield, it is a means of escaping from the real world. For Willy Loman, it is a way of escaping from his own failures, namely his failures in being able to provide for his family. This is especially related to his perception of what a man should achieve. These views are based on the American dream, which he has come to accept as truth. Loman's dream is simply to be a good husband and provide for his family. It must be noted that Loman's dream is not based on a need to achieve great success, power, or a lot of money. He simply wants to be a good provider for his family."
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Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", 2006.
This paper compares the witch hunts in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" to the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s.
2,460 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the parallels, in the plot of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" and the "Red Scare" of the 1950s, bring to light the unconstitutional lawlessness committed by Senator Joseph McCarthy and his House Un-American Activities Commission (HUAC), a committee designed to identify and persecute Americans who were members of the Communist party. The author points out that, from the play, John Proctor's character and principles and how he persists in carrying them out directly pertain to Arthur Miller's role in the HUAC hearings. This paper states that Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" to keep the detrimental effects of mass hysteria in the conscious minds of Americans and people everywhere because the moment that these mistakes are forgotten they are doomed to be repeated. This paper includes a playwright chronology.
From the Paper
"Understanding why Miller writes about the mass hysteria and paranoia of the Salem witch-hunts can partly come from reflecting on his life during the Red Scare. Although Miller himself was not a communist when he was subpoenaed in 1956 by HUAC, he refused to name names when the HUAC asked him about people who attended the same meetings as he once did. "I declined to make any such statement, which I found demeaning; what right had any organisation [sic] to demand anyone's pledge of loyalty?" The HUAC asked Miller very specific questions about the others who participated in what McCarthy and his followers perceived as disloyal to America."
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Arthur Miller and Dramatic Tension, 2005.
This paper discusses how Arthur Miller creates dramatic tension in act one of 'A View From The Bridge'.
2,218 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
In this article the the writer studies how Arthur Miller treats the issue of tension in the play 'A View From The Bridge'. The writer notes that Arthur Miller takes an already claustrophobic setting in which the characters are struggling to suppress their ever mounting problems with each other and throws in a catalyst to explode the situation and force characters to confront their problems. The writer looks at the different characters and their functions in the play and discusses how Miller uses them to create dramatic tension in particular in act one of the drama.
From the Paper
"Using a choric figure to encourage the viewer to contemplate the morals of the play is just one of the many elements Arthur Miller has used to re-create Greek Tragedy. He also uses techniques such as the play being set in a small, claustrophobic area and the action happening in a short amount of time to create this effect. Arthur Miller has put his own mark on the play by using the un-educated, working class character of Eddie to be the tragic protagonist, as Greek tragedy has traditionally always traced the downfall of a person who was rich or had a high position in society, suggesting it was only these people who felt deep emotions and passions worth writing about."
"One of Arthur Miller's greatest achievements as a playwright and contributions to literature is the fact that he has used a simple central character from a rough area to be the tragic hero, consumed by his one fatal flaw: his incestuous love for his niece Catherine. He has succeeded in proving poor people too can have a destiny that cannot be escaped; previously only people of noble birth were considered worthy of having their problems dramatised on stage."
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Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", 2004.
A discussion and analysis of Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible".
678 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible", and compares elements of Miller's play about the Salem witch trials with events orchestrated by Hitler during the Holocaust.
From the Paper
"In Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", the author provides a dramatization of the fanaticism and hysteria generated during the Salem witch trials in the seventeenth century. Miller drafted the play in light of his reaction to the fanaticism and hysteria which he found characterized 1950s America prompted by the fear of communism and the House Un-American Activities Commission hearings led by fanatical anti-communist Senator Joseph McCarthy. Miller felt both this era in American history and the Salem witch trials demonstrated how fear and..."
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Arthur Miller and His Works, 2008.
An in-depth discussion of Arthur Miller's works, as a reflection of his life and of society at large.
3,960 words (approx. 15.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 107.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how Arthur Miller, the 20th century playwright and social commentator, used his works to provide penetrating insight into the social and political climate of the United States during tense and volatile periods of the 1940s and 50s. The paper discusses references to the Great Depression, the McCarthyism period and the Holocaust genocide. The paper looks at Miller's background and explores his many plays and novels that reflect his life and the society he lived in.
From the Paper
"Miller attended the University of Michigan, which had a reputation as a radical campus. With the group of others he ran a student newspaper. Five of his friends went to the Spanish Civil War; one died, another was severely wounded. He was tempted to go himself but there were causes closer to home. Down the road in Detroit, Henry Ford hired "Nazi storm troopers" to run the factory. "Spain," He insisted, "was in Detroit." He developed his radicalism through a series of student plays, two of which won, and another was runner-up for the annual Hopwood Award (Freedman)."
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Scapegoating in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", 2008.
This paper demonstrates the theme of scapegoating in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".
972 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the societal need to seek scapegoats, as demonstrated through the play, "The Crucible", by Arthur Miller, which aims to link the 1950s issue of McCarthyism to the colonial witchcraft trials in Salem, Massachusetts. The paper goes on to explain that although the event in Salem was presented by some as an expression of religious fervor directed at a perceived evil in the community, Miller sees the time as a hysterical expression in society to find and identify an enemy. Furthermore, the paper explains how a broad-based social crisis contributes to scapegoating.
From the Paper
"Terry Otten sees the drama as following a pattern he finds in many Miller plays as innocence is destroyed by temptation, in this case the temptation to denounce others and so to assert a sort of higher innocence based on religious fervor. Otten says that 'the play is constructed on a conspiracy of silence in which characters do not divulge the truth about others--or, more importantly, about themselves--and gradually fall prey to a deceit so pervasive as to be believed' (Otten 61), and it is in the conspiracy that innocence is lost. For Miller, this was an apt description of what was taking place in the McCarthy era, and it was the conspiracy of falsehood and of silence in the face of falsehood that he decried and found so damaging."
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"Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, 2002.
This paper looks at illusion and the American dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
An examination of the themes of illusion and the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. The play repeatedly shows the main character Willy Loman deluding himself into believing he is successfully pursuing his view of the American Dream ? financial success through business. Miller does this in two ways in particular. First, he constantly has the characters rewriting events so that when they are retold they reflect how they wish their lives really were instead of the reality of what happened. Second, as Willy Loman loses his grip on reality, he relives events from his past. By the end of the play, so many of Willy Loman?s illusions about himself have been shattered, but his illusions about his son Biff are stronger, and he imagines that his suicide will guarantee his son?s business success.
From the Paper
"Willy has also constructed illusions around his sons, especially Biff, who truly was well liked in high school. Willy puts more emphasis on Biff?s athletic talents and personal charm than is realistic, and encourages Biff to do the same. Chasing athletic fame for his son, Willy isn?t concerned when Biff steals a football from the team he plays for, and encourages him to steal sand to aid in a home renovation project. Biff?s friend Bernard reminds Biff that he needs to study for exams or risk not graduating, and both Biff and his father make fun of him for this. He encourages his sons to do dishonest thing, suggesting that Willy?s views about how to get ahead include setting personal values aside."
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Arthur Miller and McCarthy, 2005.
A review of Arthur Miller's criticism of Senator McCarthy through his play "The Crucible".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces a theme relating to Arthur Miller and McCarthyism and then offers an annotated bibliography of six books on the subject. This paper notes how Miller criticized McCarthy indirectly with his play "The Crucible," which stands as an indictment not only of McCarthyism but of any such use of hysteria and falsehood to create and manipulate fear during a time of tension.
From the Paper
"The McCarthy era took advantage of existing tensions in the country over changes after world War II and new fears of a Communist threat directed at America. America was seen as a target because of its influence, the fact that it had the atomic bomb, and because of imperialist designs by Russia. Senator Joseph McCarthy took advantage of the hysteria of the time, and it is not clear how much his actions were simply self-promotion and how much true belief. He showed reckless disregard for any damage he might cause by making unfounded accusations, and in this atmosphere a few managed to criticize him and his methods, often indirectly as playwright Arthur Miller did with his play 'The Crucible', which stands as an indictment not only of McCarthyism but of any such use of hysteria and falsehood to create and manipulate fear during a time of tension."
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Arthur Miller?s ?All My Sons?, 2004.
This paper discusses the concept of the American Dream as portrayed by the characters in Arthur Miller?s play, ?All My Sons? (1947).
1,555 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Arthur Miller, in his tragic play, ?All My Sons?, symbolizes through the lifestyle of the Keller family and their friends his view of the American Dream. The author points out that the concept of the American Dream is associated with the years following WWII, in which, through the movies such as ?Pleasantville?, the world created successful children, perfect families, and a happy stay-at-home mother, which, in the end, just as for the characters in this play, was impossible. The paper relates that writer Miller is the character Jim Bayliss, who, even though he has moral values, lives his life in sync with everyone else.
From the Paper
"Once the truth comes out and everyone begins to argue (Miller 58-59), the only way that Joe feels he can free Chris and the others from guilt and pain, so that they can live and continue their attempt to become successful, is to kill himself. Throughout his life, he never learned that true success is measured in who we become rather than what materialistic item we have. If he learned how to love and respect himself and his family, he could have achieved the happiness he never found. His intentions were good, but his dream for the American dream was wrong, and suicide (Miller 69) was his way of fixing the burdens he caused. Joe?s longing to become socially accepted eclipsed his ability to distinguish right from wrong, and that is what leads him to his dishonest and selfish choices. Joe Keller believed that he had to sacrifice everything, to give his family the kind of life Americans can only dream."
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The Wrong Dreams of Arthur Miller, 2004.
An exploration of the proposition that in Arthur Miller's drama the 'wrong dreams' take the place of fate in classical tragedy with reference to Sophocles.
1,175 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how trapped in their fate the Greek tragic heroes of Sophocles and Aeschylus were flung into a pure and dream-like existence where emotion was experienced unmitigated by the distractions of the consciousness, where they could only descend into the whirlpool of destiny. It attempts to show as a distant descendant from this ancient culture, Arthur Miller creates modern tragedy from a more democratic approach which places significance on an individual's influence over his own destiny. It examines how Miller explores the fate of the common-man hero, "Death of a Salesman?s" Willy Loman and "All My Sons"? Joe Keller, within the drama of their dreams and decisions.
From the Paper
"From their detached perspective Miller?s audience can easily discern that Willy?s immersion in the capitalist dream dictates the tragic course of events in the play. Through his profession Willy is the natural hero for a tragedy of capitalist dreams as capitalism is often distinguished by salesmen who artificially stimulate individuals? wants and needs. Resuscitated allusions to the commercially-charged Boston affair has embittered Willy?s emotional relationship with his family as he uses financial reward to quantify his love for them; his receptionist mistress promises to put him straight ?through to the buyers.? "
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Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, 2001.
A comparison of the writing styles of Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller.
807 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
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."
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Arthur Miller's "An Enemy of the People", 2006.
An analysis of the character of Morten Kiil in Arthur Miller's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's modern drama "An Enemy of the People".
947 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the character of Morten Kiil from Arthur Miller's "An Enemy of the People", explaining that he symbolizes the rot of the moral fiber within society. The paper describes Morten Kiil as someone who not only cannot be trusted, but who must be watched closely as well. The paper examines and summarizes passages in the story that support this description.
From the Paper
"Eating don't get you anywhere, boy" (Miller, 295). Morten Kiil's first piece of dialogue is in response to Billing's comment of Kiil's hurried eating style. Kiil is a man that does not take time to enjoy his food. He thinks that food is merely a nuisance in every-day life, which keeps him from getting to more pressing tasks. Because he "gulps his last bite" and then gets ready to leave, he clearly is not dining at the Stockmann household for the pleasure of social company (295). When asked by his daughter, Mrs. Stockmann, to stay, he responds by claiming to have business to tend to. He even goes to add: "The only reason I came over was that the butcher told me you bought roast beef today" (296). Morten did not come over to have a chat with his friends, but simply because something that he desired existed at the Stockmann household. He wants to eat the roast beef, not just because he likes it but, rather, because it is a rare dish and something that is free. Kiil's apparent cheapness can also be seen in his clothing. He is described as having a "ratty fur hat" (295). This detail regarding his attire suggests that he does not even take the time to properly maintain his clothing, or at least to buy a new fur hat. The use of the word "ratty" might foreshadow an aspect of Kiil's life that involves shabbiness."
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Arthur Miller, 2002.
A biography of playwrite and author Arthur Miller.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper reflects on the life of Arthur Miller and the influence on his life and works.
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Arthur Miller?s Play "Death of a Salesman", 2005.
This paper discusses the protagonist Willy Loman, in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman", as the epitome of the modern-day tragic hero.
1,590 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that while Willy Loman, in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman", is not what Aristotle would consider to be a tragic hero; his character is a everyman's tragic hero and his experiences depict those of ordinary people in post-war America. The author points out that Willy possesses a fatal flaw that causes him to make a series of serious mistakes from which he is unwilling to learn or accept responsibility. The paper relates that, in order for a tragic hero to be truly tragic, he must evoke pity or sympathy from the audience; it is easy to feel sympathy for Willy because he does have dreams and does not intend to fail.
From the Paper
"Here we see how Willy stretches the truth for no real reason at all. Perhaps Willy acts this way because of his need to feel loved and appreciated but, whatever the cause, it certainly evokes sympathy from the audience. To compound things, Willy even lies to Happy later when he tells him that he is well liked in his profession. Willy not only lies to himself, he also lies to everyone else, with exceptional ease. Instead of hating Willy, we are moved to feel pity for him that he must behave this way. It is also pitiful when Biff attempts to tell Willy that he is nothing "but a hard-working drummer who landed in the ash can like all the rest of them!" "
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Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", 2006.
A sociological analysis of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes, discusses, and analyzes Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman". The paper explains that the play depicts the life of Willy Loman and his family. The paper describes the main character of Willy Loman as an aging salesman, who is confronted with his past and the errors in judgment that offer him and his family little hope of happiness in the future. A once successful salesman Loman recalls an extramarital affair that his son Biff discovered and that destroyed his relationship with his son. The mistakes Loman made as a father and the marriage that he could not recall without remembering the affair are significant factors that haunt Loman throughout the play. The paper also points out that the pivotal factor in the play is Willy's intention to ask for a transfer to a new territory, so that he and his family can have one more chance at success. Yet, when he makes this request he is fired, and the last element of hope that Willy had for happiness dissolves.
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