Arthur Miller and the American Dream

Arthur Miller (1915-2005)

• For an author, he was rather well-known for his time.

• He testified before the House of Un-American Activities. Based on his experiences with HUAC, he wrote The Crucible, based on the Salem Witch Trials.

• And most importantly, he married Marilyn Monroe!

Death of a Salesman (1949)

• Miller wrote Act I of Death of a Salesman in one day, and then wrote Act II within six weeks.

• He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Major CharactersWilly Loman- the salesman who is past his prime, and who was never an exceptional businessman in his prime Linda Loman- Willy's wife who loves him despite all of his difficulties Biff Loman- Willy's eldest son for whom he had dreams of greatness Happy Loman- Willy's younger son Charley- Willy's neighbor; he is like a brother to Willy Bernard- Charley's son Ben- Willy's brother who left home very early and became tremendously wealthy; appears only in Willy's daydreams Howard Wagner - son of former owner of the Wagner Company; he now runs the firm and has put Willy on straight commission The Woman - Willy's mistress from Boston

Miss Forsythe and Letta - Two girls Happy picks up at the restaurant