Arthur Miller, famous American playwright

If the name Arthur Miller sounds familiar, congratulations on paying attention in English. Arthur Miller is an American playwright who wrote The Crucible, which we all read this year.

He was born in Harlem, New York in 1915. As he grew up, the city around him blossomed in the arts, resulting in what we know now as the Harlem Renaissance. Although he does not speak of it, there is no doubt that that influenced him. He was born to parents who had immigrated, with Polish and Jewish descent. Isidore Miller, his father, was the owner of coat manufacturing business. His mother Augusta was a teacher. The Great Depression ravaged the family, forcing them to move to Brooklyn. After graduating high school in 1933 attended the University of Michigan. While in college, he wrote his first play, No Villain, and won an award from his school for it.

Young Arthur Miller. He was also pretty handsome. 

His career of playwrighting did not begin with great success. His first play on Broadway only had four shows before closing. He got a bit luckier in 1947 with his next play, All My Sons. Contrary to his previous show, it ran for almost a full year and earned Miller a Tony. His next play, Death of a Salesman, would get even luckier. Debuting in 1949, it immediately became an iconic play. The plays commentary on capitalism and growing old captivated audiences. It would win the Pulitzer Prize, the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award and the Tony for Best Play.

Despite not being the play he is best known for, we all know of The Crucible. It is a gemstone in the discussion of McCarthyism and nationalist frenzy. The play, written in 1953, is about the Salem witch trials, but not really. It provided a commentary much needed on hysteria, governments playing along, and what people have to gain from others losing. In 1956, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) scrutinized Miler and called him before the court. Much like John Proctor, he refused to point names at others to save himself. He was ruled in contempt of Congress for this. The play would only grow in fame, eventually landing in our curriculum.

Sources:
https://www.biography.com/people/arthur-miller-9408335
https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/c/the-crucible/arthur-miller-biography
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arthur-Miller-American-playwright
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