Student Companion to Arthur Miller

(Hardback)

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This critical introduction to Arthur Miller provides an indispensable aid for students and general readers to understand the depth and complexity of some of America's most important dramatic works. Beginning with a discussion of his life, this work traces not only Miller's theatrical career, but his formulative experiences with the Great Depression, the Holocaust, and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Detailed discussions of eight important plays are organized around the social and moral themes Miller derived from such events; these themes are evident in such works as Death of A Salesman, The Crucible, A View from the Bridge, and All My Sons. By placing Miller, within the context of his times, this discussion reveals how he was influenced by and reacted to the major events in his own life and in American culture. Analysis of his more recent works such as The American Clock, Broken Glass and The Ride Down Mt. Morgan illustrate the consistency of Miller's strong moral vision, and his continuing innovative contributions to American theatre. A fascinating biographical chapter takes readers from Miller's childhood, through the Depression years, through three marriages; and from his theatrical apprecticeship, to eventual fame and critical acclaim for his plays and other literary and cinematic projects. The literary heritage chapter outlines Miller's literary and dramatic precursors, and considers the major aspects of his dramatic impact. The six chapters discussing his major plays are systematically presented to allow the reader to easily grasp the intricacies of their plots, characterizations, stylistic devices, and themes. In addition, each chapter offers a view of the social and/or historical context that influenced the plays' thematic development, as well as an alternate critical reading that demonstrates the richness of Miller's work. Lastly, the bibliography provides information on Miller's published works, including his screenplays and essays, biographical information, selected general criticism, and both contemporary reviews and critical studies of the plays discussed.

Reviews

[v]aluable background for anyone working on one of the plays, as well as those studying them in the classroom.-Dramatics
This well-organized and well-written volume provides useful, reliable information....Students will find this comprehensive resource satisfying and thought-provoking.-School Library Journal
"valuable background for anyone working on one of the plays, as well as those studying them in the classroom."-Dramatics
"[v]aluable background for anyone working on one of the plays, as well as those studying them in the classroom."-Dramatics
"This well-organized and well-written volume provides useful, reliable information....Students will find this comprehensive resource satisfying and thought-provoking."-School Library Journal

Author Bio

SUSAN C. W. ABBOTSON has taught English for over fifteen years, both at the high school and university levels. She currently teaches at the English Department of Rhode Island College. She is coauthor of Understanding Death of a Salesman (Greenwood 1999). She is also author of the Drama section in Resources for Teaching: Literature and Its Writers (1997) as well as numerous articles on Literature and Drama.