Arthur Miller

Arthur Asher Miller (October 17, 1915 – February 10, 2005) was an American playwright and author widely regarded as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century. Born in New York, Miller studied journalism and subsequently developed a keen interest in social issues and the human experience. His breakthrough came with 'Death of a Salesman' (1949), a tragic masterpiece examining the American Dream through the lens of an ordinary salesman's decline. The play won the Pulitzer Prize and established Miller as a major literary force. 'The Crucible' (1952), loosely based on the Salem witch trials, became a powerful allegory for McCarthyism and continues to be widely taught in schools. Miller's works are characterized by their exploration of morality, responsibility, and the struggles of ordinary people against systemic forces. He was also known for his public activism and his marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe, which brought him additional cultural prominence. Throughout his long career, Miller received numerous awards and honors, including the National Book Award and the Kennedy Center Honors. His plays have been translated and performed worldwide, influencing generations of writers and theater artists and remaining central to the American literary canon.