AUTHUR MILLER AS A DRAMATIST: In the development of Drama

Introduction

Arthur Miller (1915-2005) is one of the topmost American playwrights of present time. He is bracketed with O' Neil and Tennessee Williams. He along with these two revolutionized the development of drama. His plays, such as "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible," explored the human condition, societal issues, and moral dilemmas. Miller's use of realism, social criticism, and powerful characterizations made him a pioneer in American theater. Miller has brought realism look to the theatre. This is his greatest contribution. His is a social realism. His plays are family centered. Miller in his plays successfully judge together the social and the psychological. He is not only social reference but also a social critic.

Influences on Miller

Miller was influenced by the great depression of the civil war and socialism. O' Neil and Chekhov also influenced him a great deal. Miller was considerably influenced by expressionism, Realism, Naturalism and symbolism. Miller’s major plays are (1) Death of a Salesman: (2) All My Sons (3) The Crucible (4) A View from the Bridge (5) The Misfits (6) After the Fall (7) Incidental Vichy (8) The Prince (9)The Man Who Had All the Luck 

Miller's Views about Drama

  Millers approach to playwright and the drama itself is organic. He believes that the common man is apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were. According to him, tragedy is the consequence of man's total journey of life. He finds drama a compulsory medium to evaluate himself. Miller believed that theater should reflect society and tackle relevant social and political issues. Miller emphasized the importance of realism and the exploration of human nature. He saw drama as a powerful tool for provoking thought, challenging assumptions, and bringing about social change.

Chief Characteristics of His Plays

   Arthur Miller's plays are characterized by their intense exploration of human nature and social issues. He skillfully weaves together personal and political conflicts, often exposing the flaws of the American Dream. Miller's use of realistic dialogue, complex characters, and moral dilemmas creates thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatrical experiences. Miller believes that the protagonist of the drama must enter into meaningful social relationships. Miller does not believe in the 'art for arts sake'. His plays are pieces of advice. His plays maybe called realities but they are also naturalistic and expressionistic. Miller has concentrated on one subject- the struggle of the individual to gain his rightful position of his society and his family.

Miller’s Characters

Millers characters are real. They are drawn from the contemporary American society. Yet they have universal appeal. His characters are vivid and deeply human. They often represent the common man, grappling with internal struggles and external pressures. Miller imbues his characters with complex motivations, flaws, and virtues, making them relatable and compelling. Through his characters, he explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Most of Millers important characters are from the business community.

Arther Miller : image courtesy

His Plots

Millers plots are not traditional. They are then yet compactly woven. His plots are dominated by ideas and mental states rather than a good story. However, plots are intricately crafted, delving into the complexities of human relationships and society. Often centered around a central conflict, his plays explore themes of betrayal, guilt, and the pursuit of truth. Miller's narratives unfold with tension and suspense, revealing the psychological and emotional struggles of his characters as they confront their past and face the consequences of their actions. Miller makes the best use of the facilities provided to the stage in the modern times. He had used in a dramatic way the technique which in fiction is called 'streams of consciousness "technique. In 'Death of a Salesman’ which Miller first called "The Inside of his Head " he has made a beautiful use of this technique A brief discussion of this technique with reference to " Death of a salesman " would make the point clear .

Conflict between the Individual and the Society

Miller's plays portray the conflict between the individual and the society. He portrays characters struggling to maintain their integrity and individuality in the face of societal pressures and expectations. Miller exposes the tension between personal desires and societal norms, shedding light on the complexities of human existence within a larger social framework. Miller said that society is inside of man and man is inside of society “Thus the individual and the society are separate. The society is not the sole villain. The tragic hero also has a tragic flow.

Play as a Species of Jurisprudence

In the above context a play may be called in the opinion of Miller as a 'species of jurisprudence’. Through his plays, Miller examines the nature of justice, accountability, and the consequences of human actions. He raises ethical and moral questions, challenging the audience to reflect upon the complexities of society and individual responsibility. Miller says that some fact of it takes the advocates role. Something else must act in define. 'Death of a salesman' and “All My Sons " are species of jurisprudence . Miller stands for Balance. He says “Balance is all".

Miller's Language

Miller combines in him the common speech, a poetic expression, rich imagery, symbolism, realism, naturalism and expressionism. Here is clarity, precision, and authenticity. He employs everyday speech patterns and vernacular to create a sense of realism. Miller's dialogue is powerful, capturing the nuances of human interaction and allowing the audience to connect deeply with his characters and their struggles.

Conclusion

  To conclude, we can say that Bernard Shaw deals with the intellectual, the social, the moral, Eliot with the moral, the religious; William Shakespeare with the psychological. But Arthur Miller tries to deal with all these --- the intellectual the social, the moral, the religious and the psychological. His plays continue to captivate audiences with their powerful narratives, social commentary, and exploration of the human condition. Miller's ability to depict complex characters and confront pressing issues solidifies his place as a masterful and influential dramatist.

Key Points:

1. Miller was a social dramatist who wrote about the common man and the complex relationships between individuals and society.
2. His plays often explored themes of guilt, responsibility, and the American dream.
3. He was a major figure in the American theater and helped to shape the development of modern drama.
4. Miller's plays were often based on real-life events, such as the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy era. This made his plays more relevant to his audience and helped to raise awareness of important social issues.
5. Miller's plays were also known for their complex characters and their realistic dialogue. This made his plays more believable and helped to create a sense of empathy for his characters.
6. Miller's plays had a major influence on other playwrights, such as Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee. These playwrights continued to explore the themes that Miller raised in his plays, and they helped to shape the development of modern drama.

  Ardhendu De  

Reference

1.“Arthur Miller - Wikipedia.” Arthur Miller - Wikipedia, 25 July 2011, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Miller.