American Theatre Essay

Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize winning Death of a Salesman was first performed in 1949. World War II had ended in 1945. By 1949, suburbia was growing at a rapid pace. The nation’s population was on the rise as the baby boom accelerated. The economy was growing, and Americans were enjoying a high standard of living with strong purchasing power. On the other hand, the country was in the grip of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The House Un-American Activities Commission (a successor of the Dies Committee, which is represented in The Cradle Will Rock) was in full swing. Arthur Miller himself was called to testify against his friends, and was briefly blacklisted (See Bedford). Women were expected to mind the home and hearth, take care of the children, and keep a pleasant environment for the man of the house. Given this information, compare and contrast the work ethics of the Loman Family members. What evidence of realism do you detect in the attitudes toward work and success among the family members? What do you suppose influenced Miller to compose his characters with these particular work ethics? Be sure to incorporate elements of American theatre Important note: This prompt is not about “The American Dream.” Please do not include references to that ideology in your analysis. Focus on the various work ethics of the Loman family members, (including Linda), and elements of theatre. Read the questions carefully, and answer them completely. Please write a 3-4 page, 12 font, times new roman essay responding to all parts of the question.