1. Arthur Miller b. 1915 d. 2005 (age of 89) A short introduction to his life and work

2. Playwright Social commentator

3. Historical Elements WWI- 1914-1918 Miller born 1915 Stock Market Crash 1929 Great Depression WWII- 1939-1945 Communism and McCarthyism

4. Historical Elements McCarthyism –is the term describing a period of intense anti- Communist suspicion in the United States that lasted roughly from late 1940s to late 1950santi- CommunistUnited States1940s1950s –During this time, many Americans were subject to investigations –The primary targets were government employees, educators, union activists, –Many people lost jobs or were imprisoned

5. NY TIMES NEWS- June 22, 1956 Arthur Miller told the “House Committee on UnAmerican Activities” that he signed many appeals and protests issued by Red Front groups in the last decade He denied that he had ever been “under Communist discipline”

6. Personal Information Born to Jewish immigrant parents enrolled in the University of Michigan where he studied writing and worked on a number of plays Moved to New York after graduating and worked as a freelance writer Had a short marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe Information from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/miller_a.html

7. Miller and wife Marilyn Monroe

8. ALL MY SONS- 1947

9. All My Sons Plans to stage the paly were met with opposition over its negative depiction of US culture Opened on Broadway Jan 29 th, 1947 Based on actual events!!!!

10. Miller’s Writing All My Sons- 1947 Death of a Salesman- 1949 The Crucible- 1953- regarding Salem Witch Trials (a commentary on McCarthyism?)

11. Miller’s Writing Miller often addressed issues that are present in everyday life His themes were often inspired by issues that the common American person would face

12. THEMES Social responsibility Denial Guilt Morality Moral plight of working class The desire to achieve the American dream and how it affected the actions of men

13. Themes- Morality Morality- a code of conduct which determines what is right and wrong in society Someone who is very moral differentiates between right and wrong and makes decisions based on those beliefs

14. Historical Background Get into a small group (5 groups total) Read your assigned piece and summarize the text in bullet points. Write this on the white-board and be prepared to present to the class.

15. Background of Play 3 ½ years ago, Larry Keller was MIA flying off the coast of China during WWII Joe Keller made aero engine parts for the war effort (Steve Keller is his deputy manager) Group of cylinder heads are cracked but are still sent out Weeks later, 21 planes crash killing the pilots Steve and Joe arrested and tried Joe convinces the court he knew nothing about it and Steve goes to jail.