Monday, August 12, 2019
Biography of Arthur Miller:
Arthur Miller (October 17, 1915 – February 10, 2005) was an American playwright and one of the most prominent figures in American theater during the 20th century.
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| Biography of Arthur Miller |
Here is a brief biography of Arthur Miller:
Early Life:
1. Birth and Family: Arthur Asher Miller was born in Harlem, New York City, to a prosperous Jewish family. His father, Isidore Miller, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Augusta Miller, was a schoolteacher.
2. Education: Miller attended the University of Michigan, where he began writing plays and contributing to the student newspaper. He graduated in 1938 with a degree in English.
Career Beginnings:
1. Early Writing: After graduation, Miller worked with the Federal Theater Project in New York, where he wrote his first play, "The Man Who Had All the Luck" (1940). The play was not successful initially but marked the beginning of Miller's career as a playwright.
Breakthrough and Success:
1. "All My Sons" (1947): Miller's breakthrough came with the success of his play "All My Sons," which won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best New Play.
2. "Death of a Salesman" (1949): Miller's most famous work, "Death of a Salesman," premiered in 1949 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. It is widely considered one of the greatest American plays.
Marriage to Marilyn Monroe:
1. Marriage: In 1956, Miller married iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. The marriage attracted significant media attention and lasted until 1961.
2. Influence on Work: Miller's experiences during this time, including his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era, influenced his later works.
Later Career:
1. "The Crucible" (1953): Miller wrote "The Crucible," a play that used the Salem witch trials as an allegory for McCarthyism. It remains a classic exploration of the consequences of mass hysteria and false accusations.
2. Later Works: Miller continued to write plays, essays, and screenplays throughout his career. Some of his other notable works include "A View from the Bridge" (1955) and "After the Fall" (1964).
Personal Challenges:
1. Marriages: After Monroe, Miller married three more times—Inge Morath (1962–2002), a renowned photographer, was his third wife.
2. Legal Issues: Miller faced legal troubles during the 1950s when he was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to name names to the House Un-American Activities Committee. The conviction was later overturned.
Legacy:
1. Literary Impact: Arthur Miller is regarded as one of the greatest American playwrights, and his works continue to be widely studied and performed.
2. Awards: Miller received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (awarded posthumously in 2002).
3. Death: Arthur Miller passed away on February 10, 2005, at the age of 89. His contributions to American theater and literature remain highly influential.