Miller’s prolific writing career spans a period of over 60 years. During this time, Miller has written 26 plays, a novel entitled Focus (1945), several travel journals, a collection of short stories entitled I Don’t Need You Anymore (1967), and an autobiography entitled Timebends: A Life (1987). Miller’s plays generally address social issues and center around an individual in a social dilemma or an individual at the mercy of society.
Miller’s first play, No Villain, produced in 1936, explores Marxist theory and inner conflict through an individual facing ruin as a result of a strike. Honors at Dawn (1937) also centers around a strike and contrasting views of the economy but focuses on an individual’s inability to express himself. The Great Disobedience (1938) makes a connection between the prison system and capitalism. The Golden Years (1940) tells the story of Cortes despoiling Mexico, as well as the effects of capitalism and fate on the individual.
Miller produced two radio plays in 1941: The Pussycat and the Expert Plumber Who Was a Man, and William Ireland’s Confession. Miller’s third radio play, The Four Freedoms, was produced in 1942.
The Man Who Had All the Luck (1944) revolves around a person who believes he has no control over his life but is instead the victim of chance. All My Sons (1947) explores the effect of past decisions on the present and future of the individual. Death of a Salesman (1949) addresses the loss of identity, as well as a man’s inability to accept change within himself and society. The Crucible (1953) re-creates the Salem witch trials, focusing on paranoid hysteria as well as the individual’s struggle to remain true to ideals and convictions.
A View from the Bridge (1955) details three people and their experiences in crime. After the Fall (1964) focuses on betrayal as a trait of humanity. Incident at Vichy (1964) confronts a person’s struggle with guilt and responsibility. The Price (1968) tells the story of an individual confronted with free will and the burden of responsibility.
Fame (1970) tells the story of a famous playwright who is confronted but not recognized. The American Clock (1980) focuses on the Depression and its effects on the individual, while Elegy for a Lady (1982) addresses death and its effects on relationships. Some Kind of Love Story (1982) centers on society and the corruption of justice.
The Ride Down Mountain Morgan (1991) centers around a man who believes he can obtain everything he wants. The Last Yankee (1993) explores the changing needs of individuals and the resulting tension that arises within a marriage. Broken Glass (1994) tells the story of individuals using denial as a tool to escape pain. Miller also wrote the screenplay for the movie version of The Crucible, which was produced in 1996.
