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To begin, critics' opinions on the many works of Arthur Miller have fluctuated back and forth significantly over the years of his writing. With him having such an experimental style when writing, both his successes and failures were deeply seen. Early in Miller's works, specifically noting his works Death of a Sales Man and The Crucible, many critics praised him for his use of personal emotions and deeper connection to society. This combination is what shaped many’s view of him as a physiological realist rather than just your average playwright. Miller was also known for utilizing many different techniques and styles such as expressionism, symbolism, and minimalism depending on the writing. This very wide variety of techniques set him aside from other writers. Some, however, did see this range as “confusing” (dominik) and hard to follow throughout different story lines and dramas. This proves how some of his experimental tactics did not go as successfully as others. Regardless, Miller continued to explore a wide range of themes such as guilt, responsibility, and self identity which allowed him to keep his work meaningful and entertaining to an audience.
Miller's work often was criticized early in his career of writing due to his focus on modern tragedy themes, which were based on the “the consequences of human failure” (enotes) rather than supernatural forces. Critics often interpreted his works as primarily focused on the failure and ignorance of a person’s decisions in day to day life rather than fate or the inevitable happenings of the world. This focus on emotional weight and moral conflicts made critics feel more connected to Miller’s work as it had become more relatable and was more realistic to life's many experience. The commonly used realistic approach also helped to shape the idea of a tragic hero, which is a recurring theme in Miller's works. This redefinition allowed for typical everyday struggles to be more dramatized and emphasized. However many saw the downsides of these characteristics, saying that the direct themes left no room for digestion or personal interpretation of the story. Overall, Miller's emphasis on moral purpose pushed critics towards praise and disagreement.
The characters in Miller’s works also tend to be deeply shaped by the social and economic pressures of the world around them. The protagonists in the works are “caught between personal desire and social expectations” (Carson) which place them in realistic and seemingly unavoidable situations. Rather than relying on fate, the issues in Miller's dramas arise from economic hardship, political fear, or the expectations of the friends, family, and society around. These hardships force the characters to make hard decisions and ultimately help to shape their identities. The seemingly tragic outcome in many of his plays comes from the character's own choices to attempt to preserve self dignity or societal standards, placing them in difficult situations.
Miller's work tended to reflect his personal beliefs on what drama should be. Many people argued that Miller saw the stage as a place that “exposes societal failures and urges collective reflection" rather than simply a form of entertainment. These dramas were intentionally structured to make the audience feel involved in the problems on stage, forcing them to think deeper on the guilt, responsibility, and justice being portrayed in the drama. These dramas also often included moments of confession, confrontation, and moral reckoning. By including the audience in this way it deepens the analysis the audience may have. They not only are able to form their own opinions but also judge the characters. Miller’s special writing style can lead to questions or revisitations of what is right vs. wrong in society and encourage people to think differently. These thoughts align with Miller's personal beliefs that drama should inspire reflection and awareness to its audiences.
All in all, many critics believe that Miller's work has a significant role in theater as it allows the audience to visualize the struggle between personal struggles and societal critiques. While there are disagreements on the effectiveness of these experimental techniques, they continue to show his commitment to portraying moral responsibility and consequences of human actions. The focus on the ordinary person facing common realistic issues helps to incorporate the audience in seeing themselves in those same situations. Miller's writing provokes much debate as it tackles a variety of themes representing human failure and societal expectations shifting tragedies away from the idea that they come from fate rather than action. He continued to break the typical realms of writing and as he focuses on a deeper relevance to his plays rather than simple entertainment. By provoking thought and personal reflection in the audience Miller secured his plays to continue to engage audiences long past their initial consumption. These qualities in Arthur Miller place him as a well renowned playwright who does not just reflect society but challenges it.
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