Arthur Miller: American Jew

Arthur Miller – Critical Perspectives

In this course, Professor Joshua Polster (Emerson College) explores critical approaches to the plays of Arthur Miller. In the first module, we examine Arthur Miller as an American Jew and writer. In the second module, we look at A View from the Bridge and the historical context of informers and HUAC. In the third module, we turn to Death of a Salesman and the 1930s Theatres of Social Protest. In the fourth module, we consider The Crucible as Marxist and Epic Theatre. In the fifth and final module, we investigate the theme of war profiteering in All My Sons.

Arthur Miller: American Jew

In this module, we examine Arthur Miller’s identity as a writer, focusing particularly on (i) universal identity (ii) cultural Judaism (iii) influence of upbringing storytelling inspiration (iv) subtle Jewish elements (v) response to antisemitism.