Final answer:
Arthur Miller's early life experiences, including the Great Depression and McCarthyism, deeply influenced his portrayal of the American dream and societal pressures in plays like Death of a Salesman and The Crucible.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arthur Miller's early life greatly influenced his works, which frequently comment on the disillusionment with the American dream and the socio-cultural norms of the 20th century. Born in 1915, Miller experienced the impact of the Great Depression firsthand, an event that profoundly shaped his worldview and thematic interests in his plays, such as Death of a Salesman and The Crucible. The themes of societal pressure, personal failure, and moral conflict within his works often reflect Miller's own observations of the struggles faced by everyday Americans. One of the distinct features of Miller's writing is his focus on ordinary characters who encounter extreme distress, mirroring his belief that drama resonates with audiences by reflecting the acting required in their daily lives. Miller was also impacted by McCarthyism, as seen in The Crucible, which, though set during the Salem witch trials, serves as an allegory for the Red Scare and the dangers of hysteria and unfounded accusations. His portrayal of these historical and contemporary challenges provides insight into the fabric of American life and the individual's place within it.