The Great Depression was a devastating economic crisis that lasted from 1929 to 1939. It had a profound impact on American society, including the Miller family.
- Loss of income: Miller's father, a traveling salesman, lost his job during the Great Depression. This meant that the family had to rely on their savings and government assistance to make ends meet.
- Hardship and poverty: The Millers were forced to move to a smaller apartment and cut back on their expenses. They often had to go without basic necessities, such as food and clothing.
- Emotional stress: The Depression caused a great deal of emotional stress on the Miller family. Miller's parents were constantly worried about money and how they would provide for their children. This stress led to arguments and tension within the family.
How the Great Depression Led Miller to Writing
The Great Depression had a profound impact on Miller's life and work. It led him to develop a deep compassion for the poor and working class. He also became interested in socialism and communism as possible solutions to the economic crisis.
Miller's experiences during the Great Depression inspired him to write about the lives of ordinary people struggling to survive in difficult times. His work often explores themes of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
some of Miller's most famous works that reflect his experiences during the Great Depression include:
- The Grapes of Wrath (1939): This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of a migrant family from Oklahoma who are forced to leave their home during the Dust Bowl and travel to California in search of work.
- Of Mice and Men (1937): This novella tells the story of two migrant farm workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own farm.
- Death of a Salesman (1949): This play tells the story of Willy Loman, a traveling salesman who is struggling to keep up with the competition and provide for his family.