Ibsen's plays, such as "A Doll's House" and "Hedda Gabler," are characterized by their exploration of social and psychological issues, their focus on character development, and their use of symbolism. These elements can all be seen in Death of a Salesman.
* Anton Chekhov
Chekhov's plays, such as "The Cherry Orchard" and "Uncle Vanya," are known for their realism, their focus on ordinary people, and their exploration of themes such as loss and regret. These elements can also be seen in Death of a Salesman.
* Eugene O'Neill
O'Neill's plays, such as "Long Day's Journey into Night" and "The Iceman Cometh," are characterized by their expressionistic style, their focus on psychological realism, and their exploration of dark and tragic themes. These elements can all be seen in Death of a Salesman.
* American Playwrights
Playwrights such as Thornton Wilder, Elmer Rice, and Clifford Odets were contemporaries of Arthur Miller and also addressed social issues in their work, particularly the themes of social alienation, urban decay, and economic hardship. The influence of these playwrights can also be seen in Miller's Death of a Salesman.
* Social and Cultural Context:
The play was also influenced by the social and cultural context of post-World War II America, which included the country's economic and social transformation, the rise of consumerism, the changing role of the individual, and the growing sense of disillusionment and angst. Miller draws on these aspects of American society to explore the themes of disillusionment, failure, and the pursuit of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman.