1. Dialogue and Language: Miller employs naturalistic dialogue and colloquial speech that characters commonly use. The characters speak in the way real people would, using contractions, slang, and colloquial expressions.
2. Setting and Environment: The play is situated in a modest house and neighborhood in Brooklyn. Miller vividly depicts the working-class environment, capturing the economic hardships and aspirations of ordinary Americans.
3. Social Commentary: Miller uses the play to explore social and economic issues faced by the working class in post-World War II America. The play addresses themes such as the pursuit of the American Dream, familial strain, and the impact of capitalism on the individual.
4. Characterization: The characters are well-developed, with psychological complexity and realistic flaws. Miller avoids portraying characters as wholly good or evil but instead presents them with relatable shortcomings and aspirations.
5. Attention to Detail: Miller's descriptions are detailed, creating a sense of immediacy and realism. The play's physical setting, including Willy's house, the restaurant, and the woods, is meticulously described to immerse the audience in the world of the characters.
6. Emotional Depth: While many critics discuss the play's realism in terms of its external features like setting and dialogue, it is important to note that Miller's emotional depth is also realistic. He presents characters with recognizable emotional struggles that make them relatable to the audience.
Overall, by paying close attention to the lives and experiences of common individuals, Miller's play successfully portrays the hardships and desires of the American middle class, demonstrating his embrace of the fundamental tenets of realism.