Relationships with Women: Miller had a string of affairs, including one with Marilyn Monroe, which led to his second marriage. These experiences informed his portrayal of women in the play, particularly Linda's devotion to Willy and Biff's conflicted feelings toward his father.
Father-Son Relationship: Miller's relationship with his own father, a garment manufacturer, was complex. This experience influenced the dynamic between Willy and Biff, with Biff struggling to live up to his father's expectations.
Social and Economic Struggles: Miller's early experiences during the Great Depression shaped his understanding of the economic pressures and social mobility issues that Willy faces in the play. These struggles reflect Miller's own experiences and concerns about the American Dream.
Death and Mortality: Miller's father died in 1928 when Arthur was 16. This event had a profound impact on Miller, and the themes of death and mortality resonate throughout Death of a Salesman. Willy's attempts to achieve success and recognition before his death become a central theme in the play.
Political Beliefs: Miller's left-wing political views influenced the critique of capitalism and the American Dream presented in Death of a Salesman. The play explores the conflict between individual aspirations and societal expectations, reflecting Miller's own ideological struggles and beliefs.
Overall, Miller's personal life experiences, relationships, political views, and social observations profoundly influenced the writing of Death of a Salesman, contributing to its depth, complexity, and enduring relevance as a reflection of the American experience.