1. Social and Moral Responsibility: Miller's plays explore the complex moral choices individuals face in society and the consequences of those choices. In All My Sons, Joe Keller's decision to prioritize profit over ethics leads to tragic events. In The Crucible, the Salem witch trials highlight the dangers of mass hysteria and false accusations. Death of a Salesman delves into the impact of societal pressures and unfulfilled dreams on Willy Loman's life and relationships.
2. Tragic Flaw: Miller's protagonists often possess tragic flaws that contribute to their downfall. Joe Keller's greed, John Proctor's inability to fully commit to the truth, and Willy Loman's self-deception are all examples of such flaws that lead to tragic outcomes.
3. Social Critique: Miller's plays reflect his critical examination of American society and culture. All My Sons criticizes the corrupting influence of capitalism, The Crucible explores the dangers of conformity and mob mentality, and Death of a Salesman portrays the harsh reality of the American dream and the toll it takes on individuals.
4. Realistic Dialogue and Characters: Miller's plays are known for their realistic language, which captures the rhythms of everyday speech. His characters are complex and multi-dimensional, representing a wide spectrum of human experiences and motivations.
5. Historical and Cultural Context: All three plays are set in specific historical and cultural contexts. All My Sons takes place during and after World War II, The Crucible is based on the Salem witch trials of 1692, and Death of a Salesman reflects post-World War II suburban life in America. Miller's plays engage with the social, political, and moral issues of their respective eras.
6. Universality and Symbolism: Despite their specific settings, Miller's plays explore themes and conflicts that resonate universally across time and cultures. He often uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings, such as the cherry trees in The Crucible representing purity and innocence, or the flute in Death of a Salesman symbolizing Willy's lost dreams and aspirations.
Overall, Arthur Miller's plays All My Sons, The Crucible, and Death of a Salesman share common themes of social responsibility, moral choices, tragic flaws, social critique, realistic dialogue, and universal human experiences. Through these works, Miller provides insightful examinations of the complexities of human nature, the vulnerabilities of society, and the challenges faced by individuals in the pursuit of truth, justice, and fulfillment.