Introduction to 20th Century American Drama

I. Define and understand the term expressionism

II. Explore the effects of expressionism on drama

III. Introduce Arthur MillerIV. Identify major themes of Death of a

Salesman

Objectives

A. A type of modernist artistic styleB. Movement affecting painting and literature

in Europe and AmericaC. Goal to “objectify inner experience”D. Used external objects as transmitters of

internal impressions and moods.E. Revolt Against Realism

I. Expressionism Defined.

Realism Expressionism

VS

Realism Expressionism

VS

Realism Expressionism

VS.

II. Origins of Expressionism

A. Growing mass and mechanization of society.

B. Developments in psychology.

C. Freud- defined and explored subconscious Freud

A. Tries to express a personal vision of human life and society1. profoundly troubled2. intensely emotional

B. Often presents individual standing alone and afraid in industrial society moving toward chaos

III. Effects on Drama

C. Presents anonymous human types rather than individual characters

D. Replaces plot with rapidly changing and intense emotional states. Often surreal or dream-like

E. Uses light and sound to indicate mood

F. Move to abstract stage sets

Death of a Salesman set design: very

expressionist

A. Grew up during Depression; saw America at its lowest.

B. Successful writing career, but filled with scandal

C. Was a communist and was put on trial to defend himself

IV. Arthur Miller (1915-2005)

D. Married Marilyn Monroe, but divorced her just prior to her death

E. Was an atheist

F. Characters balance between individual responsibility and societal pressures

G. Influenced by expressionism

A. Degradation of the American Dream

B. Redefinition of the idea of a “hero”1. Traditional hero: flawless, powerful, triumphant2. Willie as hero: deeply flawed, weak, failed?

C. Nature of relationship between father and son in a modernist world

D. Psychological Nature of the Human Mind1. Willie is not “crazy.” Mind is “leaky vessel.” 2. His issue is far more profound – views life as a “double

exposure” – past and present simultaneously

V. Major Themes

Why do you think it is called Death of a Salesman and not Death of an Accountant or Death of an English Teacher? What is unique about “salesman?”

How would you define a “good” relationship between a father and son? What qualities would be a part of that relationship?

What makes a person truly heroic?

Some Pre-Reading Questions