This work investigates the development of Arthur Miller as a playwright and the socio-political context that shaped his major dramatic contributions. Dennis Welland, a scholar of American literature, utilizes a biographical framework to analyze how Miller’s personal experiences and the shifting landscape of 20th-century American society influenced his thematic focus on individual responsibility and the American Dream. The text examines the intersection of Miller's life events with the evolution of his craft, providing a structured overview of his career trajectory.

Scholars and students of theater history frequently cite this text as a reliable, foundational introduction to Miller's body of work. The prose is noted for its academic clarity and its ability to contextualize complex dramatic themes for a general audience.