Arthur Miller wrote plays to show people the true picture of real life during the Great Depression and after World War II. Before the Great Depression, many Americans lived in an important period, the Roaring Twenties. People had radios, automobiles, and movies with sound. Then it all suddenly ended with the stock market crash, leading to the Great Depression. During the Great Depression, Americans faced poverty and had no income due to a lack of available jobs. Throughout his life, Miller influenced many people with his plays and contributions until today because people want to read and understand what really happened in past history. For example, “The Crucible” is a play about the Salem witch trials, giving a good understanding of the basics that took place during that time. Another example of Miller's influential work is "Death of a Salesman", which is his way of showing what life was like when people were struggling financially during the stock market crash. Overall, Arthur Miller is one of the leading American playwrights of the 20th century. Author Miller was born October 17, 1915 in New York. He was the second of three children. Miller's father was once a wealthy man and made his fortune through a women's clothing manufacturing business. After the stock market crash of the 1930s, Father Miller's manufacturing company failed and went bankrupt. They could no longer live their lavish lifestyle. Their lives went downhill in the blink of an eye. They sold everything they owned and moved to Brooklyn. As a teenager, Miller had to deliver bread every morning before school to help the family. Yet even though he lives in poverty, Miller... middle of paper ... your beliefs. Stand by them and have confidence. Miller used real experiences and his great imagination to entice readers to read his works. Miller's early life was a struggle. His family was living the American dream, when suddenly it was over in the blink of an eye. Life was hard, but they knew that money didn't buy happiness. It would be difficult for any family to go from something to nothing; However, Miller didn't let it get in the way. Miller knew that in life you don't receive things simply. If you want something, you have to work for it. Miller's life should be an inspiration to us all. With hard work and determination, anything is possible in life. Miller found something he loved doing and made a career out of it. This is why Miller is one of the most recognized American authors and his great works are recognized.