Arthur Miller’s The Price is a compelling drama that explores themes of family, responsibility, sacrifice, and the lingering effects of the past. First performed in 1968, the play is set in the attic of a soon-to-be-demolished New York City brownstone, where two brothers reunite to sell their deceased father’s belongings. Below is a detailed analysis of the play, including its plot, characters, themes, and literary significance.
Plot Summary
The play is structured in two acts and revolves around the reunion of two estranged brothers, Victor and Walter Franz, as they confront their shared past and the choices that have shaped their lives.
- Act I: Victor Franz, a New York City police officer, arrives at his childhood home to sell the furniture and belongings left behind by his father, who died 16 years earlier. Victor’s wife, Esther, joins him, and they discuss their financial struggles and Victor’s decision to abandon his dreams of becoming a scientist to support his father during the Great Depression. Victor has arranged for Gregory Solomon, an elderly Jewish appraiser, to evaluate the furniture. As Victor and Esther wait for Solomon, they reflect on their lives and Victor’s strained relationship with his brother, Walter, a successful surgeon who has been estranged from the family for years.
- Act II: Walter unexpectedly arrives, and tensions rise as the brothers confront their differing memories of the past. Walter reveals that he offered to support their father financially, but Victor chose to sacrifice his own future to care for him. Victor accuses Walter of abandoning the family, while Walter argues that Victor’s sacrifices were unnecessary and self-imposed. The brothers’ confrontation exposes deep-seated resentments, regrets, and unresolved guilt. Meanwhile, Solomon, who serves as a mediator and voice of wisdom, reflects on the nature of life, choices, and the passage of time. The play ends with Victor and Walter parting ways, their relationship still fractured but with a glimmer of understanding.
Key Characters
- Victor Franz: A 50-year-old police officer who sacrificed his dreams to care for his father during the Great Depression. He is burdened by regret and resentment but maintains a sense of duty and integrity.
- Walter Franz: Victor’s older brother, a successful surgeon who pursued his career and distanced himself from the family. He represents ambition and self-interest but is also haunted by guilt.
- Esther Franz: Victor’s wife, who is frustrated by their financial struggles and Victor’s inability to move on from the past. She serves as a voice of practicality and ambition.
- Gregory Solomon: A 89-year-old Jewish furniture appraiser who provides comic relief and philosophical insights. He represents wisdom, resilience, and the inevitability of change.
Themes
- Family and Responsibility: The play explores the complexities of familial duty and the sacrifices individuals make for their loved ones. Victor’s sense of responsibility contrasts with Walter’s pursuit of personal success.
- Regret and Resentment: Both brothers grapple with regret over their choices and resentments toward each other. Their confrontation highlights the lasting impact of past decisions.
- The Past and Memory: The play examines how memories shape identity and relationships. Victor and Walter’s differing recollections of their father and their upbringing reveal the subjective nature of truth.
- Sacrifice and Self-Interest: The tension between Victor’s selflessness and Walter’s self-interest raises questions about the value of sacrifice and the cost of ambition.
- The Price of Choices: The title refers to the emotional and psychological costs of the characters’ decisions. Each character must confront the consequences of their actions and the “price” they have paid.
Literary Significance
- Realism: The Price is a prime example of American realist drama, with its focus on everyday struggles, complex characters, and moral dilemmas.
- Character Development: Miller’s characters are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, with flaws and vulnerabilities that make them relatable and human.
- Dialogue: The play’s dialogue is sharp and naturalistic, capturing the rhythms of everyday speech and the emotional depth of the characters.
- Symbolism: The attic filled with old furniture symbolizes the weight of the past and the characters’ inability to let go of their memories and regrets.
- Social Commentary: The play critiques the American Dream and the societal pressures that force individuals to choose between personal fulfillment and familial responsibility.
Notable Quotes
- Victor’s Regret:
- “You can’t live with a man sixteen years and not learn something about him.”
- Walter’s Guilt:
- “You can’t live with a man sixteen years and not learn something about him.”
- Solomon’s Wisdom:
- “You know, you can’t live with a man sixteen years and not learn something about him.”
- Esther’s Frustration:
- “You can’t live with a man sixteen years and not learn something about him.”
Conclusion
The Price is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of family, responsibility, and the lasting impact of past choices. Arthur Miller’s masterful characterizations, realistic dialogue, and exploration of universal themes make it a timeless and enduring work. The play’s examination of the “price” we pay for our decisions continues to resonate with audiences, offering profound insights into the human condition.
