Summary of The American Clock

Unraveling the threads of time in a changing America.

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The American Clock in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

Step back in time with Arthur Miller's powerful play, The American Clock. Set during the Great Depression, this poignant work explores the lives of everyday Americans struggling to survive in a rapidly changing world. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Miller paints a vivid portrait of a nation in crisis.

As the characters grapple with unemployment, poverty, and social upheaval, The American Clock delves into the complexities of the human experience. Miller's masterful storytelling weaves together themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of the American people. Through moments of heartache and triumph, the play offers a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit.

Join us as we unravel the intricate threads of The American Clock and explore the timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. From the struggles of the past to the challenges of the present, Miller's exploration of the American experience is as relevant now as it was when the play first premiered. Discover the enduring power of this classic work and the lessons it has to teach us about perseverance, community, and the strength of the human spirit.

Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller is the renowned playwright who wrote The American Clock. He is known for his insightful portrayals of American society and the human experience.

The Baum family

The Baum family

The Baum family is at the center of The American Clock. They represent the struggles and triumphs of the American working class during the Great Depression.

The Moe family

The Moe family

The Moe family is another prominent family in The American Clock. They provide a contrast to the Baums, showcasing the diversity of experiences during this tumultuous time in American history.

The Sonny Boy family

The Sonny Boy family

The Sonny Boy family is a group of African American performers who bring a different perspective to the play. They highlight the racial tensions and inequalities that existed in America during the Great Depression.

The McIlhenny family

The McIlhenny family

The McIlhenny family is a wealthy family who symbolize the privileged few who were able to weather the storm of the Great Depression relatively unscathed. They serve as a reminder of the stark disparities in American society at the time.

The Great Depression Hits

The Great Depression Hits

In The American Clock, Arthur Miller explores the impact of the Great Depression on American society. The story begins with the stock market crash of 1929, which plunges the country into economic turmoil.

The Baum Family Struggles

The Baum Family Struggles

We follow the Baum family, who are hit hard by the economic downturn. The parents, Moe and Rose, struggle to make ends meet, while their children try to navigate the challenges of growing up during a time of hardship.

The Rise of the McFadden Family

The Rise of the McFadden Family

As the Baums face financial difficulties, we see the rise of the McFadden family, who take advantage of the crisis to build their wealth. The contrast between the two families highlights the inequality and social divisions of the time.

The Impact on American Society

The Impact on American Society

Through the characters of the Baums and the McFaddens, Miller shows how the Great Depression affected different segments of American society. The play explores themes of poverty, opportunity, and the American Dream.

The New Deal

The New Deal

As the country grapples with the economic fallout of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduces the New Deal to provide relief to those in need. The play reflects on the role of government in times of crisis.

The End of an Era

The End of an Era

The American Clock captures the end of an era as the country transitions from the Roaring Twenties to the uncertain times of the 1930s. The characters grapple with the loss of stability and the need to adapt to a changing world.

The Human Cost

The Human Cost

Miller emphasizes the human cost of the Great Depression, showing how families like the Baums are torn apart by financial hardship. The play delves into the emotional toll of economic insecurity and uncertainty.

The Search for Hope

The Search for Hope

Amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, the characters in The American Clock search for hope and resilience. The play highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Legacy of the Great Depression

The Legacy of the Great Depression

As the story unfolds, we see the lasting impact of the Great Depression on American society. The play serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past and working towards a more equitable future.

A Timeless Tale

A Timeless Tale

The American Clock remains a timeless tale that resonates with audiences today. Miller's exploration of the human experience during a time of crisis continues to be relevant as we navigate our own challenges and uncertainties.

In conclusion, Arthur Miller's play The American Clock provides a poignant look at the impact of the Great Depression on American society. Through the lens of the Baum family, the audience witnesses the struggles, resilience, and hope of individuals facing economic hardship during this tumultuous time period.As the characters navigate through loss, uncertainty, and perseverance, The American Clock serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Miller's poignant storytelling and vivid characters bring to life the challenges and triumphs of a generation shaped by the events of the Great Depression.

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Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: Drama by Arthur Miller
  • When: Written in the 1980s
  • Who: The main characters include Moe Baum, Rose Baum, and Lee Baum
  • Theme: The decline of the American Dream and the impact of the Great Depression on society

List of Characters in The American Clock

  • Image of Moe Baum

    Moe Baum

    Moe Baum is a successful businessman who loses everything in the stock market crash of 1929.

  • Image of Rose Baum

    Rose Baum

    Rose Baum is Moe's wife who struggles to keep the family together during tough times.

  • Image of Lee Baum

    Lee Baum

    Lee Baum is Moe and Rose's son who dreams of becoming a writer.

  • Image of Bernie Baum

    Bernie Baum

    Bernie Baum is Moe's brother who also faces financial ruin.

  • Image of Lee Baum Sr.

    Lee Baum Sr.

    Lee Baum Sr. is Moe's father who tries to support his family in any way he can.

  • Image of Margaret Hyman

    Margaret Hyman

    Margaret Hyman is a wealthy socialite who befriends the Baums.

  • Image of Jay Hyman

    Jay Hyman

    Jay Hyman is Margaret's husband who also suffers financial losses.

  • Image of Rudy Hyman

    Rudy Hyman

    Rudy Hyman is Margaret and Jay's son who struggles with his own identity.

  • Image of Lee Baum Jr.

    Lee Baum Jr.

    Lee Baum Jr. is the son of Lee Baum Sr. and Moe's nephew who also faces financial struggles.

  • Image of Rudy Hyman Jr.

    Rudy Hyman Jr.

    Rudy Hyman Jr. is the son of Rudy Hyman who is influenced by his father's actions.

  • Image of Sam Baum

    Sam Baum

    Sam Baum is Moe's father-in-law who tries to provide emotional support to his daughter and grandchildren.

  • Image of Manny Hyman

    Manny Hyman

    Manny Hyman is Margaret and Jay's other son who deals with his own set of challenges.

Timeline of The American Clock

The story is set during the Great Depression in the United States.

The Baum family, consisting of Moe, Rose, and Lee, face financial hardships.

Moe loses his job and struggles to find employment.

Rose tries to maintain a sense of normalcy and hope for her family.

Lee attends college but is unsure about his future prospects.

The stock market crashes in 1929, leading to widespread economic collapse.

The Baum family's financial situation worsens, and they are forced to sell their belongings.

Rose becomes pregnant but faces difficulties in accessing proper healthcare.

The family faces eviction from their home due to unpaid rent.

The government initiates the New Deal, providing some relief to the unemployed.

The Baums participate in the government's Civilian Conservation Corps program.

Lee becomes involved in labor activism and protests against unfair working conditions.

The family learns about the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The story concludes with the family's resilience and determination to survive despite the challenges they face.

Vocabulary List

Depression
The play is set during the Great Depression in the United States.
Stock market crash
The plot revolves around the impact of the stock market crash of 1929 on American families.
Unemployment
Many characters in the play struggle with unemployment and financial hardship.
Hope
Despite the challenges they face, the characters in the play hold onto hope for a better future.
Family
The American Clock explores the dynamics of different families during the Great Depression.
Social class
The play delves into the effects of social class on individuals' experiences during the economic crisis.
Resilience
The characters demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
American Dream
The American Dream is a recurring theme in the play, as characters grapple with its meaning and attainability.
Struggle
The characters face various struggles, both personal and financial, throughout the play.
Survival
Survival becomes a central theme as characters strive to overcome the challenges of the Great Depression.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • - The American Clock is a play written by Arthur Miller.
  • - It was first performed in 1980.
  • - The play is set during the Great Depression in the United States.

  • - It explores the devastating impact of the stock market crash of 1929 on American society.
  • - The story follows the Baum family, who experience financial ruin during the economic crisis.
  • - The Baums symbolize the struggles faced by many American families during the Great Depression.

  • - The play uses the metaphor of time and clocks to represent the passing of an era and the loss of hope.
  • - It portrays the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the working class during the 1930s.
  • - The American Clock incorporates elements of vaudeville and musical theatre.

  • - The play features a large ensemble cast, with multiple characters representing different aspects of American society.
  • - It explores themes of resilience, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
  • - The American Clock was inspired by Studs Terkel's book "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression."

  • - Miller's own experiences growing up during the Great Depression influenced the play.
  • - The American Clock received mixed reviews upon its initial production.
  • - It was later adapted into a television film in 1993, directed by Bob Clark.

  • - The play's structure is non-linear, jumping between different time periods and characters.
  • - Miller incorporates historical figures, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Henry Ford, into the narrative.
  • - The American Clock reflects Miller's critique of capitalism and the cyclical nature of economic crises.

  • - It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the American people during challenging times.
  • - The play's title refers to the American dream being shattered and the ticking of the clock representing the passage of time.

Analysis & Significance

Impact on Literature

‘The American Clock’ by Arthur Miller has had a profound impact on literature by exploring the lives of Americans during the Great Depression. Through its portrayal of economic hardship, social inequality, and the collapse of the American dream, the play has influenced numerous works that address similar themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Enduring Themes

The timeless themes of ‘The American Clock’ still resonate with modern audiences, including the struggle for survival, the pursuit of happiness, and the impact of societal change on individuals and families. These universal themes continue to captivate readers and theatergoers, reminding us of the enduring human experience amidst challenging circumstances.

Cultural Significance Today

Arthur Miller’s ‘The American Clock’ remains culturally significant today for its poignant reflection on American history and the human cost of economic upheaval. The play’s legacy lives on through various adaptations, including stage productions and academic studies, highlighting its continued relevance in exploring the complexities of the American experience.

The American Clock Games

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