Controlled hysteria is what's required. To exist constantly in a state of controlled hysteria. It's agony. But everyone has agony. The difference is that I try to take my agony home and teach it to sing.
Arthur MillerRead
I think now that the great thing is not so much the formulation of an answer for myself, for the theater, or the play-but rather the most accurate possible statement of the problem.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of creativity lies in understanding and defining the problem rather than just seeking answers.
In this quote, Arthur Miller emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities and nuances of a problem, particularly in the context of theater and playwriting. He suggests that a well-defined problem is the foundation for meaningful artistic expression, as it steers the creative process, allowing for deeper exploration and potential answers to emerge organically rather than being forced.
Themes
TheaterProblemArtCreativityExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about playwriting workshops, this quote can illustrate the importance of deep analysis.
More from Arthur Miller
All quotes →The word "now" is like a bomb through the window, and it ticks.
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Amos Oz is one of the finest novelists of this entire period. MY MICHAEL is a beautiful work of great depth and in some indescribable way lingers in the mind as a lyric song to his country's people as much as a moving love story.
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Just remember, kid, you can quicker get back a million dollars that was stole than a word that you gave away.
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Oh,Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer.
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The structure of a play is always the story of how the birds came home to roost.
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