Arthur Miller's perspective on American society was shaped by several significant events in his life, particularly the Great Depression and the subsequent Red Scare. Growing up during the Depression, Miller witnessed the struggles of his family, which instilled a sense of empathy for the working class. Additionally, the McCarthy era and the pressure to conform informed his views on individualism versus societal pressure. His experiences with betrayal and the quest for truth are prominent themes in his plays, such as "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible," where he critiques the moral failures of American society.