Miller, Arthur: 1915-2005
The Misfits, 1957 - Information about the Short Story
- General Information
- "The Misfits" is about a group of modern-day cowboys and a recently divorced woman who struggle with the existential challenges of freedom and the changing American West as they capture wild horses for profit.
- It is said that Miller wrote "The Misfits" for his then wife Marilyn Monroe. They were married from 1956–1961.
- Miller was fascinated by the fading ideals of the American West. In "The Misfits," he examines the lives of aging cowboys and wild horse wranglers, whose way of life is becoming obsolete in the modern era.
Miller was also inspired by environmental and ethical concerns. The practice of capturing wild horses for commercial purposes, depicted in the story, was controversial and symbolic of humanity’s exploitation of nature.
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- Facts
- Awards: There is no specific mention of awards related to "The Misfits" short story.
- Alienation and Loneliness
The characters in "The Misfits" often feel out of place and disconnected from society. The sense of alienation is palpable, reflecting their internal struggles and the isolation they experience from the world around them.Freedom and Confinement
The story explores the tension between the desire for freedom and the constraints imposed by society and personal circumstances. This theme is evident in the characters' pursuit of a life unbound by conventional norms.Human Relationships and Connections
The dynamics between the characters highlight the complexities of human relationships. The story examines how individuals connect, disconnect, and the impact of these interactions on their lives.Existential Quest
The characters are often seen grappling with existential questions about the purpose and meaning of life. Their journeys reflect a search for personal significance and a place in the world.Modernity vs. Tradition
"The Misfits" juxtaposes the encroachment of modern life with traditional ways, particularly through the lens of the old West. This theme underscores the characters' struggle to find their identity in a rapidly changing world.Nature and the Environment
The story also touches on the relationship between humans and the natural world. The characters' interactions with the environment reflect their inner turmoil and desires.Moral Ambiguity
Moral complexity is a key theme, as the characters' actions and motivations often exist in a gray area. This ambiguity challenges the reader to consider the nuances of right and wrong.Disillusionment and Idealism
The story captures the tension between disillusionment with reality and the pursuit of idealistic dreams. The characters' experiences often reflect a clash between their aspirations and the harshness of their actual circumstances.By exploring these themes, Miller's "The Misfits" offers a rich, multi-faceted narrative that delves deeply into the human condition and the struggles inherent in seeking meaning and connection in a complex world..
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- The characters in "The Misfits" are portrayed as individuals who do not conform to societal norms. They are misfits in the literal sense, struggling to find their place in a world that values conformity and conventional success.
Miller explores how societal expectations can lead to feelings of alienation and discontent. Each character has experienced rejection or failure by conventional standards, whether it be in relationships, career, or personal fulfillment.
A significant theme in "The Misfits" is the human need for connection and understanding. Despite their flaws and differences, the characters come together in search of companionship and a sense of belonging.
Miller illustrates the tension between the desire for independence and the need for community, showing how the characters navigate their loneliness through their interactions with each other.
The wild mustangs that the characters aim to capture symbolize their own wild, untamed spirits and the desire to break free from societal constraints.
The title, "The Misfits," reflects the characters' sense of being out of sync with the world around them. They are all searching for something – love, meaning, or a sense of belonging – but they struggle to find it. The story explores themes of loneliness, the passage of time, and the clash between traditional ways of life and the modern world.
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- Reader Rating:
- Commentary
- Arthur Miller’s "The Misfits" is a poignant exploration of alienation, human connection, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. Set against the backdrop of the Nevada desert, the narrative follows a group of characters—Roslyn, an emotionally vulnerable divorcee, and aging cowboys Gay and Perce—each grappling with their own existential crises. The title reflects their shared sense of disconnection from societal norms, portraying them as “misfits” in both literal and metaphorical senses.
Miller weaves themes of freedom versus confinement, modernity versus tradition, and moral ambiguity throughout the story. The characters’ pursuit of wild mustangs symbolizes their own untamed spirits and yearning for liberation from societal constraints. Yet, this quest also underscores their entrapment by personal failures and societal expectations. Roslyn emerges as a compelling figure of resilience, challenging gender norms and embodying a quest for authenticity in a male-dominated environment.
Ultimately, "The Misfits" is a profound meditation on loneliness and the human need for connection. Through its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, Miller captures the tension between idealism and disillusionment, offering a timeless commentary on the fragility of the human condition.
- Reviews
- Review: "Miller may have seen himself as a misfit in the sense of being a political malcontent." The Guardian; October 8, 2018
- Explanations
- Books of The Times: "In "The Misfits," another deliberate outrage - the hunt for mustangs to sell as horsemeat for the nation's domestic pets - serves as the dramatic catapult for some serious comments about lost souls and a little-known area of America." The New York Times; February 8, 1961
- “The Misfits" at 50: Honoring the Horse and an Iconic Western: "The government decided during the early 1940s that the range land was needed for more beef cattle. The alternative to corralling the wild horses and shipping them for slaughter was to allow hunters to shoot them for $2 per head and leave the carcasses on the desert." Truthdig; February 14, 2011
- The Western Gunned Down. ProQuest; June 1, 1980
- Arthur Miller writes The Misfits for his wife, Marilyn Monroe: "Monroe’s performance won her the 1962 Golden Globe for “World Film Favorite,” just five months before her death." Reader's Almanac; February 1, 2011