It has been said by the author, himself, that he wanted to recreate the feel of the ancient Greek tragedies. To that end, then, he has adopted some of the Greek form in the play. At the beginning Miller presents a 'chorus like' opening where the audience is told what the situation is and how it would end. Therefore, the question doesn't become one of 'what' is going to happen, but 'how' it's going to play out. Additionally, like in a Greek tragedy, this play takes place all in one setting (the Carbones' apartment or around it). And, just like in a Greek tragedy, the main character is propelled onward into a downward spiral, powerless to do anything to stop the inevitable conclusion (at the mercy of Fate).