Clifford Odets was an American playwright and screenwriter who rose to prominence in the 1930s. He was known for his socially conscious dramas that explored themes of class struggle and the human condition. Some synonyms for Clifford Odets include the "voice of the proletariat" due to his emphasis on working-class struggles, "New York's social conscience" due to his focus on social injustice, and "a playwright of the Depression era" due to his works being reflective of the economic downturn during the 1930s. Other synonyms for Odets include "radical playwright," "proletarian playwright," and "dramatist of the American scene." Overall, Clifford Odets was a celebrated playwright and his works continue to be studied and performed today.