All my sons by Arthur Miller : University questions and answers

 

Discuss the theme of the American Dream in All My Sons and how it is portrayed through the characters' actions and motivations.

Answer key:

All my sons is the most celebrated modern tragedy written by Arthur Miller. The drama realistically represents the attitude of modern industrial world. Through the character Joe Keller, the playwright reveals the temperament of modern people and their endless thirst for earning money.

 
Exploration of the American Dream is the central concern for American literature after the first World War. As an American playwright Arthur Miller well exhibited it in his plays such as Death of a saleman, A view from the bridge, The crucible and All My sons. In All my sons Miller uses Joe Keller as a vehicle to explore the idea of the American Dream, which was a key element in shaping a modern American society and its citizens. The “dream” remains an illusion for the middle class business men like Joe and Deever.  American Dream means that if you work hard, you can achieve more prosperity and it will take you to your goals.

 

The Americans of that time period were so passionate about attaining their desires that they became wildly ardent about achieving a particular class or a lavish lifestyle. This age became complete with all those people, who had so many things to show off. It was all about money, jazz and alcohol. It was a moment in time of joyful feelings and of course the never ending prosperity that we can call the ‘American Dream’.

The American Dream had become important for people as an effect of the First World War. The First World War destroyed many things. It affected the economy, the political situation, the psychology of people and also the personal life of each and every family. It was a big loss; loss of the mental condition of every individual. When the war ended, it left an entire generation in a state of misery and suffering. They were not psychologically and mentally fit anymore, because through the war people had to face so many difficulties, harshness, brutality in their lives that they forgot the real meaning of happiness. We can understand that after the World War, all these people or the whole group of this generation went through a lifetime of survival and adjustment. They did not find their life as beautiful as before. Every time that they tried to adjust to the situation, they were faced with a change and a loss of values.


However, Joe's pursuit of success becomes tainted by moral ambiguity when it is revealed that he knowingly shipped out defective airplane parts, resulting in the deaths of twenty-one pilots.

The character of Chris Keller, Joe's son, serves as a foil to his father's values and motivations. Chris rejects the materialistic aspirations of his father, instead championing a more idealistic vision of success based on integrity and moral responsibility. He seeks to break away from the shadow of his father's actions and forge his own path, one defined by honesty and altruism.




Analyze the role of guilt and responsibility in "All My Sons" and how they drive the actions of the characters.

Arthur Miller's play All My Sons deeply explores the themes of guilt and responsibility, which serve as driving forces behind the actions of the characters and the unfolding of the plot.


   At the center of the guilt and responsibility in the play is Joe Keller, the patriarch of the Keller family. Joe's guilt stems from his decision to ship out faulty airplane parts during World War II, resulting in the deaths of twenty-one pilots. Despite his attempts to justify his actions and suppress his guilt, Joe is haunted by the knowledge of his culpability. His sense of responsibility towards his family conflicts with his moral conscience, leading to inner turmoil and eventually commits suicide.

   Kate, Joe's wife, also grapples with feelings of guilt and responsibility, particularly regarding the fate of her son Larry, who went missing in action during the war. Kate refuses to accept Larry's death, with the hope that he will return home. Her denial is rooted in a deep sense of maternal responsibility and the fear of facing the painful truth.

 

   Joe and Kate's son, Chris, represents a contrast to his parents in his approach to guilt and responsibility. Chris, a war veteran himself, rejects the materialistic values of his father and seeks to live a life of integrity and honesty. His sense of responsibility extends beyond his immediate family to include society at large, as evidenced by his desire to pursue a career based on ethical principles rather than profit.

 


Some more questions:

Compare and contrast the characters of Joe Keller and Chris Keller in "All My Sons" in terms of their beliefs, values, and actions.

Discuss the portrayal of post-war American society in "All My Sons" and its impact on the characters' lives and decisions.

 
Discuss the significance of Joe Keller's decision to ship out faulty airplane parts during World War II in "All My Sons" and its impact on the characters' relationships and moral dilemmas.

Explore the theme of betrayal in All My Sons and how it shapes the dynamics between the characters.