The American Dream is a concept that has long been central to the identity of the United States. It represents the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. In Arthur Miller's play "All My Sons," this concept is explored and challenged through the actions and decisions of the characters.
At the start of the play, we are introduced to the Keller family, who own a successful business that supplies airplane parts to the military during World War II. The family is led by Joe Keller, a self-made man who believes in the American Dream and has worked hard to provide for his family. However, as the play progresses, we learn that Joe made a grave mistake that caused the deaths of 21 pilots and that he covered it up to protect his business.
Joe's actions are motivated by his desire to provide for his family and ensure their financial security, but they ultimately lead to the destruction of his relationships and the downfall of his business. Joe's son, Chris, is torn between his love for his father and his moral outrage at his actions. Chris is a representation of the American Dream, as he is a young, idealistic man who believes in justice and the inherent goodness of people. However, he is forced to confront the reality that the pursuit of the American Dream can sometimes lead to corruption and wrongdoing.
The play also explores the theme of the generation gap, as Joe and Chris have different values and beliefs about what it means to be successful. Joe believes in the traditional American Dream of accumulating wealth and material possessions, while Chris values honesty and integrity above all else. This conflict ultimately leads to a tragic ending, as Chris is unable to reconcile his love for his father with his sense of justice.
In conclusion, "All My Sons" is a powerful examination of the American Dream and the ways in which it can be corrupted. It shows that the pursuit of success and prosperity can sometimes lead to moral compromises and that the consequences of these actions can be devastating. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing too much emphasis on material wealth and the importance of valuing integrity and honesty above all else.
The Collapse of The American Dream in All My Sons by Arthur Miller
The day of the incident of the faulty engine parts, Joe Keller decided to ship the parts thinking about money, and not about the consequences. Finally, the American Dream is shattered by a single gunshot. He was willing to send Keller to jail and make him pay for his actions, but Keller decides to kill himself before give in. In the play, Arthur Miller has defined ideal family characters which seems outwardly very good and satisfied but secretly there is nothing good, having many dark characteristics of American life, which seems very appealing in media interpretation. However, Miller points out some positive things about the American Dream too. As a young, only child, I determined what I wanted my American Dream to be and that was to grow up underneath the influence of my parents and have the perfect family with a dog, but I still have yet to make it there.
The American Dream in āAll My Sonsā by Arthur Miller, Sample of Essays
For others, it may mean getting married, having two beautiful children living in a three bedroom house with a white picket fence. It was only when Chris cross-examined Joe, that he revealed the truth about his crime. The overwhelming feeling is of a gradual loss of control. Fitzgerald wrote a novel that became famous again recently. As Kate Keller, Gwen Overland trembles with the force of her belief that her missing son Larry still lives and to suggest otherwise invites anger and denial. As the dialogue unfolds, the fractures deepen and multiply.
All My Sons: American Dream
With this, the author is telling the readers how wealthy this family is. For Joe Keller, the factory, the money and the business were first, and with this, he justifies his actions as well. The pursuit of the American Dream is chased after by many individuals from numerous diverse backgrounds. He is sixty-one years old and heads a business, which supplies engine parts to the military planes. This is because each person has their own idea of a perfect life, therefore giving them their own distinct Dream and ways to achieve it. Many immigrants have come to America in hopes of creating a better life for themselves and their children. Do you understand me now? But she is incapable of facing the true.
The American Dream in ''All My Sons'' by Arthur Miller
It also demonstrates how he would rather see his son Larry alive instead of Chris. He is a loveable character known for expressing his emotions not only towards Ann, but towards his family. When Kate claims to Chris who is still intent on marrying Ann that moving on from Larry will be forsaking Joe as a murderer, Chris concludes that George was right. Reluctantly accepting the accusations against her husband, Kate says that, should Chris return, Joe must express willingness to go to prison in the hope that Chris will relent. He is explaining how he wants Chris to live near him instead of moving out to New York with Annie.
