“What must I be forgiven?” Examine Joe Keller’s character throughout the play.
In Arthur Millers “All my Sons,” Joe Keller is the protagonist in this play and he is often referred to as a classic Greek tragedy hero. Keller is a man whose world does not extend past his home and business; his limited world view, in my opinion, is his fatal flaw.
In the beginning of the play, he seems like the traditional, 1940’s fatherly figure. He presents himself as a man deeply in love with his family and a well-respected member of his community, but also a man who takes great pride in his business. However he always seems concerned with money and having enough of it. During the time this play was set, there were strong ideas about the “American Dream,” and that any normal person could make their own way in the world and go from “Log cabin to white house.” The aftermath of the Great Depression and Second World War made huge imprints on American life; it left people with a desire to live comfortably and stable. Keller “got rich” during the Second World War, as did a lot of other businesses at the time, due to the link his factory had with the air force. Understandably, his family saw this as quite controversial and when Kate and Chris quarrel with him for keeping his business after the war, he argues “I spoiled both of you.” Even though it is clear of family issues, in Joe’s eyes “nothing is bigger than family.” Until he finally understands the cause of Larry’s death, his main priorities were the success of his business and his ability to make money.
From Keller’s perspective, everything he has done with this business is for his sons; so that he can pass something onto them. “All right, but – but don’t think like that. Because what the hell did I work for? That’s only for you, Chris, the whole shootin’ match is for you!” Joe Keller panics at the thought of Chris leaving the business. We see how passionate Joe is about his business and how he convinces himself that...