Essay On All My Sons

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All My Sons The greediness for money and the desire for success often distorts the integrity of man. Post-World War II, business in the United States flourished due to the inflated demand for goods at that time. During an era when the nations across the globe were shattered due to the atrocities of the war, Americans on the home-front blissfully strived for economic success in what was termed the “American Dream.” The average American harbored a belief of business as usual – no matter the circumstances, no matter the difficulties, business must continue. To the veterans, it was horrifying how the American citizens were able to go about their lives with no more than a sigh regarding the global crisis. The play, All My Sons by Arthur Miller, …show more content…

In a dialogue between Keller and Chris, their different business ideologies are evident. Astonishingly, when Chris denounces his father for his actions and demands an explanation for his negligent behavior Keller replies, “I’m in business, a man is in business; a hundred and twenty cracked, you’re out of business.” The connotation of his, what choice did he have, he had to save the business is horrifying and in extreme opposite of his veteran son’s belief of life first and business second (Miller 145-46). It is only in the final scenes of the play that Keller grasps the significance of his actions when a letter from his deceased son reveals to him the importance of man above success. Larry, in his suicide note, exposes to Keller how all those killed were in essence “all [his] sons” (157). The play All My Sons allows readers to view the diverse ways of people who experienced trauma in life and how much value they may gain from it as opposed to those who live a life of bliss and fail to value what is of utmost importance in life – integrity and selflessness. While it is important to succeed in life, doing it at the expense of another is the biggest failure man can endure. In life, doing things legitimately and taking responsibility for one’s own actions may be the biggest solace one can

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