Is "all My Sons" Really the American Dream?

Is “All My Sons” really the American Dream?

The intent of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the theme of the American dream which is interwoven throughout the play “All My Sons” by Arthur Miller. This paper will include not only an analysis of the theme of the play, but also will contain personal research on the faulty parts and machinery during World War II, the time period of the play. While “All My Sons” centers on family and the American dream, this play also illustrates the unfavorable side of the American dream that embraces poor craftsmanship, covetousness, and capitalism.

This artfully written play tells the heart wrenching story of a family and their business that was caught up in creating mass produced airplane parts during World War II. A few of the parts produced were defected and were knowingly sent that way which unfortunately lead to the death of 21 innocent pilots. Joe Keller is the main character and father in this dramatic play. He is also the man responsible for the death of the 21 pilots and even his own son, Larry, who was also a pilot during the war. Mr. Keller was willing to do anything to keep the American dream alive for his family.

The American dream for us today is a comfortable amount of money in the bank, a nice big house, 2 fancy cars, 2.5 kids, and creating a good standing in society with your family name. Joe also believes the American dream is doing whatever you can to achieve monetary gain and to make a name for your family.

The play, “All My Sons”, essentially illustrates the love that a man has for his family and the lengths he’s willing to go to protect his family. Keller’s plant foreman, Steve Deever, informs him of his businesses faulty plane parts and Joe tells Deever to repair and ship them anyway. They’re shipped to the Air Corps and after several weeks, 21 planes crash, killing their pilots. Both Joe and Steve are