Citation

Chaswal D. IUP Journal of English Studies 2011; 6(3): 7-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Arthur Miller is America's leading playwright. He was deeply influenced by the Greek drama, Ibsen and Odets. His works reflect the same quest for order in human relations as depicted in the Greek drama. His success as a playwright begins with one of his most widely known plays All My Sons (1947). Arthur Miller's plays depict the human tendency of betrayal and guilt which leads to the decay, and degeneration of human values. The intensity of these two elements of betrayal and guilt may vary in his plays, but it runs through all his plays as a motif. Joe, a selfish businessman, in order to save his business from ruin, supplies defective cylinder heads to the American Air Force which results in the death of 21 fighter plane pilots. The theme of betrayal and guilt pervades the action of the play from its very beginning. The person who has committed the crime tries to justify his betrayal and guilt on the grounds which are not acceptable to the just social system. The jail motif runs throughout the play. It testifies to the fact that jail is a place where wrongdoers have to go ultimately. Joe Keller betrays his business partner, Steve Deever, too. It is true that Miller exposes man's cruel nature in All My Sons, but it is also true that he condemns traits of treachery, betrayal and selfishness in man's nature. Miller seems to suggest that one must remain faithful and responsible to the interests of society, failing which one must bear the consequences as we notice in All My Sons. Towards the end of the play Joe Keller atones for his crime and sin by committing suicide. © 2011 IUP. All Rights Reserved.

Language: en