Arthur Miller's All My Sons is widely acclaimed for its compelling exploration of morality, family, and guilt during post-World War II America. Reviewers praise its strong character development and poignant dialogue. However, some critique its predictability and melodramatic elements. Despite this, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking drama.

Readers who would enjoy All My Sons by Arthur Miller are likely drawn to thought-provoking dramas that explore morality, family dynamics, and the American Dream. Fans of works like Tennesee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night will appreciate Miller's incisive exploration of ethical dilemmas and personal responsibility.

All My Sons by Arthur Miller, first performed in 1947 and based on a true story, tells the tale of Joe Keller, a munitions factory owner accused of producing defective airplane engines during World War II, leading to tragic consequences. The play, set in August 1946, explores themes of family, guilt, and the repercussions of unethical business decisions. Suicidal ideation is depicted in the play.

Dark / Melancholic / Suspenseful / Challenging / Emotional

- All My Sons was Arthur Miller's first successful play on Broadway, cementing his reputation as a major American playwright and leading to his later iconic works.
- The original 1947 production of All My Sons was directed by Elia Kazan, who later directed the film adaptation of another Arthur Miller classic, Death of a Salesman.
- Arthur Miller was inspired to write All My Sons after reading an Ohio newspaper article about a mother who turned her own son into the authorities for fraudulently supplying faulty machinery to the U.S. military during World War II.

**Joe Keller**  
The patriarch of the Keller family, he is a self-made businessman whose actions and decisions greatly impact his family and the community.

**Chris Keller**  
An idealistic young man and son of Joe Keller, he struggles with his beliefs and the realities of his family's past and his own experiences in World War II.

**Kate Keller**  
The mother of Chris and the wife of Joe, she holds onto hope regarding her son Larry's fate and is deeply affected by her family's situation.

**Ann Deever**  
A former neighbor and the girlfriend of the missing Larry Keller, she returns to the Keller home with important personal connections to the family.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I

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Act II

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Act III

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Character Analysis

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Who Should Read All My Sons?

Joe Keller

Chris Keller

Kate Keller

Ann Deever