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Differing attitudes to social responsibilty through Joe and Chris Keller (A. Miller's - page 3
Keywords: social responsibility arthur miller all my sons world war two ii 2 drama chris joe keller
By exploiit on 19/06/2010
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 3 of 9 pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9in fact an underlying secret and that Chris is somehow aware or suspicious of this. This makes conflict inevitable, as we realise that whatever the secret is, Chris will have to discover it sooner or later.
We know that Keller is regarded as an amiable and agreeable man. In the opening scene of the play, Keller and his two neighbours, Dr. Jim Bayliss and Frank Lubey, gather in the Keller family’s yard to enjoy a pleasant Sunday morning. The fact that Keller’s house is a meeting ground suggests that he is quite popular amongst his neighbours. Conversation between Keller and Frank in particular is very friendly, and we conclude that this insinuates that a good relationship exists between Joe and his neighbours. We also notice that Keller has a good relationship with the children in the area. Bert, an eight year old who lives near-by, has an initial reaction to Keller on this same Sunday morning that implies he admires Keller and enjoys his company. He first jumps on his back, before shouting “You’re finally up”. Keller converses with Bert and we find out that he has involved Bert and a number of other children in a game of Jail. It becomes obvious through Joe’s playfulness with Bert, and Bert’s excitedness and eagerness to see Keller that he gets on very easily with children, as well as people of his own age. However, there is an irony in the game between Keller and the young child. The audience is aware that Keller is not as innocent as he suggests, and the game of Jail reminds us of this. It almost seems risky for Keller to pursue a policeman’s character in the game, and conflict appears inevitable, as we fell Joe will be discovered.
Although we respect Keller’s desire to improve life for himself and his family through hard work, Miller wants his audience to see that Joe’s concept of the American Dream has become somewhat corrupt. This is suggested through his apathy to people in contrast to his concern for business. We learn that he is willing to victimise others in order to surpass them. Steve Deever, Joe’s convicted business partner, is the prime example of this in the play. Through one piece of dialogue from George, Steve’s son, it is finally revealed to the audience what took place that Keller’s business came under threat and why he and Steve were both
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