All My Sons by Arthur Miller

This play was written by Miller in the two years following World War 2 and was based on a true story which had been widely reported by the American press. The action of the play takes place in less than 24 hours, which makes it compelling and pacey. It tells the story of Joe Keller, a factory owner who has, several years before, knowingly shipped out plane engine parts and as a result has caused the deaths of American pilots. In order to save his own skin and keep his business he lies in court, and as a consequence a colleague and close neighbour is imprisoned.

The play deals with the impact on both of the families, as the truth eventually emerges, and Joe attempts to justify his actions. Some of the themes prevalent in this play, and which echo through all of Miller’s work, are father and son relationships and the conflict between business ethics and personal morality.