Friday, June 29, 2012

Does any punishment exist that is suitable for Keller's crime?

Joe Keller exacts the ultimate punishment on himself, he commits suicide.  He is driven by his own guilt over the loss of not only his son, Larry, but the other pilots that died.  Therefore, Joe, who is consumed with guilt and shame, commits a horrible act, shooting himself. 


In my view, Joe Keller has suffered, even before he commits suicide, because he knows that he is a fraud.  He has set up Steve Deever to take the blame for his crime, and lives with this knowledge day in day out.  When Ann Deever comes for a visit, Joe's sense of guilt is heightened.  He starts talking about Steve, telling Ann that he wants her father to know that he will have a job waiting for him when he gets out of prison. 


Keller, by the time he decides to take his life, has been punished with the reaction of his outraged, and disturbed wife, the anger of George Deever, and most of all, the loss of Chris's love and respect. 


Joe Keller has received the ultimate punishment, he lost everything that mattered in life, then he surrenders his life.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the main function of the fool in "King Lear"? What is the secondly function?

The fool as a character is confusing, but part of this is the difference between the 1600s and today, as well as the difference in place. If...