American Dream: Joe Keller, a simple, blue-collar worker, who has made it to business owner, sacrifices everything to maintain his version of the American dream. He surrenders his integrity, he lies, he chooses to act outside of morality.
Duty and Responsibility, Joe Keller tells us that he had no choice but to ship the faulty parts. If he had pulled them and started over he would have lost the contract, resulting in his business failing, he felt compelled to honor the contract to secure his company. He says he needed to take care of his family.
Choices and Consequences, Joe Keller makes a deadly choice and the consequences result in the deaths of several pilots and his own son, Larry.
Guilt, Revenge and Punishment, Steve Deever is made out to be the bad guy by Joe Keller, who puts all the blame on him. His son George, when he learns the truth, comes to the Keller's house seeking revenge. Steve has been in prison, while Joe has been free.
Death Kate won't accept the death of her son Larry. She desperately tries to maintain a false reality where Larry is still alive.
Forgiveness and Atonement, Joe Keller commits suicide at the end of the play when he realizes that his decision resulted in his own son's death, also a suicide. He wants Kate and Chris to forgive him.
Idealism Chris Keller, who believes that his father is an upright and honest man, discovers the truth, and is devastated.
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