Response to AMS Question

In the play the characters have varying opinions on whether family or society is more important. The characters of Joe Keller (father) and Kate (mother) seem so think that actions should benefit their family over their society. Both of these parental figures feel that their actions must be done out of sacrifice for their family. Joe tries to tell us that the only reason he sent the cylinder heads out was for his family. He and Kate are talking:

                        Mother: Joe, Joe…it don’t excuse it that you did it for the family.

                        Keller: It’s got to excuse it!

                        Mother: There’s something bigger than the family to him.

                        Keller: Nothin’ is bigger! (77)

The quote shows that Joe thinks family comes first, and in this situation Chris and Kate disagree. Kate doesn’t believe that Joe’s reasons justify his actions, but she believes her reasons justify her own actions. She tries to tell us that we all must keep believing that Larry will return, even if she knows it’s no longer true, even if it means denying the truth to the benefit of her family. Ann and her discuss the deaths caused by the cracked cylinder heads:

                        Ann:..And how do you know Larry wasn’t one of them?

                        Mother: I was waiting for that. As long as you’re here, Annie, I want to ask you to never say that again.

                        Ann: You surprise me. I thought you’d be mad at him.

                        Mother: What your father did had nothing to do with Larry. Nothing.

                        Ann: but we can’t know that.

                        Mother: As long as you’re here! (31).

Kate’s words reveal to us that deep inside, she knows that Larry could have been killed by a plane sent out by Joe, but she protects the family and refuses to admit it.

            I think that this is the fine line between when it is appropriate to put the needs of your family before society. Upon reflection I see that there is often not a “right” and “wrong.” In general, I believe  that you must make choices that will benefit your family, unless in hurts others in society. If you can make these decisions causing damage to society, then it as an okay decision to continue with. In the case of Joe Keller I believe he made the wrong decision. He knew his decision could hurt society yet he sent out the cylinder heads anyways. This was a huge risk because, not only did it kill 21 people, but it also tore apart their family. His plan backfired on him, showing us that a decision for our family may not be the best decision, especially if it hurts society in the process.