The Dangers of Shunning Responsibility in Arthur Miller's All My Sons Arthur Miller's All My Sons is a well-made work in every sense of the word. Not only is it carefully and logically constructed, but it addresses its themes thoroughly and effectively. The show communicates different ideas about war, materialism, family and honesty. However, the main focus, especially at the climax of the play, is the question of personal responsibility. In particular, Miller demonstrates the dangers of shirking responsibility and, therefore, placing blame on others. Almost all of the characters in All My Sons, in one way or another, fail to take responsibility. The Keller family, as a whole, is severely dysfunctional as they keep secrets and tell lies at all times. Chris, the most trustworthy character, realizes that his family has “made a terrible mistake with their mother…by being dishonest with her” (Miller 620). He realizes that there are consequences for such behavior. As a result, Kate is on the verge of delirium. He clings to the unrealistic hope that his son, Larry, will return from the war and marry his childhood sweetheart, Ann. In fact, if these hopes turned out to be false, in his eyes they would demonstrate with certainty that God does not exist. He says, "'There is God, so certain things can never happen'" (627). Yet Kate is not just a victim of this irresponsible behavior. She contributes to it. She too makes excuses for her actions, making it seem like she can't be more guilty of her conduct than she already is. She tells Chris that she and Joe "'are stupid people. We don't know anything'" and tells Chris that he has to protect them (633). However, it is Joe who is the most irresponsible character within.... ... middle of paper ... the family wanted money, he did it, and this is "excuse him! . . . [Since] Nothing is more big,” and adds that “‘if there is anything bigger than I’ll put a bullet in my head!’” (649) This is what he does family because he hadn't faced his mistakes before. Chris was, for the most part, the voice of wisdom in this play whose words of honesty and importance should have been heard. He states, "'This kind of thing always pays off, and now it's paying off'" (620). Eventually, he takes to heart his own words that "there's a universe of people out there and you're responsible for it" (653). He begins to blame himself for the suicide about her father, and Kate tells him, "'Don't do it, dear. Don't blame yourself'" (653). Works Cited Miller, Arthur. ?All My Sons.? New York: Penguin Group, 2000.