Trauma Affecting Joe Keller and Chrish Keller in the Drama All My Sons by Arthur Miller
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This study explores drama All My Sons by Arthur Miller’s, focusing on the psychological trauma experienced by the main characters, Joe Keller and Chris Keller, in a post-World War II American setting. The research uses Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, particularly the concept of defence mechanisms such as repression and reaction formation, to analyses how unresolved guilt and emotional conflict influence character behavior and relationships. A qualitative method is applied, focusing on the examination of character dialogue and actions to uncover hidden emotional struggles and psychological tension. The study relies on textual evidence from the drama to support its analysis. The findings reveal that Miller indirectly emphasizes the importance of moral responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. Through characters who utilize various defence mechanisms—including denial, rationalization, displacement, projection, and intellectualization All My Sons presents a deep psychological portrait of individuals coping with guilt and internal conflict. Ultimately, the drama illustrates how these psychological defences shape the characters’ responses to harsh realities and moral dilemmas.
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