Joe Keller is the archetypical tragic hero. He is a good family man, brought down by a failure of moral values.
Kellers tragic flaw = his ambition in the workplace. HIs selfishness when it comes to benefiting himself and his family, blinkered selfishness that puts thier prosperity above all others.
Keller has AVARICE = an immense greed for wealth and material gain.
Symbolism through Joe Keller
American ignorance, older generation, capatalistic worldview, moral weakness.
Context surrounding Joe Keller
Great depression
War profiteering - source material based on a daughter who told on her father and Miller read the story in a newspaper
Anagnorisis comes too late, catastrophe is sudden- simple view on world.
Kellers speech is filled with interrogatives, he asks the questions, to avoid being asked them back. He lives in AVOIDANCE of the truth, which could be argued to be his fatal flaw.
Millers description of Keller leads up to expect a man of authority + substance but one who is characterised by a lack of education.
In consequence, he lacks sensitivity to the wider moral attitudes and values that elevate the individual beyond the limitations of thier own small world.
Keller's interaction with Bert.
Keller laughs at the children seeing him as the policeman, he is gloating = hubris.
The theme of criminality and a proleptic reference.
