The Moral and Social Costs of War Profiteering
The central conflict revolves around Joe Keller, a businessman who knowingly shipped defective aircraft engine parts to the military during WWII, leading to the deaths of 21 pilots including his own son Larry. This highlights the devastating human costs of war profiteering and putting profits over ethical conduct.

Individual Responsibility vs Family Loyalty
Joe justifies his actions as being for the sake of providing for his family, raising questions about the limits of family loyalty when it conflicts with moral and legal obligations. His son Chris struggles with this dilemma when the truth is revealed.

The American Dream and Capitalism
The play critiques the American ideals of success and prosperity at all costs, as embodied by the wealthy but unethical Keller family. It examines the moral compromises people make in pursuit of material wealth.

Guilt, Denial and Atonement
Joe's inability to admit guilt and atone for his actions drives much of the drama. The characters grapple with themes of guilt, denial, forgiveness and the need for moral reckoning.

By tackling these weighty moral and societal issues through the microcosm of a family tragedy, Miller's play provided a powerful commentary on the United States' national psyche in the aftermath of WWII.

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