Joe Keller and his partner were manufacturers of parts for planes for the war effort in World War II. They covered up some faulty parts and were responsible for the deaths of twenty one pilots. The partner was sent to jail, but Keller got off by pleading ignorance. Keller's son, Larry, a pilot, was lost in a crash, but the family will not accept the fact that he is dead. His brother, Chris, is in love with Larry's old girl friend, and invites her to the house, hoping to get the rest of the family to agree to let them marry. She also happens to be the daughter of Keller's partner. Her brother, George, after visiting their father in prison, is convinced that Keller was really the one responsible for the faulty parts and he comes to take her away. Although almost everyone has suspected Keller's guilt, no one has been willing to admit it. Now that George brings it out in the open, Keller must deal with his family and especially his idealistic younger son, Chris. His inability to do so leads to the final tragedy. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book? - depressed Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Internal struggle/realization? Yes Struggle over Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book War/Revolt/Disaster on civilians Yes Conflict: Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 60's-90's Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 () United States Yes The US: - Northeast Writing Style Amount of dialog - mostly dialog |