How far can we say that 'All My Sons' is a tragedy?

At first glance, I would agree with this statement because of the events that occur in the play, and themes that surround them. Larry's disappearance and presumed death hangs over the family from the opening moments of the play, immediately creating a gloomy atmosphere. What is even worse for the Keller family is that this creates conflict. Kate refuses to believe that he is dead, and therefore seeks neighbour Jim's help in creating a horoscope, creating a sense of optimism, but false optimism. Also, the stage directions aid in creating this tragic atmosphere. The opening page described the Keller land as being a 'secluded atmosphere' which creates the impression that the land is sealed off from the wider world. Even more tragic as the land is a hot spot for conflict, as I earlier stated. Combined with the stage directions, this creates the impression the conflict is present only to this piece of land, and once you are involved in conflict, no one else can hear it, because the land is shut off from the outside world.

With this in mind, it doesn't mean that world outside is insignificant. In fact, it is the damage inflicted on the outside world which is caused by Joe Keller's fight for what he thinks is best for his family. He has good intentions, but the outcomes are tragic on those around him, much like Hamlet, who's acts of madness had a devastating effect on Ophelia, where he actually intended to take focus and suspicion away from her. However, this creates Joe's fatal flaw, and it is similar to Hamlet's. He damages those around him, but with what he thinks is a morally good aim. Compared to Greek tragedy, the minor characters in 'All My Sons', such as Jim, Sue and Lydia, are strongly reminiscent of a Chorus, who would appear on-stage to comment on the action of others and/or use storytelling to explain a little bit about the characters that appeared on/off-stage, and this is evident where Sue explains to Ann that "Men are like little boys; for the neighbours they'll always cut the grass".

At the end of Shakespearean tragedies, we are often left with a form of resolution for the future, despite the severe outcomes of the tragedy. In 'Romeo and Juliet', for example, the two families decide to resolve their differences and end the conflict between them, despite the loss of their son and daughter, respectively. A tragic outcome, but there is a glimmer of hope for the future nonetheless. At the end of 'All My Sons' Joe commits suicide, leaving his family in much distraught, but also, as a means of his own form of punishment. The world is rid of a man who commit ed a crime, which seems positive but it appears that nothing else that is positive can be drawn from this. Like 'Romeo and Juliet', the positive aspect is only a glimmer.