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Period: to
ACT 1
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Keller's Backyard
The play opens in Joe Keller's backyard, where we see the broken tree, a memorial to Larry, who is presumed dead after going missing in World War II. -
Joe Keller and Neighborly Conversations
Joe engages with Dr. Jim Bayliss and Frank Lubey, neighbors, discussing daily life and the recent storm that knocked over Larry’s memorial tree. -
Mother’s Superstition
Kate Keller, Larry’s mother, still believes Larry is alive and will come back, despite his presumed death, and is disturbed by the broken tree. -
Ann’s Arrival
Ann Deever, Larry’s former fiancée, arrives at the Kellers’ house. She is welcomed by the family, though Kate seems apprehensive, as she considers Ann still “Larry’s girl.” -
Chris and Ann's Relationship
Chris, Joe’s surviving son, reveals his feelings for Ann and plans to propose to her, even though Ann was Larry's fiancée. -
Kate’s Disapproval of Chris and Ann
Kate disapproves of Chris's plans, still convinced that Larry is alive and that his fiancée should remain single. -
The Past Comes Up
Joe’s role in the wartime scandal comes up in passing, hinting at past troubles. Joe brushes it off, claiming he was exonerated. -
Talk of Steve Deever
Ann’s father, Steve Deever, was Joe’s partner and is in prison for supplying faulty airplane parts that led to the deaths of 21 pilots, a crime Joe was also accused of but later cleared. -
Chris and Ann’s Future
Despite Kate's misgivings, Chris and Ann talk about a future together. They are determined to move forward, despite the complications. -
Tension Over Family Secrets
Tensions build as Kate warns Chris that he cannot marry Ann without accepting that Larry might still be alive. The act closes with a sense of unresolved guilt and suspicion. -
George’s Arrival
Ann’s brother, George, arrives unexpectedly after visiting his father, Steve, in prison, and he’s furious, believing that Joe is responsible for the deaths and Steve’s imprisonmen -
Period: to
ACT 2
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Confrontation with Joe
George confronts Joe about the events surrounding the faulty parts scandal, accusing him of letting Steve take the fall. -
Kate’s Slip of the Tongue
Kate accidentally implies that Joe was indeed home sick on the day of the faulty shipment, revealing the lie Joe told during his trial to escape guilt. -
Conflict Between Chris and Joe
Chris begins to question his father’s innocence and feels betrayed. The idealistic view he held of his father is shattered as Joe admits to his involvement in the scandal