A Different Ending To All My Sons

(The stage is set with the Keller’s backyard, the final scene of the play).

(Joe Keller is sitting alone on the porch).

Chris: (enters) Dad, I’m leaving now.

Joe: Son, there’s something I need to tell you before you go.

Chris: (looks at his father with a mix of curiosity and suspicion) What is it?

Joe: (takes a deep breath) I need to tell you about the faulty cylinder heads that were sent out during the war.

Chris: What are you talking about?

Joe: (leans forward, looking at his hands) I made a terrible mistake, son. I knew those cylinder heads were faulty and I let them go out anyway. I was just trying to keep the business afloat and provide for our family, but I never imagined the harm it would cause.

Chris: (shocked) How could you do something like that?

Joe: (hangs his head in shame) I’ve been carrying this guilt with me for so long. I should have come clean a long time ago. But I was too afraid of losing everything I had built.

Chris: I don’t know what to say.

Joe: (looks up at Chris) I’m going to turn myself in to the police, son. I have to take responsibility for my actions and make amends for the harm I’ve caused.

Chris: I don’t know what to say.

Joe: (stands up) I know it’s hard for you to understand, son. But I hope you can forgive me one day.

(Joe exits the stage while Chris is standing alone on the stage, looking lost and confused).

(Lights fade to black).

This ending would change the tragic ending of the play as Joe would survive, but still acknowledge his responsibility for his actions and face the consequences, which would change the tone of the play, and the message would be different.