Materialism and idealism are the two factors that are constantly represented in the play as polar opposites of each other. In the play, these two ideas are represented by three of the major characters in the play. Joe, the father of the household, represents materialism.This is because he is obsessed with money and he believes that money is a duty is a duty for him to bring to the family in whatever way possible. On the other hand, Chris, George, and Larry represent idealism because they are not characters that accept lies and keep secrets. They are also individuals that posses bigger values than just family. During the argument between Joe and Chris, Joe says that if Chris was practical, then he would understand his actions, which is clearly
