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CHARACTORS
Joe Keller
I saw your factory on the way from the stations. It looks like general motorsp150
Allusion-Savy businessman
Well thats only your business, Chrisp100
Inability to stand up to Kate
in hopeless fury, looks at her, turns around, goes up the porch, and into the house slamming screen door violently behind him p126
Shows he can be neurotic
Chris¦ Chris, I did it for you¦For you! A business for you.p158
Keller deals with guilt by blaming others and unfortunately taints his love for his son
A man cant be a Jesus in this worldp169
Allusion He is realistic but slightly jaded you can try to fulfil your moral and social responsibility
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that Ill put a bullet in my head!p163
Dramatic irony and prolepsis- family is the most important thing for him commendable but leads to his downfall as he convinces himself that he shipped the cylinder heads for his family rather than himself
(Chris with admiration) Joe McGutsp116
He is very brave
But I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they were p170
Recognition that he has social responsibility cant live with the realisation
I cant sleep here; Ill feel better if I gop170
He shows determination there is a metaphorical recognition that he needs to die he is admirable even in death
The¦man who knows how many minutes a day his workers spend in the toilet p59
He has worked hard to be successful he has tried to follow the American dream
Im surprised you remember his birthday, Frank. Thats nice.p91
Exudes self-confidence and likeability
I want a clean start for you, Chris p124
Does love his son
Joe wants to bring you into the business when you get outp135
Emphaises his benign nature by referring to himself in the third person-When he gets scared he tries to buy people off
Kate Keller
If I tell this to Mother and she has a fit about it p100
Shows Kate is mentally unstable, has not accepted that Larry is dead and is protected by Joe and Chris. Adds to the tension of the play as we realise she might not be able to hold it together
Your brothers alive, darling, because if hes dead, your father killed him¦God does not let a son be killed by his father p156
Dramatic irony Kate reveals her supposition and her desperation to keep Larry alive in her mind as her argument is not a good one
(Mother smashes him across the face)p155
Onomatopoeia-Shows she is capable of violence
It takes a certain talent-for lying. You have it and I do. But not him p160
Shows that Kate has known about Kellers deceit all along. Highlights the theme of deceit
(She finds herself reaching out for the glass of water and aspirin) p109
From a Freudian view point her emotional turmoil is manifesting itself as physical illness
Be smart now, Joe. The boy is coming. Be smart p126
Repetion-Shows that she wants to manipulate George
(frightened at the thought you cant say that to her) p99
Shows she is a difficult character to understand and is neurotic as even her husband and son dont know how shes going to react
He hasnt been laid up in fifteen years p152
Colloquial-Shows her careless side and shows she is a little bit stupid
The minute theres trouble you have no strengthp162
Uses illness to manipulate characters to act benignly towards her
Forget now. Livep171
Clearly loves Chris
I m smarter than any of youp148
Shows she knows she can manipulate them
Ill find you a girl and put a smile on your face.. You remember Mr Macys daughter p149
Clich¯¿½d-Shows her manipulation can be a benign force
Chris Keller
Because sometimes I think youre¦ ashamed of the moneyp124
Hesitation dosent want to talk about crime Reveals Kellers suspicion that Chris is aware of his crime. It shows that Chris is an idealist
Oh, Chris, youre a liar to yourselfp143
Shows Chris is self-deceiving
Everytime I reach out for something I have to pull back because other people will sufferp100
Shows he is selfless
Oh Annie, Im going to make a fortune for you!p122
Hypocritical of Chris shows an idealism commercialism clash
Its time she realised that nobody believes Larry is alive anymore
Only acts on his idealism when it suits him has let Kate pretend that Larry is alive for the last three years until he wants to marry his wife shows his hypocrisy
But Im just like everyone else nowp166
Shows Chris arrogance in thinking that he was special
Im practical now. You made me practicalp166
Repetition of practical highlights its significanceSignals Chriss conversion from Idealism to pragmatism
A man can be a Jesus in this worldp169
Idea of Chris as Christ figure if you take his name metaphorically just add t to his name this is reinforced by this quotation
Ann Dever
Id like you to tell him that Larry is dead and you know it p165
Stands up for what she thinks is right
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no Fatherp117
Ashamed of her Fathers role in the shop incident and deludes herself that Keller is right based on very little evidence
I want you to set him free and then I promise you everything will endp164
Ann tires of moral responsibility like Chris she loses her idealism and becomes more realistic she abandons her father for a chance to be happy
The female version of Chrisp132
Gives up her idealism for pragmatism (starting a new life with Chris) is responsible for tragedy
This is filthy, didnt you bring another shirt?p138
Ann acts as a maternal force for George
You understand me? Im not going out of here alone. Theres no life for me that way. P164
Determined to get what she wants wont listen to others
George Dever
say, youve gotten a little nervous, havent youp139
Uncomfortable in the role of justice
Because you believed it p143
Trusts Chris
Ill find you a girl and put a smile on your facep149
Clich¯¿½d-He is swayed by the promise of a happy and easy life
You look terrible, Georgep150
Standing up for his father has taken a toll
I told you to marry that girl
Lost out by being in the war
Jim and Sue Bayliss
It takes a certain talent for lying. You have it and I do. But not himp160
Jim wants to be idealistic but has sold out to become a good father
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim sacrifices his dream of being a researcher and his idealism
I told her to take up the guitar. Itd be a common intrest for them p110
Kate believes the Bayliss have too little in common
Everybody knows Joe pulled a fast one to get out of Jail p131
Colloquial-Show that the neighbourhood think Joes guilty foreshadows revelation that he is adds tension
They give him credit for being smart p132
Colloquial-Show that Keller is well liked and respected
Frank and Lydia Lubey
Ive studied the stars of his life! Somewhere in this world your brother is alive!p154
Satirical and dramatic irony Discredits fate as a force in this play as Larry is dead
Does dad expect a parole soon? p114
Both have a habit of making tactless comments which makes them disagreeable despite their amicable nature
Youre still making your own clothes? Aint she classy p147
Demonstrative of a couple living the American dream
THEMES
Confession
The structure of a play is always the story of how the birds come home to roost Miller
There is always the discovery of the past and a confession this is what makes a good tragedy
Forget Now. Livep171
Short scentances-The confession is for the better
[Desperately. Lost]p164
The confession evokes pity/fear
The star of ones honesty¦ he (Chris) probably just wanted to be alone to watch his star go outp160
This is the effect a confession has on others
[hopless fury]p126
Simile Causes anger
I was afraidp158
Difficult to confess emphasised by short sentences
Im not trying to hurt you Kate My Godp165-166
Confession usually causes pain
Guilt and Shame
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no Fatherp117
Colloquial-Ashamed of her Fathers role in the shop incident
Chris¦ Chris, I did it for you¦For you! A business for you.p158
Keller deals with guilt by blaming others
What am I, a stranger? I thought I had a family here, what happened to my family?p161
Repetition of family Guilt and shame plays a role in the development of Kellers relationship with his father
I cant look at you this way, I cant look at myselfp168
Kellers confession leads to shame for Chris
(She finds herself reaching out for the glass of water and aspirin)p109
Kate is so ashamed of her deception she has a mental and physical breakdown from a Freudian viewpoint
(a shot is heard in the house)p171
Shame and guilt over the cylinder heads could arguably lead to this but I think If this had been the case Keller would have killed himself a long time ago instead I think larry and Chriss disownal of him and his realisation that he has a social responsibility cause him to kill himself he tries to make amends by killing himself and thus exonerating steeve and his family
I cant live with myself anymorep169
Larry kills himself because of guilt that he has helped build a business that has killed American pilots and shame that his father and father-in-law have made a decision that kills his compatriots.
They killed themselves for each otherp121
Chris has survivors guilt he feels responsible for everyone
Deception
I suspected my father and did nothing about itp166
Chris is self-deceiving
But theres God so certain thing s can never happen¦Ann, you know Im right! p113
Dramatic irony-Kate is self deceiving she gives a flimsy argument and clearly doesnt truly believe that Larry will come back as shes horrible to Ann so if he ever does come back Ann will not want Kate to be part of their life
It takes a certain talent for lying. You have it and I do. But he (Chris) doesntp160
This is Chris tragic flaw
Poplars cut off view p89
Delusion that Keller can cut himself off from the world
Loss
Im practical now. You made me Practicalp166
Repetition of practical Chris sacrifices his idealism for his family
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim sacrifices his dream of being a researcher
Chris, I did it for you p158
Keller sacrifices his morality for his family
I thought I had a family here. What happened to my family? P161
Loss of relationship between Keller and Chris and Kate
I told you to marry that girl p148
Loss of future between George and Lydia
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Colloquial Loss of relationship between Ann and Steve
I was going to tell them¦ it was too late p157
Clich¯¿½d Loss of opportunity to warn about the faulty parts
four-foot high stump p89
Symbolises the loss of Larry
Because if hes not coming back, then Ill kill myself p107
Bathos How Kate deals with loss of Larry = loss of mental stability
Were like at a railway station waiting for a train that never comes in p106
Simile Chris deals with loss of Larry by trying to move on
[Increasing demand]p113
Conflict over different ways of dealing with the past and the loss of Larry each character tries to get their point across
Those dear dead days beyond recallp110
alliterationLoss of the benign past
I want a clean start for you, Chris p124
Idiom Deals with loss of past by breaking from it
Lets¦ raise some hell around here, like we used to before Larry went! p110
idiomAnn deals with past by resurrecting it
Suicide
I cant bear to live any more¦ I read about dad being convictedp169
Larry commits suicide because of guilt does this make him a coward or a tragic hero?
If hes not coming back Ill kill myselfp107
Bathos Irony as Larry has killed himself foreshadows this discovery
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that Ill put a bullet in my head!p163
Bathos Dramatic irony
You stop that! p163
Short scentance emphaises shockMothers reaction to suicide
[A shot is heard in the house] p171
Kellers reaction to Larrys suicide
They killed themselves for each otherp121
Chris has a different attitude to suicide than his parents
War profiteering
What you have is loot and it has blood on itp121
Metaphor Chris is ashamed of it
Did they ship a gun or a truck out of Detroit before they got their price?p168
Allusion-Realism argument it is too idealistic to expect people to work for nothing
Chris, I did it for you p158
Kellers attitude is that war profiteering is fine if it is done for the family
But I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they were p170
Shows Kellers change of mind he can no longer justify war profiteering through his family he now believes he has social and moral responsibility
Moral Responsibility
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim neglected being true to himself
The star of ones honesty¦ he probably just wanted to be alone to watch his star go outp160
Simile Lack of honesty from all characters even eventually Chris
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Colloquial Lack of forgiveness from Ann and initially George
I said hes dead.I know!p165
Ann shows moral responsibility when she bravely tries to convince broken pscyotic women that her son is dead as she has found out
I cant bear to live anymorep169
Larry cant forgive
I want you to set him free and then I promise you everything will be at an endp164
Metaphor Ann tires of moral responsibility
I cant look at you this way. I cant look at myselfp169
Cant emphasised Chris finds it hard to forgive and stay true to himself
A man cant be a Jesus in this worldp169
Allusion Keller lies about Steve and his involvement with the faulty parts
Social responsibility
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that then Ill put a bullet through my headp163
Irony and bathos Kellers initial delusion about social responsibility his journey through the play is the discovery that there is more than this
But I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they were p170
Recognition that he has social responsibility cant live with the realisation
To him the world had a forty-foot front; it ended at the building linep163
Shows Larry initially ignored his social responsibility
I cant bear to live any morep169
Realises he has social responsibility and that he has been indirectly forced by his father to neglect this but does he neglect his social responsibility by killing himself taking a pilot away from benefiting his country?
Heroism
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself Joseph Campbell (American folklorist)
A tragic hero is A man not pre-eminently virtuous and just, whose misfortune however, is brought upon him not by vice or depravity but by some error of judgement Aristotle
Miller was aware of this definition
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that then Ill put a bullet through my headp163
Bathos and irony Joe is a hero according to Campbells definition
Forget now. Livep171
Short scentances show shock Through death he is able to save his family from long term suffering
I cant sleep here; Ill feel better if I gop170
He shows determination there is a metaphorical recognition that he needs to die
Well thats only your business Chrisp100
He doesnt want to confront his wife so he becomes alienated from his son
Chris knows Keller is no worse than no men. I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my fatherp168
Cylinder heads cause break with Chris and tragedy
I suspected my father and did nothing about itp166
Chris is self-deceiving although it could be argued that fate takes a part as Kellers deception could have remained hidden from the outside world through the court paper. Kellers mistake has already destroyed his family the real tragedy as everything hes worked for has been for them for you, a business for you
She finds herself reaching out for the glass of water and asprinp109
Causes a mental and physical deterioration for Kate
Oh my Godp166
Refuses to believe her son is dead despite all the evidence
Id hoped that if I waited, mother would forget Larry and then wed have a regular wedding and everything happy, but if that cant happen then Ill have to get out of herep101
Ironically Mother drives Chris away by refusing to agree with the evidence
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Abandons her father and believes Joe only to find out she was wrong to do so
Oh Chris, Ive been ready for a long, long time p120
Repetition of long Although she is not responsible for Larrys death a great tragedy in her life she does kill his memory by getting engaged with Chris
The female version of Chrisp132
Gives up her idealism for pragmatism (starting a new life with Chris) is responsible for tragedy
He won the war, Frankp148
George lost the love of his life to Frank
I told you when you went away, dont try for medalsp145
Aphorism He was initially eager to get away from the neighbourhood and become a soldier
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim is responsible for his own tragedy but is a hero as he remains a good husband and conformed to the prosaic
The world had a forty-foot front it ended at the building linep163
Larry recognises that this is not the case and tries to make amends for it by suicidially fighting for his country
Return of the Past
The past is always present and cannot be ignored, forgotten or denied Centola
Idealism vs. Commercialism
Chris, Jim, George and Ann vs. Joe and Sue
When you marry never count your husbands money p110
Aphorism The majority of the characters advocate idealism over commercialism
Because sometimes I think youre¦ ashamed of the moneyp124
Hesitation shows conflict Keller thinks Commercialism can act as a benign force
Oh Annie, Im going to make a fortune for you!p122
Hypocritical of Chris
For you, a business for youp158
Keller and Chris have the same attitude when they have a family they both ultimately want to work for them
The business! The business doesnt inspire mep102
More interested in idealism but has still sold out for money but in denial that hes done so
And hes got money. Thats important, you knowp130
Suggests that Chris can afford to be idealistic sue values materialism
As soon as a woman supports a man, he owes her something. You can never owe somebody something without resenting themp130
Money affects relationships
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim has made a compromise between the two
Joe wants to bring you into the business when you get out p135
Uses the third person Compromise between commercialism and idealism he knows Steve will not want to work for the better of the business
Im practical now. You made me Practicalp166
Repetition of practical Chris sacrifices his idealism for his family
Family Relationships
Keller Family
Keller and Larry
If Larry were alive he wouldnt act like this. That was a boy we lost. Larry.p163
Irony Larry is his favourite son he understands him
I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they werep170
Keller is prepared to change his views for Larry
Keller and Chris
Ive been a good son too long, a good suckerp102
Colloquial They dont understand each other but are ultimately prepared to make compromises for each other
Chris¦Chris, I did it for youp154
Keller taints there relationship by trying to put the blame for the cylinder heads on Chris
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that then Ill put a bullet through my headp163
Irony and bathos Shows that he does love Chris
Chris and Larry
(Chris is discovered sawing the broken-off tree, leaving stump standing alone)p127
Tries to clear away Larrys memory
Mother and Chris
Shes Larrys girlp155
Colloquial Seems to care about Larry more
Forget now. Livep171
Short scentances Her maternal side comes out to Chris once Larry is dead
Mother and Larry
Irony and bathos Because if hes not coming back then Ill kill myselfp107
Cant let go of Larry
I knew I could stop himp105
Irony Believes she can save Larry
Keller and Kate
I wear the pants and she beats me with the beltp150
Kate emotionally blackmails Keller
Deever Family
Ann, George and their absent father might be viewed as the opposite of the Kellers
Ann and Steve
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Colloquial Abandons her father and believes Joe with little evidence
Ill do nothing about Joe p164
Sacrifices Steve being exonerated for her future happiness
Ann and George
Youre coming with mep144
He is prepared to sacrifice her happiness for his idealism they dont have a very strong relationship
This is filthy, didnt you bring another shirt?p138
Ann acts as a maternal force for George
Steve and George
I didnt see him once when I got home from the war!p141
George initially chooses idealism over his father
Wears (your fathers) hat139
Eventually compromises and wears his hat as he loves him
Lubey Family
I dont know why you cant learn to turn on a simple thing like a toaster! p94
Demonstrative of the perfect family without idealism living the American dream
American Dream
The American dream is a subjective term usually implying a successful and satisfying life. Perceptions of the American dream are usually framed in terms of American capitalism, and the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Bill of rights
Ill get out. Ill get married and live some place elsep101
Freedom
I want a family, I want some kids, I want to build something I can give myself top102
Tricolon of want Belief that you can achieve what ever you want if you work hard for it
I dont know why you cant learn to turn on a simple thing like a toaster! p94
Demonstrative of the perfect family without idealism living the American dream
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim sacrifices his dream of being a researcher he is not living the American dream
I was the beast¦ Except I wasnt¦ Fourteen months later I had of the best shops in the state again, a respected man again; bigger than ever. P116
Metaphor Failure of American dream should be in prison as has broken the law
Hope
Shes dreaming about him againp99
Kate hopes that Larry will return
I want a family, I want some kids, I want to build something I can give myself top102
Tricolon-Ann and Chris want to marry and be successful-live the American dream
Chris¦Chris, I did it for youp158
Keller wants to provide a significant amount for his family
Humour
I would love to help humanity on a Warner Brothers salaryp93
Foils provide comic relief in act 1 contrast to later tragedy
My love, My lightp93
Sarcasm from Jim
I like to keep abreast of my ignorancep96
Major character is introduced through humour contrast to his serious and idealistic nature
Dont talk dirty (They laugh)p134
Keller provides comic relief in act two and makes him more likeable
Justice
Justice is a main theme within the play All My Sons, and an example of justice being symbolised is the idea of Joe telling the children that he has a jail in the basement of his house.Although simple, this metaphor is quite powerful, as it suggests to the audience that he could be hiding more than just a basement to the people of the street. It could also suggest that he is keeping justice locked away within the Keller house, and as the children keep asking about the jail, there is an underlying idea that the truth about Joe could surface sometime within the play.
I spoiled the both of you
Something that is apparent throughout the book is the amount of money that Joe has earned through his business. Some may assume that Keller bribed his way out of prison, due his frequent reference to, as well as his constant reliance on money. He uses this later in the play as a way to try and justify to his family that if he had gone to jail then he wouldnt have been able to make all this money for them.
Everybody knows Joe pulled a fast one to get out of jail.
Whilst this may first seem as a cheap dig at the Kellers, this is confirmed when Jim says (to Kate) Ive always known. This would be negatively viewed, as because of these actions an innocent man (Steve) is in jail instead of Joe. Therefore, the characters are just as guilty as Joe for letting an innocent man rot in jail.
if [George and Anne] wanted to open up the case again.
Joes prediction is actually correct though, and it is the arrival of George which helps to uncover the truth about the cylinder heads. George therefore does a very good job or prosecuting Joe. A clever inclusion into the play is that George is actually involved with the law, as opposed to it just being a metaphor, like the other parts of the courtroom analogy. We get this idea through Chris question to him Hows the law.
Youre not even an animal, no animal kills his own, what are you? Im not going to do anything about it
Throughout almost all of the play Chris, Anne and Kate represent Joes defence.Chris suddenly becomes a prosecutor, voicing his fury and shame to his father Perhaps here we see a highly uncaring side of Anne, as she will gladly let her father rot in prison even though she now knows that he is innocent.
Religion
Every Sunday ought to be like thisp90
The play starts on a sunday morning which is a religious time of the week
chris
Chris name could be interpreted as Christ which would suggest a kind of moral superiority that he at least tries to achieve
downstage, stands the four-foot high stump of a slender apple-tree whose upper branches lie toppled beside it, fruit still clinging to its branchesp89
The apple tree is incredibly important in terms of religious symbolism. It obviously has connotations of the tree of knowledge the tree which was in the story of Adam and Eve. Its significant that its there as it is an indication of the fall thats about to happen (in the same way that eve fell from gods grace by eating the apple). It represents in this sense the knowledge of Larrys death and the real causes.
living next door to the holy family p131
The tree is a holy symbol however it is broken.the broken tree signifies that in reality, the Kellers arent as holy as they seem.
the trouble with you is that you dont believe in anything now I live in the usual darkness
My personal opinion is that Jim represents non belief in terms of religion. The idea that he lives in darkness suggests that there is no light from religion in his life. And perhaps his unhappiness is a result of this non belief. Although, as an alternative interpretation, you could say that the way he admires Chris (he meets a man and makes a statue out of him p131) and the fact that Chris could be interpreted as Christ means that he isnt a total non believer.
Nobody in this house dast take her faith away, Joe p 107
Although this is a references to Anns faith in Larry, it potentially has further reaching meaning. The use of dast is not in keeping with the general colloquial tone of the dialogue in the play, so it stands out. It almost sounds as if it could have been quoted from the bible. It is keeping with the idea that Mother is hijacking religion as reasoning behind her argument that Larry is alive
I never believed in crucifying people p117
Keller says this, and although its clearly a view that he has gained because he is guilty, its also representative of a forgiving figure. However, its also incredibly ironical since hes put Steve through jail for something he didnt do which is worse than crucifiction .
He was falsely accussed once and it put him through hell p133
Chris says this to Ann and the irony is that Keller lied and put Steve in prison actions that Christians believe would put him through hell the next time he is accused he will commit suicide an action Christians also believe will result in the perpetrater going to hell
George, you dont want to be the voice of God, do you? p140
And truer love hath no man! p 148
it has biblical echoes.
Is it junk to feel that that theres a greater power than ourselves? p 154
Thats all, nothing more til Christ comes. P155
Theres great irony in this statement from Chris. By til Christ comes hes refering to Judgement day (and therefore implying that they should never talk about the problem again). But in reality, judgement day is approaching (the day when the truth emerges and the day of Kellers death).
God does not let a son be killed by his father p 156
This is the whole concept that has led to Kates adamant belief that Larry is still alive.
Play
Act One
The Kellers home is describe as a secluded atmosphere and something about poplar trees. This creates he effect of the Kellers home in having something to hide perhaps, which is reinforced by annes comment that the poplars have gotten thick. Also Their house is described as on the outskirts of an american town. Well an could suggest that this does not only apply to the Kellers, but the whole of american society including the audience who are viewing the play. Also look at Frank entrance. He saunters in creating a sense of mystery and slowness about the place. Also look at the introduction to the materialistic goods such as the malt mixer, something which would have been fairly new, considering the context. Also there is a lot in Chris war speech, you could basically write a page on that single section and it is also good for linking in with the section ou have been asked. Remeber, always link this section to the rest of the play, without this you wont get an A.
Act Two
Act Three
Joe Keller
I saw your factory on the way from the stations. It looks like general motorsp150
Allusion-Savy businessman
Well thats only your business, Chrisp100
Inability to stand up to Kate
in hopeless fury, looks at her, turns around, goes up the porch, and into the house slamming screen door violently behind him p126
Shows he can be neurotic
Chris¦ Chris, I did it for you¦For you! A business for you.p158
Keller deals with guilt by blaming others and unfortunately taints his love for his son
A man cant be a Jesus in this worldp169
Allusion He is realistic but slightly jaded you can try to fulfil your moral and social responsibility
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that Ill put a bullet in my head!p163
Dramatic irony and prolepsis- family is the most important thing for him commendable but leads to his downfall as he convinces himself that he shipped the cylinder heads for his family rather than himself
(Chris with admiration) Joe McGutsp116
He is very brave
But I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they were p170
Recognition that he has social responsibility cant live with the realisation
I cant sleep here; Ill feel better if I gop170
He shows determination there is a metaphorical recognition that he needs to die he is admirable even in death
The¦man who knows how many minutes a day his workers spend in the toilet p59
He has worked hard to be successful he has tried to follow the American dream
Im surprised you remember his birthday, Frank. Thats nice.p91
Exudes self-confidence and likeability
I want a clean start for you, Chris p124
Does love his son
Joe wants to bring you into the business when you get outp135
Emphaises his benign nature by referring to himself in the third person-When he gets scared he tries to buy people off
Kate Keller
If I tell this to Mother and she has a fit about it p100
Shows Kate is mentally unstable, has not accepted that Larry is dead and is protected by Joe and Chris. Adds to the tension of the play as we realise she might not be able to hold it together
Your brothers alive, darling, because if hes dead, your father killed him¦God does not let a son be killed by his father p156
Dramatic irony Kate reveals her supposition and her desperation to keep Larry alive in her mind as her argument is not a good one
(Mother smashes him across the face)p155
Onomatopoeia-Shows she is capable of violence
It takes a certain talent-for lying. You have it and I do. But not him p160
Shows that Kate has known about Kellers deceit all along. Highlights the theme of deceit
(She finds herself reaching out for the glass of water and aspirin) p109
From a Freudian view point her emotional turmoil is manifesting itself as physical illness
Be smart now, Joe. The boy is coming. Be smart p126
Repetion-Shows that she wants to manipulate George
(frightened at the thought you cant say that to her) p99
Shows she is a difficult character to understand and is neurotic as even her husband and son dont know how shes going to react
He hasnt been laid up in fifteen years p152
Colloquial-Shows her careless side and shows she is a little bit stupid
The minute theres trouble you have no strengthp162
Uses illness to manipulate characters to act benignly towards her
Forget now. Livep171
Clearly loves Chris
I m smarter than any of youp148
Shows she knows she can manipulate them
Ill find you a girl and put a smile on your face.. You remember Mr Macys daughter p149
Clich¯¿½d-Shows her manipulation can be a benign force
Chris Keller
Because sometimes I think youre¦ ashamed of the moneyp124
Hesitation dosent want to talk about crime Reveals Kellers suspicion that Chris is aware of his crime. It shows that Chris is an idealist
Oh, Chris, youre a liar to yourselfp143
Shows Chris is self-deceiving
Everytime I reach out for something I have to pull back because other people will sufferp100
Shows he is selfless
Oh Annie, Im going to make a fortune for you!p122
Hypocritical of Chris shows an idealism commercialism clash
Its time she realised that nobody believes Larry is alive anymore
Only acts on his idealism when it suits him has let Kate pretend that Larry is alive for the last three years until he wants to marry his wife shows his hypocrisy
But Im just like everyone else nowp166
Shows Chris arrogance in thinking that he was special
Im practical now. You made me practicalp166
Repetition of practical highlights its significanceSignals Chriss conversion from Idealism to pragmatism
A man can be a Jesus in this worldp169
Idea of Chris as Christ figure if you take his name metaphorically just add t to his name this is reinforced by this quotation
Ann Dever
Id like you to tell him that Larry is dead and you know it p165
Stands up for what she thinks is right
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no Fatherp117
Ashamed of her Fathers role in the shop incident and deludes herself that Keller is right based on very little evidence
I want you to set him free and then I promise you everything will endp164
Ann tires of moral responsibility like Chris she loses her idealism and becomes more realistic she abandons her father for a chance to be happy
The female version of Chrisp132
Gives up her idealism for pragmatism (starting a new life with Chris) is responsible for tragedy
This is filthy, didnt you bring another shirt?p138
Ann acts as a maternal force for George
You understand me? Im not going out of here alone. Theres no life for me that way. P164
Determined to get what she wants wont listen to others
George Dever
say, youve gotten a little nervous, havent youp139
Uncomfortable in the role of justice
Because you believed it p143
Trusts Chris
Ill find you a girl and put a smile on your facep149
Clich¯¿½d-He is swayed by the promise of a happy and easy life
You look terrible, Georgep150
Standing up for his father has taken a toll
I told you to marry that girl
Lost out by being in the war
Jim and Sue Bayliss
It takes a certain talent for lying. You have it and I do. But not himp160
Jim wants to be idealistic but has sold out to become a good father
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim sacrifices his dream of being a researcher and his idealism
I told her to take up the guitar. Itd be a common intrest for them p110
Kate believes the Bayliss have too little in common
Everybody knows Joe pulled a fast one to get out of Jail p131
Colloquial-Show that the neighbourhood think Joes guilty foreshadows revelation that he is adds tension
They give him credit for being smart p132
Colloquial-Show that Keller is well liked and respected
Frank and Lydia Lubey
Ive studied the stars of his life! Somewhere in this world your brother is alive!p154
Satirical and dramatic irony Discredits fate as a force in this play as Larry is dead
Does dad expect a parole soon? p114
Both have a habit of making tactless comments which makes them disagreeable despite their amicable nature
Youre still making your own clothes? Aint she classy p147
Demonstrative of a couple living the American dream
THEMES
Confession
The structure of a play is always the story of how the birds come home to roost Miller
There is always the discovery of the past and a confession this is what makes a good tragedy
Forget Now. Livep171
Short scentances-The confession is for the better
[Desperately. Lost]p164
The confession evokes pity/fear
The star of ones honesty¦ he (Chris) probably just wanted to be alone to watch his star go outp160
This is the effect a confession has on others
[hopless fury]p126
Simile Causes anger
I was afraidp158
Difficult to confess emphasised by short sentences
Im not trying to hurt you Kate My Godp165-166
Confession usually causes pain
Guilt and Shame
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no Fatherp117
Colloquial-Ashamed of her Fathers role in the shop incident
Chris¦ Chris, I did it for you¦For you! A business for you.p158
Keller deals with guilt by blaming others
What am I, a stranger? I thought I had a family here, what happened to my family?p161
Repetition of family Guilt and shame plays a role in the development of Kellers relationship with his father
I cant look at you this way, I cant look at myselfp168
Kellers confession leads to shame for Chris
(She finds herself reaching out for the glass of water and aspirin)p109
Kate is so ashamed of her deception she has a mental and physical breakdown from a Freudian viewpoint
(a shot is heard in the house)p171
Shame and guilt over the cylinder heads could arguably lead to this but I think If this had been the case Keller would have killed himself a long time ago instead I think larry and Chriss disownal of him and his realisation that he has a social responsibility cause him to kill himself he tries to make amends by killing himself and thus exonerating steeve and his family
I cant live with myself anymorep169
Larry kills himself because of guilt that he has helped build a business that has killed American pilots and shame that his father and father-in-law have made a decision that kills his compatriots.
They killed themselves for each otherp121
Chris has survivors guilt he feels responsible for everyone
Deception
I suspected my father and did nothing about itp166
Chris is self-deceiving
But theres God so certain thing s can never happen¦Ann, you know Im right! p113
Dramatic irony-Kate is self deceiving she gives a flimsy argument and clearly doesnt truly believe that Larry will come back as shes horrible to Ann so if he ever does come back Ann will not want Kate to be part of their life
It takes a certain talent for lying. You have it and I do. But he (Chris) doesntp160
This is Chris tragic flaw
Poplars cut off view p89
Delusion that Keller can cut himself off from the world
Loss
Im practical now. You made me Practicalp166
Repetition of practical Chris sacrifices his idealism for his family
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim sacrifices his dream of being a researcher
Chris, I did it for you p158
Keller sacrifices his morality for his family
I thought I had a family here. What happened to my family? P161
Loss of relationship between Keller and Chris and Kate
I told you to marry that girl p148
Loss of future between George and Lydia
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Colloquial Loss of relationship between Ann and Steve
I was going to tell them¦ it was too late p157
Clich¯¿½d Loss of opportunity to warn about the faulty parts
four-foot high stump p89
Symbolises the loss of Larry
Because if hes not coming back, then Ill kill myself p107
Bathos How Kate deals with loss of Larry = loss of mental stability
Were like at a railway station waiting for a train that never comes in p106
Simile Chris deals with loss of Larry by trying to move on
[Increasing demand]p113
Conflict over different ways of dealing with the past and the loss of Larry each character tries to get their point across
Those dear dead days beyond recallp110
alliterationLoss of the benign past
I want a clean start for you, Chris p124
Idiom Deals with loss of past by breaking from it
Lets¦ raise some hell around here, like we used to before Larry went! p110
idiomAnn deals with past by resurrecting it
Suicide
I cant bear to live any more¦ I read about dad being convictedp169
Larry commits suicide because of guilt does this make him a coward or a tragic hero?
If hes not coming back Ill kill myselfp107
Bathos Irony as Larry has killed himself foreshadows this discovery
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that Ill put a bullet in my head!p163
Bathos Dramatic irony
You stop that! p163
Short scentance emphaises shockMothers reaction to suicide
[A shot is heard in the house] p171
Kellers reaction to Larrys suicide
They killed themselves for each otherp121
Chris has a different attitude to suicide than his parents
War profiteering
What you have is loot and it has blood on itp121
Metaphor Chris is ashamed of it
Did they ship a gun or a truck out of Detroit before they got their price?p168
Allusion-Realism argument it is too idealistic to expect people to work for nothing
Chris, I did it for you p158
Kellers attitude is that war profiteering is fine if it is done for the family
But I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they were p170
Shows Kellers change of mind he can no longer justify war profiteering through his family he now believes he has social and moral responsibility
Moral Responsibility
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim neglected being true to himself
The star of ones honesty¦ he probably just wanted to be alone to watch his star go outp160
Simile Lack of honesty from all characters even eventually Chris
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Colloquial Lack of forgiveness from Ann and initially George
I said hes dead.I know!p165
Ann shows moral responsibility when she bravely tries to convince broken pscyotic women that her son is dead as she has found out
I cant bear to live anymorep169
Larry cant forgive
I want you to set him free and then I promise you everything will be at an endp164
Metaphor Ann tires of moral responsibility
I cant look at you this way. I cant look at myselfp169
Cant emphasised Chris finds it hard to forgive and stay true to himself
A man cant be a Jesus in this worldp169
Allusion Keller lies about Steve and his involvement with the faulty parts
Social responsibility
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that then Ill put a bullet through my headp163
Irony and bathos Kellers initial delusion about social responsibility his journey through the play is the discovery that there is more than this
But I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they were p170
Recognition that he has social responsibility cant live with the realisation
To him the world had a forty-foot front; it ended at the building linep163
Shows Larry initially ignored his social responsibility
I cant bear to live any morep169
Realises he has social responsibility and that he has been indirectly forced by his father to neglect this but does he neglect his social responsibility by killing himself taking a pilot away from benefiting his country?
Heroism
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself Joseph Campbell (American folklorist)
A tragic hero is A man not pre-eminently virtuous and just, whose misfortune however, is brought upon him not by vice or depravity but by some error of judgement Aristotle
Miller was aware of this definition
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that then Ill put a bullet through my headp163
Bathos and irony Joe is a hero according to Campbells definition
Forget now. Livep171
Short scentances show shock Through death he is able to save his family from long term suffering
I cant sleep here; Ill feel better if I gop170
He shows determination there is a metaphorical recognition that he needs to die
Well thats only your business Chrisp100
He doesnt want to confront his wife so he becomes alienated from his son
Chris knows Keller is no worse than no men. I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my fatherp168
Cylinder heads cause break with Chris and tragedy
I suspected my father and did nothing about itp166
Chris is self-deceiving although it could be argued that fate takes a part as Kellers deception could have remained hidden from the outside world through the court paper. Kellers mistake has already destroyed his family the real tragedy as everything hes worked for has been for them for you, a business for you
She finds herself reaching out for the glass of water and asprinp109
Causes a mental and physical deterioration for Kate
Oh my Godp166
Refuses to believe her son is dead despite all the evidence
Id hoped that if I waited, mother would forget Larry and then wed have a regular wedding and everything happy, but if that cant happen then Ill have to get out of herep101
Ironically Mother drives Chris away by refusing to agree with the evidence
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Abandons her father and believes Joe only to find out she was wrong to do so
Oh Chris, Ive been ready for a long, long time p120
Repetition of long Although she is not responsible for Larrys death a great tragedy in her life she does kill his memory by getting engaged with Chris
The female version of Chrisp132
Gives up her idealism for pragmatism (starting a new life with Chris) is responsible for tragedy
He won the war, Frankp148
George lost the love of his life to Frank
I told you when you went away, dont try for medalsp145
Aphorism He was initially eager to get away from the neighbourhood and become a soldier
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim is responsible for his own tragedy but is a hero as he remains a good husband and conformed to the prosaic
The world had a forty-foot front it ended at the building linep163
Larry recognises that this is not the case and tries to make amends for it by suicidially fighting for his country
Return of the Past
The past is always present and cannot be ignored, forgotten or denied Centola
Idealism vs. Commercialism
Chris, Jim, George and Ann vs. Joe and Sue
When you marry never count your husbands money p110
Aphorism The majority of the characters advocate idealism over commercialism
Because sometimes I think youre¦ ashamed of the moneyp124
Hesitation shows conflict Keller thinks Commercialism can act as a benign force
Oh Annie, Im going to make a fortune for you!p122
Hypocritical of Chris
For you, a business for youp158
Keller and Chris have the same attitude when they have a family they both ultimately want to work for them
The business! The business doesnt inspire mep102
More interested in idealism but has still sold out for money but in denial that hes done so
And hes got money. Thats important, you knowp130
Suggests that Chris can afford to be idealistic sue values materialism
As soon as a woman supports a man, he owes her something. You can never owe somebody something without resenting themp130
Money affects relationships
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim has made a compromise between the two
Joe wants to bring you into the business when you get out p135
Uses the third person Compromise between commercialism and idealism he knows Steve will not want to work for the better of the business
Im practical now. You made me Practicalp166
Repetition of practical Chris sacrifices his idealism for his family
Family Relationships
Keller Family
Keller and Larry
If Larry were alive he wouldnt act like this. That was a boy we lost. Larry.p163
Irony Larry is his favourite son he understands him
I think to him they were all my sons. And I guess they werep170
Keller is prepared to change his views for Larry
Keller and Chris
Ive been a good son too long, a good suckerp102
Colloquial They dont understand each other but are ultimately prepared to make compromises for each other
Chris¦Chris, I did it for youp154
Keller taints there relationship by trying to put the blame for the cylinder heads on Chris
Im his father and hes my son and if theres something bigger than that then Ill put a bullet through my headp163
Irony and bathos Shows that he does love Chris
Chris and Larry
(Chris is discovered sawing the broken-off tree, leaving stump standing alone)p127
Tries to clear away Larrys memory
Mother and Chris
Shes Larrys girlp155
Colloquial Seems to care about Larry more
Forget now. Livep171
Short scentances Her maternal side comes out to Chris once Larry is dead
Mother and Larry
Irony and bathos Because if hes not coming back then Ill kill myselfp107
Cant let go of Larry
I knew I could stop himp105
Irony Believes she can save Larry
Keller and Kate
I wear the pants and she beats me with the beltp150
Kate emotionally blackmails Keller
Deever Family
Ann, George and their absent father might be viewed as the opposite of the Kellers
Ann and Steve
Its wrong to pity a man like that. Father or no fatherp117
Colloquial Abandons her father and believes Joe with little evidence
Ill do nothing about Joe p164
Sacrifices Steve being exonerated for her future happiness
Ann and George
Youre coming with mep144
He is prepared to sacrifice her happiness for his idealism they dont have a very strong relationship
This is filthy, didnt you bring another shirt?p138
Ann acts as a maternal force for George
Steve and George
I didnt see him once when I got home from the war!p141
George initially chooses idealism over his father
Wears (your fathers) hat139
Eventually compromises and wears his hat as he loves him
Lubey Family
I dont know why you cant learn to turn on a simple thing like a toaster! p94
Demonstrative of the perfect family without idealism living the American dream
American Dream
The American dream is a subjective term usually implying a successful and satisfying life. Perceptions of the American dream are usually framed in terms of American capitalism, and the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Bill of rights
Ill get out. Ill get married and live some place elsep101
Freedom
I want a family, I want some kids, I want to build something I can give myself top102
Tricolon of want Belief that you can achieve what ever you want if you work hard for it
I dont know why you cant learn to turn on a simple thing like a toaster! p94
Demonstrative of the perfect family without idealism living the American dream
I¦ studied a certain disease. It was beautiful. And then she came, and she cried. And I went back home with her. And now I live in the usual darkness p160
Repetition of she and her Jim sacrifices his dream of being a researcher he is not living the American dream
I was the beast¦ Except I wasnt¦ Fourteen months later I had of the best shops in the state again, a respected man again; bigger than ever. P116
Metaphor Failure of American dream should be in prison as has broken the law
Hope
Shes dreaming about him againp99
Kate hopes that Larry will return
I want a family, I want some kids, I want to build something I can give myself top102
Tricolon-Ann and Chris want to marry and be successful-live the American dream
Chris¦Chris, I did it for youp158
Keller wants to provide a significant amount for his family
Humour
I would love to help humanity on a Warner Brothers salaryp93
Foils provide comic relief in act 1 contrast to later tragedy
My love, My lightp93
Sarcasm from Jim
I like to keep abreast of my ignorancep96
Major character is introduced through humour contrast to his serious and idealistic nature
Dont talk dirty (They laugh)p134
Keller provides comic relief in act two and makes him more likeable
Justice
Justice is a main theme within the play All My Sons, and an example of justice being symbolised is the idea of Joe telling the children that he has a jail in the basement of his house.Although simple, this metaphor is quite powerful, as it suggests to the audience that he could be hiding more than just a basement to the people of the street. It could also suggest that he is keeping justice locked away within the Keller house, and as the children keep asking about the jail, there is an underlying idea that the truth about Joe could surface sometime within the play.
I spoiled the both of you
Something that is apparent throughout the book is the amount of money that Joe has earned through his business. Some may assume that Keller bribed his way out of prison, due his frequent reference to, as well as his constant reliance on money. He uses this later in the play as a way to try and justify to his family that if he had gone to jail then he wouldnt have been able to make all this money for them.
Everybody knows Joe pulled a fast one to get out of jail.
Whilst this may first seem as a cheap dig at the Kellers, this is confirmed when Jim says (to Kate) Ive always known. This would be negatively viewed, as because of these actions an innocent man (Steve) is in jail instead of Joe. Therefore, the characters are just as guilty as Joe for letting an innocent man rot in jail.
if [George and Anne] wanted to open up the case again.
Joes prediction is actually correct though, and it is the arrival of George which helps to uncover the truth about the cylinder heads. George therefore does a very good job or prosecuting Joe. A clever inclusion into the play is that George is actually involved with the law, as opposed to it just being a metaphor, like the other parts of the courtroom analogy. We get this idea through Chris question to him Hows the law.
Youre not even an animal, no animal kills his own, what are you? Im not going to do anything about it
Throughout almost all of the play Chris, Anne and Kate represent Joes defence.Chris suddenly becomes a prosecutor, voicing his fury and shame to his father Perhaps here we see a highly uncaring side of Anne, as she will gladly let her father rot in prison even though she now knows that he is innocent.
Religion
Every Sunday ought to be like thisp90
The play starts on a sunday morning which is a religious time of the week
chris
Chris name could be interpreted as Christ which would suggest a kind of moral superiority that he at least tries to achieve
downstage, stands the four-foot high stump of a slender apple-tree whose upper branches lie toppled beside it, fruit still clinging to its branchesp89
The apple tree is incredibly important in terms of religious symbolism. It obviously has connotations of the tree of knowledge the tree which was in the story of Adam and Eve. Its significant that its there as it is an indication of the fall thats about to happen (in the same way that eve fell from gods grace by eating the apple). It represents in this sense the knowledge of Larrys death and the real causes.
living next door to the holy family p131
The tree is a holy symbol however it is broken.the broken tree signifies that in reality, the Kellers arent as holy as they seem.
the trouble with you is that you dont believe in anything now I live in the usual darkness
My personal opinion is that Jim represents non belief in terms of religion. The idea that he lives in darkness suggests that there is no light from religion in his life. And perhaps his unhappiness is a result of this non belief. Although, as an alternative interpretation, you could say that the way he admires Chris (he meets a man and makes a statue out of him p131) and the fact that Chris could be interpreted as Christ means that he isnt a total non believer.
Nobody in this house dast take her faith away, Joe p 107
Although this is a references to Anns faith in Larry, it potentially has further reaching meaning. The use of dast is not in keeping with the general colloquial tone of the dialogue in the play, so it stands out. It almost sounds as if it could have been quoted from the bible. It is keeping with the idea that Mother is hijacking religion as reasoning behind her argument that Larry is alive
I never believed in crucifying people p117
Keller says this, and although its clearly a view that he has gained because he is guilty, its also representative of a forgiving figure. However, its also incredibly ironical since hes put Steve through jail for something he didnt do which is worse than crucifiction .
He was falsely accussed once and it put him through hell p133
Chris says this to Ann and the irony is that Keller lied and put Steve in prison actions that Christians believe would put him through hell the next time he is accused he will commit suicide an action Christians also believe will result in the perpetrater going to hell
George, you dont want to be the voice of God, do you? p140
And truer love hath no man! p 148
it has biblical echoes.
Is it junk to feel that that theres a greater power than ourselves? p 154
Thats all, nothing more til Christ comes. P155
Theres great irony in this statement from Chris. By til Christ comes hes refering to Judgement day (and therefore implying that they should never talk about the problem again). But in reality, judgement day is approaching (the day when the truth emerges and the day of Kellers death).
God does not let a son be killed by his father p 156
This is the whole concept that has led to Kates adamant belief that Larry is still alive.
Play
Act One
The Kellers home is describe as a secluded atmosphere and something about poplar trees. This creates he effect of the Kellers home in having something to hide perhaps, which is reinforced by annes comment that the poplars have gotten thick. Also Their house is described as on the outskirts of an american town. Well an could suggest that this does not only apply to the Kellers, but the whole of american society including the audience who are viewing the play. Also look at Frank entrance. He saunters in creating a sense of mystery and slowness about the place. Also look at the introduction to the materialistic goods such as the malt mixer, something which would have been fairly new, considering the context. Also there is a lot in Chris war speech, you could basically write a page on that single section and it is also good for linking in with the section ou have been asked. Remeber, always link this section to the rest of the play, without this you wont get an A.
Act Two
Act Three