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Differing attitudes to social responsibilty through Joe and Chris Keller (A. Miller's - page 8
Keywords: social responsibility arthur miller all my sons world war two ii 2 drama chris joe keller
By exploiit on 19/06/2010
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 8 of 9 pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9fairness to those around him, as he has to “pull back because other people will suffer”. This attitude suggests that he is unwilling to utilize another man for his own well-being. His refusal to simply forget that the Keller company was responsible for the death of over twenty men is evidence that he is adamant not to have those men belittled, asking “who flew the P-40s? Pigs?” an obvious protest that they were unjustly cast aside. We know that Chris sees himself as a part of a universal group. In saying “I was dying everyday”, we realize that he is referring not to himself, but to his faction – indicating that he considers himself one of many brothers. His sheer disbelief at his father’s actions also helps the audience to acknowledge his zeal, concerning his values. “Don’t you have a country? Don’t you live in the world?” Not only does this inquisition criticize Joe Keller’s irresponsibility to his world, but it is also a key moment in distinguishing the difference between Miller’s patriotic and unpatriotic characters.
The end of All My Sons sees the detriment of Chris Keller’s character. The idealist-optimistic is reduced to little more than a bitter and disillusioned pessimist. As his father’s shameful reality has surfaced, Chris sees himself as “practical now”. In this, we realize that he is beginning to lose faith in the good nature of others, and is instead taking notice of the cynicism and self-serving in people. His world view was once open-minded and interested, but is now introverted and pungent as he starts to find belief in the idea that “you don’t love a man here, you eat him”.
Miller also uses a number of devices to heighten tension in his play for dramatic effect. The first, of which we pick up on almost immediately, is pathetic fallacy. Miller has used the reference to an August day, with a “sweltering, oppressive heat” to create an atmosphere of unease, where the characters are feeling suffocated. This technique, along with Kate Keller’s restless insomnia, help to build up an uncomfortable environment in which incident seems almost inevitable.
Another technique which is used to stimulate tension is the untimely entrances and exits of characters throughout the play. Notably is Frank Lubey’s sudden entrance, during an awkward conversation between Keller, Kate and George, concerning Joe’s secret. He excitedly interrupts, much to the annoyance of other characters. Instances such as
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