Class notes
All My Sons Notes
- Course
- Institution
- Book
Notes on the book 'All My Sons' by Arthur Miller, in the 'Voices' module of the Pearson Edexcel specification of English Language and Literature.
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
More summaries for
-
Character Profiles from All My Sons - Arthur Miller
-
Arthur Miller Factfile
-
1946 Context for All My Sons - Arthur Miller
Seller
Follow
nelliecoss
Content preview
All My Sons – NotesKey elements of drama:
- Setting
o Symbolism
Mood
- Plot
o Dialogue
o Main/sub
o Tension
Conflict
Resolution
o Structure
Linear?
- Character profiles
o Personality
Development
o Relationships
Internal
External
National Theatre Production (Old Vic & Headlong)
Extract 1:
1. What is the atmosphere evoked by the opening stage direction?
a. Opening stage direction is description of the set and LX
i. Set is unconventional for naturalistic live productions, unable to move
locations – permanent geographical location
ii. Full cyclorama set pieces, set adornments overused
iii. Fake grass instead of theatre floor or sprung skin, this means the absorption
of LX is minimal, creating washed light
iv. LX steel wash, static
2. What emotions are conjured by:
a. The fallen apple tree
b. The house
c. The driveway
d. The wire leaf burner
3. Find examples to prove or disprove Frank’s observation that Jim does not believe in anything
and Jim’s that Frank believes in anything.
4. Describe Jim’s relationship with his son.
a. Detached, isolated
5. Describe the different ways in which the audience learn of the fate of Larry.
a. “I used to have two sons now I only have one.”
b. Avoidance
6. Consider Keller’s reflection on sons beginning “Well that’s what a war does.” What has
changed since his day? Also, look back to his observations on types of work once available –
what can we discover about Keller’s character and the qualities he values?
, Extract 2:
1. How does Kate Keller (mother) demonstrate ‘uncontrolled emotions’ and ‘an overwhelming
capacity for love”?
a. Trying to gain information, Annie (late Larry’s girlfriend) is the only piece of him left
i. “Why then isn’t she (mourning him)” p19
ii. “He’s not going to marry her” p21
iii. “In my worst moments I think of her (Annie) waiting)
b. Trying to persuade others to feel the same as her
i. “That’s the third time you’ve said (about forgetting him) this week” p21
ii. “Believe with me Joe (Kate’s husband)” p22
2. What is Kate’s reaction to the fallen apple tree? What did the planting of the apple tree
hope to accomplish?
a. She interprets it as a sign that Larry is dead
i. Everything, no matter how insignificant builds her image of whether Larry
is/isn’t alive as she has such a weak basis on which to structure her beliefs
3. Through what dramatic techniques and features of speech does Miller convey Kate’s
underlying/suppressed feelings?
a. Dramatic monologue
4. Why is Kate so critical of her husband upholding the make-believe jail?
a. She understands that her beliefs are so naïve that Joe’s antics make her feel
unstable, almost like he is mocking her
5. How does Kate demonstrate a fatalistic attitude?
a. She feels connected to Larry on a spiritual/emotional level, even though he isn’t
here physically
i. “I will kill myself” – it’s life or death
6. What is revealed about Keller when he asks, “What does that mean, me above all?”
Extract 3:
Extract 5:
1. What is the dramatic effect of Frank’s comment that he will “finish the horoscope tonight”?
2. In what ways are both Keller and his wife deceiving Ann (and themselves)?
3. Why does Keller want George to move back?
4. What does Keller mean when he appeals to Chris “Just try to see it human”? Compare this
perspective with Ann’s judgment of her own father when “the news came about Larry.”
5. What is Keller’s reason for defending George?
6. Reread the monologue beginning “the man was a fool.” Who do you feel the playwright
blames for the tragedy?
Make notes on Sue’s role in light of her dialogue with Ann in Act 2 of All My Sons.
End of Act 1:
1. Intrusion of George – attitudes, what can gain about character from others
a. Kate – threat because he has capacity to bring family down and reveal truth, positive
because Chris and Ann will not be together; still feels maternal
b. Keller – dismissing the capacity for him to bring family down, secretly scared
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller nelliecoss. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.05. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67096 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now