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All My Sons Notes
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Notes on the book 'All My Sons' by Arthur Miller, in the 'Voices' module of the Pearson Edexcel specification of English Language and Literature.
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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
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