discuss the character of Chris in all my sons.
Answers
Chris is Joe Keller's surviving son. Miller describes him as "thirty-two; like his father, solidly built, a listener. A man capable of immense affection and loyalty" (1.102). While Joe reads the want ads in the newspaper, however, Chris reads the book section. Even before the big fight in Act 2, Chris fancies himself a slight cut above his father the materialist. He doesn't want his name put on the business, and professes to dislike it. "The business doesn't inspire me," he tells his dad; that's why he wants to marry Ann. "If I have to grub for money all day long at least at evening I want it beautiful" (1.217-19).
When Ann says yes to his proposal, Chris tells her he'll make her a fortune. Who does this sound like? That's right, Joe at the end of the play – though Joe despairs and speaks in past tense. He accuses Kate: "You wanted money, so I made money… I could live on a quarter a day myself, but I got a family so I…" (3.61-63). Chris, like Joe, truly puts family first.
Chris also shares his friendly, non-confrontational approach with his father. He likes to glide over things to avoid conflict. Chris misleads Ann into thinking no one in the neighborhood remembers the old crime, and tries (with less success) to buddy up to her hostile brother George. He sounds just like Joe with his condescending, brotherly reasoning: "That's been your trouble all your life, George, you dive into things… You're a big boy now" (2.240).