How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #7
Chris: You killed them, you murdered them
Keller: How could I kill anybody? (2.533-4)
Joe can't identify himself as a murderer, and truly doesn't understand why Chris sees it this way.
Quote #8
Keller: You lay forty years into a business and they knock you out in five minutes, what could I do, let them take forty years, let them take my life away? (2.542)
Joe explains his position at length. He's really hoping Chris will come around, see things his way, say: "Yes, you did the right thing, Dad. Thanks for saving the business for me."
Quote #9
Chris: For me! I was dying every day and you were killing my boys and you did it for me? What the hell do you think I was thinking of, the Goddam business? Is that as far as your mind can see, the business? (2.557)
Chris's wider vision of humanity is informed by the war. In his earlier monologue with Ann, he confesses that he feels it draining out of him. In some ways, All My Sons is a sad coming-of-age story for Chris.