Jim Quotes

All my sons - Arthur Miller

“I would love to help humanity on a Warner Brothers salary.”

Unmitigated declarative - Reflects his frustration with society and suggests only the rich can make a difference in the world.

“There’s not a damned thing to look at.” “except my wife, of course.”

Humorous - Unclear if he meant it or just said it for marital union.

“You can’t explode in front of her.”

Unmitigated declarative - Anticipating George’s arrival and worried over the effects it will have on Mother’s mental health.

“Money. Money-money-money-money.”

Repetition - Going insane due to futile pursuit of money. Perhaps Miller is connecting insanity and capitalism.

“I’ve always known.”

Short minor declarative - Presents the reality, how people knew about Keller’s dirty acts, but didn't care.

“It takes a certain talent for…lying. You have it, and I do. But not him (Chris).”

Motif of lying - Separates himself from Chris’ righteousness, implying that he is the foil.

“Every man does have a star. The star of one’s honesty.”

Motif of light + echos the playwright voice - Emphasises the necessity for honesty.

“Now I live in the usual darkness.”

Motif of light vs dark - Implies irony is at the heart of morality, sometimes one would be a better person if they were more selfish.

“He’ll come back. We all come back, Kate.”

Unmitigated declarative - Jim doesn't believe that anyone can stay idealistic in the modern world.

“It’s even hard sometimes to remember the kind of man I wanted to be.”

Motif of compromise - To live the American Dream, he had to give up his aspirations.