Question 3
Either
A: At the end of another famous play by Arthur Miller, 'Death of a Salesman' the protagonist commits suicide. Unlike this play however there is a final 'requiem' scene where the characters gather around his graveside and express their final thoughts about him.
If Miller had included a parallel scene in this play, what would they have said about Joe Keller, and why? Would they have expressed their private thoughts or not?
- The characters are Kate, Chris, George, Ann and any two of Jim, Sue, Frank and Lydia.
- To what extent would any of them seek to support Joe's actions as a fitting punishment for what he did?
- To what extent would any of them seek to defend Joe and deplore his suicide?
- What exactly do you imagine Kate saying about him publicly?
- Are Chris and George now reconciled?
Or
B: How does Jim try to persuade Kate here that Chris will return and how convincing do you find what he says?
Jim: Any news?
Mother No news
Jim (gently) You can't sit up all night dear, why don't you go to bed?
Mother I'm waiting for Chris. Don't worry about me, Jim, I'm perfectly all right.
Jim But it's almost two o'clock.
Mother I can't sleep. (Slight pause) You had an emergency?
Jim (tiredly) Somebody had a headache and though he was dying. (Slight pause) Half of my patients are quite mad. Nobody realises how many people are walking around loose, and they're cracked as coconuts. Money. Money-money-money-money. You say it long enough it doesn't mean anything. (She smiles, makes a silent laugh). Oh how I'd love to be around when that happens!
Mother (shaking her head) You're so childish Jim! Sometimes you are.
Jim (looks at her a moment) Kate. (Pause) What happened?
Mother I told you. He had an argument…
