Chris threatens to leave the business if he cannot get his parents' blessing for this marriage. How does Keller react to this? And what does his reaction tell us about him versus Chris?
Keller reacts in a sort of panic..... he tells Chris that the business was for him, that all of his hard work was for his son. In the end, he almost seems as if he will help his son get what he wants..... to get the girl and keep the business. And yet, he never commits to helping him. Possibly he is pacifying Chris..... possibly, he's hoping it will all be soved under the rug. Perhaps, he just refuses to take him seriously.
Keller: You've got a business here. What the hell is this?
Chris: The business! The business doesn't inspire me.
Keller: Must you be inspired?
Chris: Yes. I like it an hour a day. If I have to grub for money all day long at least at evening I want it beautiful. I want a family, I want some kids, I want to build something that I can give myself to. Annie is in the middle of that. Now ... where to I find it?
Keller: You mean... {goes to him} Tell me something, you mean you'd leave the business?
Chris: Yes. On this I would.
Keller: {after a pause} Well... you don't want to think like that.
Chris: Then help me stay here.
Keller: All right, but... but don't think like that. Because what the hell did I work for? That's only for you, Chris, the whole shootin' match is for you!
Chris: I know that, Dad. Just you help me stay here.
Keller: {putting a fist up to Chris's jaw} But don't think that way, you hear me?
Chris: I am thinking that way.
Keller: {lowering his hand} I don't understand you, do I?
All My Sons
