Student Question
In "All My Sons," what does Ann mean by "father or no father, there's only one way to look at him?"
Quick answer:
Ann's statement reflects her view that her father, despite being her parent, must be seen as a criminal due to his actions. She is ashamed of him because his crime involved shipping defective parts that led to the deaths of soldiers, possibly even her fiancé Larry. Ann struggles with this reality, contrasting with Joe's defense of her father's actions, which leads to tension and an awkward decision to change the subject.
What Ann is saying here is that her father is a criminal.
"Ann expresses concern that the memory of her father’s trial and conviction might still be fresh in her old neighborhood."
"She is ashamed of her father, whom she imagines could be culpable for the deaths of many young soldiers, possibly even Larry. Joe, on the other hand, defends his former business partner and rationalizes the crime Steve was convicted of: the shipment of “cracked cylinder heads” destined for U.S. Air Force planes during the war. This line of reasoning, uncomfortable to Ann, ends with the sudden decision to dine out for the evening."
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