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
Keller: As long as I know him, twenty-five years, the man never learned how to take the blame. You know that, George. (2.423)
Joe brings up a number of examples of Steve's cowardice to get George on his side. It's pretty insidious the way he (and Kate, for that matter) try to seduce George into complicity with their family.
Quote #8
Mother: You can't bull yourself through this one, Joe, you better be smart now. This thing – this thing is not over yet. (3.36)
Joe may see his bull-headedness as courage. But Kate understands the difference between stubbornness – Joe's go-to mode – and strategy. Strategy is what's needed now.
Quote #9
Keller: You have no strength. The minute there's trouble you have no strength.
Mother: Joe, you're doing the same thing again; all your life whenever there's trouble you yell at me and you think that settles it. (3.47-48)
Joe almost seems like a little boy in this exchange, deeply reliant on Kate's intelligence to solve his problems.