Age Flashcards
Overview
In An Inspector Calls, age and generational divide are portrayed through the differing attitudes of the older and younger characters. The older generation, like Mr. Birling, is resistant to change and self-serving, while the younger characters, particularly Sheila and Eric, show potential for growth and social responsibility, challenging traditional views.
Quotes
‘But these girls aren’t cheap labour- they’re people.’ - Pg 19
‘You seem to have made a great impression on this child, Inspector’ - Pg 30
‘There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did’ - Pg 57
‘The girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her’ - Pg 65
‘But these girls aren’t cheap labour- they’re people.’
Point - Sheila is presented as morally developing and socially aware, rejecting her father’s capitalist views and embracing empathy for the working class.
Choice - Priestley has Sheila use the empathetic phrase “But these girls aren’t cheap labour—they’re people”, with italicisation on “people” and an exclamation mark for emphasis. The phrase “these girls” groups the working class together, highlighting their treatment as a faceless, exploitable workforce.
Effect - This language choice marks Sheila’s moral development and growing awareness of class inequality. The exclamation shows her strong emotions and rejection of her father’s capitalist mindset. By presenting Sheila as compassionate and socially aware, Priestley suggests that the younger generation has the potential to embrace change, contrasting with the rigid, selfish views of the older generation.
‘You seem to have made a great impression on this child, Inspector’
Point - Mrs. Birling’s comment reflects her dismissive attitude towards Sheila’s growing awareness, highlighting the generational divide and resistance to change.
Choice - Mrs Birling says, “You seem to have made a great impression on this child, Inspector,” using the term “child” to reflect her patronising attitude toward Sheila. This highlights Mrs. Birling’s dismissiveness toward her daughter’s growing awareness and evolving sense of responsibility.
Effect - This statement emphasises the generational divide between the older and younger generations. While Mrs. Birling clings to outdated views and refuses to accept responsibility, Sheila’s evolving sense of moral responsibility shows hope for a more socially aware future. This contrast encourages the audience to reflect on the potential for change and the importance of embracing social responsibility.
‘There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did’
Point - Mr Birling’s refusal to accept responsibility, highlighting the older generation’s tendency to justify their actions.
Choice - Mr. Birling’s statement, “There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did,” reflects the dismissive attitude of the older generation and their refusal to accept responsibility. This highlights the generational divide, as Birling tries to justify his and his wife’s actions rather than acknowledging their impact.
Effect - The contrast between the older generation’s self-righteousness and the younger characters’ remorse emphasizes the stubbornness and moral blindness of figures like Birling. Priestley uses this divide to suggest that real change lies with the younger generation, encouraging the audience to embrace social responsibility and accountability.
‘The girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her’
Point – Eric’s vocal confrontation represents the younger generation’s rejection of complacency and their willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, promoting social change.
Choice – In Act 3, Eric’s outburst, “And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her - and that’s what matters,” marks a shift from his passive, unconfident behavior in Act 1. By this point, he refuses to be silenced and demands his family face the consequences of their actions. His use of “we” highlights that the entire family is complicit, challenging the older generation’s tendency to deny responsibility.
Effect – Eric’s transformation shows the generational divide, with the younger generation more open to change and accountability, contrasting with the older generation’s self-preservation. He symbolizes a future focused on fairness, moral responsibility, and social progress.
