age and generational divide Flashcards
overview
In An Inspector Calls, the theme of age and the generational divide is really important. The play shows how the older generation, represented by Mr. and Mrs. Birling, are stubborn and refuse to change their views. They believe in personal responsibility but only when it benefits them. On the other hand, the younger generation, like Sheila and Eric, are more open to learning from their mistakes and accepting responsibility for their actions. Through this, Priestley suggests that the older generation’s attitudes hold society back, while the younger generation offers hope for change and a fairer future. The clash between the two groups highlights how attitudes towards social issues can be shaped by age, with the younger characters more willing to challenge the status quo.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
Another important quote is when Sheila says, “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.” This moment is significant because it shows her beginning to change and understand the Inspector’s message, unlike her parents. The contrast between the phrase “cheap labour” and “people” shows her shift in perspective – from seeing the workers as just part of a business to recognising their humanity. Sheila represents the younger generation, who are more open to change and accepting responsibility. The use of a dash in the quote creates a pause, emphasising her emotional reaction and the moment of realisation. Priestley uses Sheila as a dramatic device to show how the younger generation can learn and improve, while the older generation remain stuck in their ways. This makes the audience sympathise with her and trust the Inspector’s message more.
“Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of.”
In An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley explores the theme of age and the generational divide through the contrasting attitudes of the older and younger characters. One key quote that highlights this difference is when Mrs Birling says: “Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of.” This shows how the older generation refuse to take responsibility for their actions. The use of the phrase “I did nothing I’m ashamed of” suggests pride and a complete lack of guilt, even though she played a major role in pushing Eva Smith to the edge. The word “ashamed” is particularly important because it shows how Mrs Birling sees herself as morally superior, even though her actions were selfish and harmful. This highlights how the older generation are stubborn and unwilling to admit when they are wrong, which Priestley presents as dangerous. By using dramatic irony and portraying Mrs Birling as arrogant and blind to her own faults, Priestley criticises people like her in 1912 society, especially those who had power but refused to use it responsibly.
“The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”
One quote that clearly shows the generational divide in An Inspector Calls is when Mr. Birling says, “The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.” This quote reflects Mr. Birling’s capitalist mindset and his belief in individualism. The use of the word “cranks” is a dismissive term that shows how he mocks those with socialist views, particularly younger people like the Inspector or even his own children. The noun “everybody” repeated twice highlights the contrast between Mr. Birling’s views and the Inspector’s message of social responsibility. Priestley uses Mr. Birling as a symbol of the older generation, who are portrayed as selfish and out of touch. Through dramatic irony (especially since the audience knows the play was set in 1912 but written in 1945), Mr. Birling is made to look foolish and ignorant. This creates a clear gap between his outdated beliefs and the more modern, socially aware attitudes of the younger generation
“You began to learn something. And now you’ve stopped. You’re ready to go on in the same old way.”
n contrast, the younger generation are shown to be more open-minded and ready to change. A second quote that shows this is when Sheila says: “You began to learn something. And now you’ve stopped. You’re ready to go on in the same old way.” This line is aimed at her parents and shows her frustration at how quickly they want to forget the inspector’s message. The repetition of “you” creates an accusatory tone, making it clear that Sheila sees them as part of the problem. The phrase “same old way” also suggests that the older generation are stuck in outdated ways of thinking, unwilling to grow or accept responsibility. Sheila, on the other hand, has clearly changed and become more self-aware, which represents Priestley’s hope for the future through the younger generation. This quote also uses the technique of juxtaposition – Sheila’s emotional growth is placed directly against her parents’ lack of change, emphasising the divide.
“They’re over-tired. In the morning they’ll be as amused as we are.”
One of the most powerful examples of the generational divide in An Inspector Calls is when Mrs Birling says, “They’re over-tired. In the morning they’ll be as amused as we are.” This quote clearly shows the older generation’s refusal to take responsibility, while also dismissing the younger generation’s emotions. Priestley uses dramatic irony here, because the audience knows that what the younger generation is feeling is actually justified — they understand the importance of the Inspector’s message, unlike their parents. The word “amused” makes the situation sound like a joke, even though it’s really serious. This shows how out of touch Mrs Birling is, and highlights her ignorance. Through this, Priestley criticises how the older generation often avoids accountability and ignores social issues, especially those affecting others outside their own class.
“I’m ashamed of you as well – yes, both of you.”
Another key quote is when Eric says, “I’m ashamed of you as well – yes, both of you.” This is a turning point for Eric, and it represents how the younger generation begins to challenge their parents’ outdated views. The phrase “ashamed of you” is powerful — it flips the traditional power dynamic. Normally, it’s the parents who express disappointment in their children, but here it’s the other way around. Priestley uses tone and direct address to make Eric’s anger and moral growth clear. It shows that he, like Sheila, has accepted responsibility, unlike Mr and Mrs Birling. This highlights the theme of generational conflict and shows how the younger generation is more open to change and social responsibility, which is exactly what Priestley was trying to promote in post-war Britain.
conclusion
In conclusion, the theme of age and the generational divide in An Inspector Calls shows how the younger characters are more willing to accept responsibility and change, while the older ones stick to their old beliefs. Priestley uses this to show that the future lies with the younger generation, who are more open-minded and socially aware. It makes the audience think about how important it is to learn from past mistakes and be responsible for others in society.
