Birling Family

Question 1

P1

Answer 1

Priestly uses the Birling family as a microcosm for the rest of the general population, using the youth, Sheila and Eric, to propose an acceptance of social change, whilst displaying the old, Mr and Mrs Birling, as stubborn and unwilling to adapt. Mr and Mrs Birling don’t want change because they want to keep it capitalistic.

Question 2

P2

Answer 2

Initially presented the Birlings as a solid, respectable family unit. As the play progresses, he reveals their hypocrisy and division, until it becomes clear that Eric and Sheila are completely estranged from their parents. Family is a representation of the materialistic world and how reputation isn’t everything. They try to keep up a good outwards representation but secretly, inside, there is a lot of conflict. They are shallow and lack family connections.

Question 3

P3

Answer 3

The children of the family are presented as badly raised and Priestley uses the birling family to portray his opinions on upbringing. Let children have their opinions and care about them, dont just let them indulge and then shush them up when they have curiosity.
Eric - can’t control himself, drunk, carefree
Sheila - petty, superficial, childish