Birling Family - An Inspector Calls

Question 1

4 main points for Birling family

Answer 1

The family is fragile and easily breakable
The young and old generation gap
Members expected to fall into their individual roles
Family is treated like an object (interchangeable like a business)

Question 2

Family is treated as an object for business etc

Answer 2

‘When Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing’
‘Now, Sheila, I’m not defending him but you must understand’

Question 3

Family is fragile and has tense relationships between the members

Answer 3

‘You aren’t the kind of father a chap could go to’
‘An impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness’

Question 4

Family members are expected to fall into their specific roles

Answer 4

‘Oh - Gerald - you’ve got it’
‘Over excited, she refused to go’
‘You ought to like this port Gerald’
‘After all that - Gerald, have a drink’

Question 5

The young and the old generation gap (the young are more impressionable)

Answer 5

‘I don’t know where to begin’ ‘then don’t. Nobody wants you to’
‘No, Sheila’s right, it doesn’t’