Class Flashcards
‘girls of that class’ (Mrs Birling
C=reflects class prejudice in highly stratified Edwardian society. L=use of determiner- that not this- established WC as ‘Other’ to UMC in its values & behaviour
‘She treated me – as if I were a kid. Though I was nearly as old as she was’ (Eric
L=noun ‘kid’. Eric less mature than Daisy. C=Daisy has had to grow up faster-less privileged WC life & no parents; had to fend for herself
‘They’d all be broke-if I know them’ (Gerald
C=reflects class prejudice that WC are irresponsible with money. In fact, it’s the Birlings & Gerald who are irresponsible. L=WC treated as collective ‘Other’ -pronoun ‘they’-not as individuals. Supports Mr Birling’s capitalist views
‘lonely, half starved, desperate’ (Inspector
L=emotive language. Inspector uses this to try to provoke a sense of guilt in the Birlings so they feel responsible for what happened to her. R=makes audience sympathise with Eva & realise how vulnerable she is.
‘she looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn’t be sorry for her’ (Sheila
C=reflects class prejudice. Eva does not appear to be vulnerable or needy therefore Sheila doesn’t regret her actions. R=audience perceives Sheila as spoilt & unsympathetic in abusing her power to Eva sacked
‘gross impertinence…prejudiced me against her case’ (Mrs Birling
C=implies that WC should behave with humility towards UMC & be respectful. Mrs Birling takes offence at Daisy’s use of the Birling surname; ironically the offence is the Birlings’ for mistreating her
‘Get into trouble? Go on the streets?’ (Mr Birling
C=reflects UMC prejudice against WC- they’re considered immoral & troublesome; irony=Birlings are exposed as immoral not Eva
‘it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it’ (Inspector
L=hyperbolic metaphor emphasizes unreasonable nature of Mr Birling’s exploitation of his workers; they’ve asked for a pay raise; he exploits them for low wages without asking
