Class poster

Question 1

‘They’d all be broke-if I know them’ (Gerald)

Answer 1

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

Question 2

‘lonely, half starved, desperate’ (Inspector)

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

‘she looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn’t be sorry for her’ (Sheila)

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

‘girls of that class’ (Mrs Birling)

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

‘gross impertinence…prejudiced me against her case’ (Mrs Birling)

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

‘it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it’ (Inspector)

Answer 6

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