Context + Themes Flashcards
Sexism
Women had to be protected from “unpleasant and disturbing things” (Sheila)
Clothes are seen as a “mark of respect”, implying that scantily clad girls are prostitutes
Men are allowed to sleep around but women aren’t. Arthur says that he “broke out and had a bit of fun sometimes”
Sheila starts to form her own opinions and defies her parents with her brother
Young vs old
Eric and Sheila want to atone for their mistakes but their parents want to behave “just as we did”
Gerald’s attitudes also reflect the Birlings as he says that “everything’s all right”
Eva was sacked because she “had a lot to say - far too much”. Could link to class
Social class
Birling’s biggest concern is that there will be a “public scandal”
There are only a few Birlings, but there are “millions and millions” of working class people
Mrs Birling expects Eva to be “not a good case” even though she was brought up with good morals
