Edna Key Language & structural Features Flashcards
1
Q
pronouns
A
Edna calls him sir. The repeated use of ‘Sir’ when talking to Birling is a reminder of how stark the class divide was at the beginning of the 20th century. He, however, calls her by her Christian name but not out of friendliness - it is a way of reinforcing that he is the boss and that she is disposable.
2
Q
Imperatives
A
Note that Birling is abrupt with her ‘Don’t know him.’ This is not a conversation and there are no niceties - Birling wants this exchange to be over quickly so he can get back to his pleasant evening so he speaks in fragments. He uses unmitigated imperatives with her: ‘Show him in’ and ‘Give us…’.
