Gender Flashcards
Gender Start
- “Her husband’s social superior”
Married for status possible. Socially superior, but sacrificed her status to be a submissive wife.
- “ When you’re married you’ll realise that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business.”
Traditional conservative views on gender roles and stereotypes.
- “Heavy-looking, rather portentous man”
“Impression of massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness”
Men are expected to be the centre o attention, shown by a steep hierarchy of discourse in favour of Gerald and Mr Birling, especially at the start. The influential men here have a strong presence which creates a natural sense of competing for control of the room.
Gender Middle
- “My husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago”
Adverb only suggests Birling still holds status, and Mrs Birling depends on said status as that is what defines power and entitlement for a woman — her husband’s status, at a time where being and independent woman was frowned upon as seen by the refusal of helping Eva Smith.
- “ Inspector, I think Miss Birling ought to be excused….”
Gerald uses a belittling tone, and tries to excuse Sheila himself. Man taking an authoritative stance and making decisions on her behalf.
Gender End
- “Now be quit so that your father can decide what we ought to do”
Priestley is suggesting that women should cast themselves aside and invalidate their thoughts in order for the men to be able to take charge and be dominant.
- “Not the kind of father a chap would go to when he’s in trouble”
Colloquialism of chap suggests distancing between father and son. This is due to toxic masculinity and his hard headed father calling him:
- “Hysterical young fool”
A lack of understanding and empathy between father and son leads to such distancing, with the role of the father as being a large manly presence perhaps hindering the family dynamic. (Not cozy and homelike) Hysterical not only emasculates Eric, but hysterical suggests the new generation is crazy.
