Generational Differences Flashcards
How are generational differences presented?
AIC used as a vehicle to place focus on division between younger and older generations. Younger more open minded therefore open to concept of working towards the greater good - principle that governs socialism. Older gen stubborn & unwilling to detract from capitalist mindsets. Creates distance between Birling family, separating generations.
Why does Priestley do this?
In order to warn younger audience members of their predecessors’ harmful ideologies and in turn encourage them to take up a socialist mindset.
At the beginning of the play…
“you’ll have to get used to it” (forceful, narrow-minded approach)
“It’s a free country, I told them”
“It isn’t if you can’t go and work somewhere else”
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour — they’re people”
As the play progresses…
“Oh i wish you hadn’t told me, I’ve been so happy”
“Child…you ought to go to bed”
“Then I’m staying”
“I protest against the way in which my daughter, a young unmarried girl, is being dragged into this”
At the close of the play…
“(triumphantly) didn’t I tell you” (rejects responsibility, fixed in beliefs)
“the famous generation who know it all and they can’t even take a joke”
“you’ve stopped now and you’re ready to go on in the same old way”
“it’s you two who are being childish, trying not to face the facts”
