Generational Divide

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Socialist = younger
Capitalist = older

Question 2

Paragraph 1

Answer 2

Quote 1
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.” - Sheila Birling
Sheila’s comment demonstrates a more empathetic and socially aware perspective compared to her parents
Challenges her father’s dehumanizing view of the working class by emphasising their humanity
generational divide reflects changing attitudes towards social justice and the recognition of the
dignity of every individual

Quote 2
“You’re just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted.” - Mr. Birling
Mr. Birling’s comment to Gerald reflects his approval of Gerald’s social status and connections
illustrates the older generation’s emphasis on social status and material success in relationships
This contrasts with the younger generation’s desire for genuine love and emotional connection

Quote 3
“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?” - Sheila Birling
Sheila’s question challenges the attitude of her parents’ generation, which views demands for higher wages as unreasonable
Her question reflects a more empathetic understanding of the struggles faced by the working class
and aligns with the lower class advocating for fair wages and better working conditions

Question 3

Paragraph 2

Answer 3

Quote 1
‘She’s had a long, exciting and tiring day - we were celebrating our engagement, you know - and now she’s obviously had about as much as she can stand’
long, exciting and tiring day’ —> triadic —> tries to emphasise the events of the day to
suggest that they are overwhelming for the character of Sheila. In this, be attempts to infantilise her and treat her as inferior by implying that she would find it ‘tiring’ and would feel exhausted.
In this, he also speaks on behalf of Sheila. This portrays the power dynamic of their relationship patriarchal dominance —> as he tries to be controlling to remove her from the scenario in
order to protect his own reputation and dishonesty.
aposiopesis —> implies his dishonesty —> perhaps the sequencing of the text and the use if pauses implies that he is struggling to maintain a facade of caring for Sheila since he perhaps wants her to leave the room to protect his reputation in front of her.

Quote 2
‘(Coolly) We often do on the young ones. They’d more impressionable’ —pg30
‘(Coolly)’—shows how the inspector is very composed and not easily agitated
‘Young ones’—reference to the generational divide between the old and the young
‘More impressionable’—shows how the younger generation are easier to change and
influence in terms of their beliefs
Reinforces how the younger generation are more aligned with socialism

Quote 3
“I’m afraid you’ll say something or do something that you’ll be sorry for afterwards” Pg.29
Perceptive of what will come. As a member of the younger generation, she is more insightful
that the other members of her family.
Foreshadowing her mother’s involvement and Eric’s involvement.
Giving her mother a chance to accept responsibility as she realises what’s coming next.

Question 4

Paragraph 3

Answer 4

Quote 1
Mrs B: ‘Sheila, I simply don’t understand your attitude.’ Mr Birling ‘Neither do I. If you’d had any sense of loyalty’
Highlights gap between generations as the older generation does not want to comprehend the viewpoint of the younger
Links back to previous point of how older generation are dismissive of younger generation’s views
Idea of ‘loyalty’ juxtaposes socialist idea of living by moral compass
They are ridiculing Shelia for speaking the truth and not lying to maintain the family façade
Skewed values of older generation

Quote 2
Birling ‘Nothing much has happened!’
Absolutely no change from beginning (flat character)
Due to wilful ignorance of truth, have not progressed as a character
Older generation are obstinate

Quote 3
“Birling: them – the famous younger generation who know it all.”
‘them’ -> determiner shows stark contrast between younger (accepted socialism) and older (rejected socialism)
‘know it all’ -> using humour -> indicates that he has not changed since the beginning -> older generation not receptive to socialism -> they are capitalists with no morality
Genuinely believes that S+E are at fault for caring about other, which demonstrates extent of divide in perspective of older and younger