ideologIcal class Flashcards
Ideological class quote 1
Birling’s claim, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own,”
reflects the individualistic capitalist mindset, where self-interest overrides social duty. Zooming into “his own” highlights his narrow concern for family and profit, and Priestley uses this to criticise the older generation’s selfishness and rejection of collective responsibility.
ideological class quote 2
“It’s better to ask for the earth than take It” Act 1 Inspector said to Mr Birling.
The word order where ‘ask’ comes prior to ‘take’ is used by the Inspector to emphasise the importance to “ask” and share resources in contrast to individualistic capitalist notion of “taking” personal gain.
Use of word “take” has connotations of stealing, a notion vehemently condemned by ten commandments in the bible, Priestley uses this to show religion is foundation of morality and capitalist ideals often disregard these teachings prioritising induvial gain over ethical considerations.
idealogical class 3
“ I consider I did my duty” where the noun ‘duty”
could be a tool to explore the disparity in the perspective on capitalists and socialist where for Mrs birling a microsome of capitalists chooses to uphold the class gap by refusing to help Eva Smith despite that being the complete contrast to her philanthropic role
idealogical class quote 4
“what he made me feel. Fire and blood and aguish” – Sheila act 3
Sheila serves as the inspector’s proxy of promoting socialist ideologies exemplified by her precise emulation {quote} where she attempts to emphasis the relentless consequences of lacking social conscience to her obdurate parents of the older generation and her fiancé indoctrinated with capitalists beliefs
Talk about polysyndeton
idealogical class quote 5
Sheila’s line, “It’s you two who are being childish – trying not to face the facts,”
subverts the typical generational stereotype by accusing her parents of immaturity. Zooming into “childish”, Sheila challenges their authority, exposing how the older generation clings to comfort and denial instead of accepting responsibility. Priestley uses this to highlight the ignorance and stubbornness of the older generation, contrasting it with the younger characters’ willingness to change and embrace social responsibility.
