Mrs Birling And Eric ( Inspector Calls ) Flashcards
What social issue does Priestley attack through Mrs. Birling’s character?
Social hierarchies
Priestley critiques the class distinctions and moral failures of the upper class.
Who is Eva Smith?
A character who commits suicide
Eva Smith represents the struggles of the working class and the consequences of social irresponsibility.
What is suggested about Eric’s influence on Eva Smith’s fate?
Eric has a greater effect on her committing suicide
This suggests that male characters’ actions contribute significantly to the plight of female characters.
Fill in the blank: Priestley uses _______ by interrogating Mrs. Birling before Eric.
structure
What does Eric Birling’s behavior reflect about his mother?
Similar treatment of Eva as inferior
This reflects the inherited attitudes of privilege and entitlement.
What is the significance of the line ‘She told me she didn’t want me to go in’?
It indicates Eva’s resistance to Eric’s advances
This highlights the theme of consent and the power dynamics in relationships.
True or False: The Inspector’s role is to reinforce the existing social order.
False
The Inspector challenges the characters to reflect on their moral responsibilities.
What does Eric Birling’s statement about trying for the highest wages reveal?
A sense of social equality
This indicates a conflict between the younger and older generations regarding social justice.
What is the outcome for Eva Smith after being turned down by Mrs. Birling?
She commits suicide
This tragic outcome underscores the impact of social neglect and class discrimination.
How does Priestley depict the relationship between the Birlings and Eva Smith?
As exploitative and dismissive
The Birlings’ attitudes exemplify the disregard for the working class.
Fill in the blank: The Inspector forces his way into _______.
Mrs. Birling’s room
What is the main message conveyed by the Inspector in the play?
The interconnectedness of society and moral responsibility
The Inspector urges the characters to acknowledge their roles in the suffering of others.
