Older vs Younger generation Flashcards
How is the theme of age shown throughout the play?
Sheila and Eric’s response to Eva’s death
Mr and Mrs Birling’s response to Eva’s death
how the older characters perceive the younger ones
How does priestley present younger generation?
Priestley presents Sheila and Eric as greatly changed by their experiences.
Eric stands up to his parents when it becomes clear that they will not take responsibilty.
“You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened at all.”
Eric sees that his parents are trying to ‘pretend’ that nothing happened when it is suggested that the Inspector was not real. He and Sheila, the younger characters, still feel responsible.
How does priestley present the older generation throughout the play?
Priestley presents the older generation as unchanged and unremorsful.
Mrs Birling explains her decision to turn away Eva when she came to her for help.
“So I was perfectly justified in advising my committee not to allow her claim for assistance.”
Despite hearing about all the misfortune that Eva Smith has suffered, Mrs Birling is unmoved and stubbornly stands by her decision to turn Eva away.
How does priestly presents how the older generation views the younger generation?
Priestly presents the older generation as frowning upon the younger generation due to their changed attitudes and newfound social responsibility, mainly because their new views don’t align with the views of their parents.
Mr Birling turns on his son Eric and nearly attacks him physically.
“Why, you hysterical young fool - get back - or I’ll -“
Mr Birling implies here that Eric is a ‘fool’ because he is young. Ironically, it is the older Arthur who nearly resorts to physical violence.
