Power and class

Question 1

Power and class
Mr Birling

Answer 1

Pretentious man in upper middle class, social status is extremely important to him, desires prestige ‘very good chance of knighthood’ uses power for profits, materialistic, fires Eva, no concern for his workers’ welfare

Question 2

Power and class
Mrs Birling

Answer 2

Stage directions ‘social superior’ to husband, commands Edna, power in household, misuses power in her committee, rejected innocent Eva based on class prejudice, cold disregard ‘a girl of that sort’ treats her like a child, unjust

Question 3

Power and class
Gerald

Answer 3

Born into wealthy family, no hard work, father owns larger factory than Mr B, competition, built a relationship with Daisy, takes advantage of her ‘broke it off definitely’ adverb, certainty, dismissive, gives money to fix situation, materialistic

Question 4

Power and class
Inspector

Answer 4

Ignores Mr Birling’s attempt to show power ‘I don’t play golf’ bold statement, removes self from corruption, Priestley’s moral advocate, need for a united society, brings light to their exploitation of power, supports Eva, points out her mature attitude, protecting Eric’s identity, more virtuous than them all despite working class