selfishness Flashcards
how is the theme of selfishness explored
1uses characters to demonstrate the negative impact they have of the lives of those around them
2 moralistic play
3 shows how selfishness causes the downfall of eva Smith
How does Mr Birling demonstrate selfishness
1 sees Sheila’s engagement as a way to push for “lower costs higher prices” with no consideration how it impacts on cheap labour
2 he shows that all he is worried about is how his involvement in the situation may effect his reputation “I can’t except any responsibility” he refuses to accept responsibility unless it makes him richer
how does Mrs Birling demonstrate selfishness
2 she selfishly refused to help Eva because she dared to use her name
subsequently ruined her relationship with her son
why are the audience shocked by Mr and Mrs Birling when they discover Eva has not died
1 they show no remorse “no girl has died here today”
2 they go on to treat the evening like any other and ignore their mistreatment of others
how is selfishness shown in the younger generations
1 Gerald - providing for Daisy made him feel like a hero - he didn’t ask for anything in return but it is implied he expected her to be his mistress
audience see how quickly he gets over the upset when he believes it to be a hoax “everything is alright now” he thinks their engagement can continue
2 Eric - born into a wealthy family believed himself to be entitled to Eva’s body and to use force “in a state where a chap turns nasty” - he has never earned money so why would he need to earn consent?
3 Sheila - selfishness is in her jealousy if Eva had “been some plain little creature “ she wouldn’t have got her fired -because of her wealthy background she would have no understanding of how forcing someone out of employment could ruin them
how is selfishness shown through the inspector
whilst Eva Smith is gone because of the Birling’s selfishness “millions and millions of Eva and John Smith’s” are vulnerable at the hands of the capitalists
how do the Birlings end the play
1 initial impression of Mr Birling is not good and end the play in the same way he discovers Eric is alcaholic, has stolen money and has go t Eva pregnant but is only concerned with getting his money back
2 Mr Birling fails to accept responsibility for death of Eva telling Eric “there is every excuse for what your mother and I did” he fails to learn lessons of social responsibility
