Social Class Flashcards
Social Class Start
- “Though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and Company — and now you’ve brought us together”
Collective ‘us’ and ‘together’ suggest only thing mattering in this joining of families is the business side, with Birling becoming a sycophant for the more successful Croft family. Comparative adjectives to flatter the Crofts, status is all that matters.
- “You might have done better for yourself socially”
“It’s only natural”
Comparative better suggesting even though Birlings are upper middle class, anything below in the class hierarchy tarnishes the Croft line. “Natural” suggests this is universally accepted and common, suggesting permanent divide between classes.
Social Class Middle
- “Girls of that class”
Class divide — “that” class determiner
Dismissive tone of lower class, but also derogatory description of poorer women suggests ignorance and entitlement
- “You have no power to make me change my mind”
Literally no social power, inferior, her morality and sense of justice lies in a corrupt class system
- “Gross impertinence”
Noun impertinence means lack of respect, suggesting that Mrs Birling is prejudiced against the lower classes, seeing them as only using the Birling name for a money hungry scheme. Ironic as Mrs Birling, who “slammed the door in her face” is the only one gatekeeping money and charity funds, using the adverb “naturally” with a sense of entitlement in her corrupt justice and decision.
Social Class End
- “Eric! You stole money?”
Shock of someone of their class stealing, ironic as he was the only who stole, not Eva smith.
- “ We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
Use of collective pronoun for collective responsibility. The Inspector is educating with direct address. Priestly’s mouthpiece to communicate with audience. Criticises class system.
