Social Responsibility Flashcards
At the start of the play we are introduced to the theme of Social Responsibility through Mr Birling,
“The way some of the cranks talk… you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive- Community and all that nonsense.”
What is Arthur Birling’s opinion on those who agree with this concept?
Arthur uses the word “Cranks” which tell us he believes anyone who believes in the concept is stupid and crazy
What does “bees in a hive” suggest? (state techniques)
The use of imagery in “like bees in a hive” suggests that everyone is equal and together in a colony
“-community and all of that nonsense”
The word choice of “nonsense” further solidifies that Mr Birling has a hatred for equality
Further through the play dramatic irony highlight’s Arthur’s ignorance to the world around him
“The German’s don’t want war,nobody wants war….there’s too much at stake these days.”
The Repetition of “war” is used to highlight……….
..that Mr Birling genuinely believes a war will not happen because he is uneducated and oblivious to the world around him.
The word choice of “too much at stake” links to….?
….his greed and thirst for money and how much he values it over people, which directly goes against the idea of Social responsibility.
We are then introduced to the younger generation of the Birling’s views through Sheila Birling, Sheila reacts to the news of Eva Smith’s death =”?”
“[rather distressed] Sorry! It’s just i can’t help thinking about this girl…Oh i wish you hadn’t told me. What was she like? Pretty?”
What do the stage directions of “[rather distressed]” suggest about Sheila?
The stage directions exemplify that adult ideas such as death are too much for her due to being childish and immature.
What does the word choice of “I wish you hadn’t told me” show?
This shows us her lack of maturity and that she doesn’t care for others but only just about how she,herself is feeling.
Then “What was she like? Pretty?” highlights…..?
….highlights her insecurity because she is more concerned with Eva’s looks rather than the fact she’s actually dead due to Sheila being incredibly shallow.
As the play progresses we are shown the true divide between the generations as Sheila and her father clash in their views, “But these girls aren’t _______ _______ _____ ________”
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour- they’re people.”
What does the dash in “..aren’t cheap labour- they’re people” highlight?
The dash further explains Sheila’s point that Mr Birling shouldn’t exploit the working class because they are real living people and it isn’t right to treat his worker’s like slaves, This also highlights Sheila’s feelings of compassion and empathy for the girls working.
As the play continues further we begin to learn more about the Birling’s actions, Sheila tries to warn Sybil of the Inspector’s ways and tactis
“You mustn’t build up a kind of wall between us and that girl, If you do , then the Inspector will just break it down.”
What technique is used in “build up a kind of wall”
Imagery.
What does “You mustn’t build up a kind of wall between us and that girl, If you do , then the Inspector will just break it down.” highlight about Sybil, Mrs Birling?
This highlights that Sybil is trying to avoid responsibility for her actions by hiding from it, Meanwhile Sheila is fully aware of this.
What does “The Inspector will just break it down” highlight?
This highlights that both Sheila and Inspector Goole both believe you should be caring for others because we are one society and must look out for each other.
As the drama continues Arthur becomes defensive and tries to save himself from his actions = “?”
“But I care. I was almost certain for knighthood in the next Honours list-“
The use of the short sentence in “But i care” characterises Arthur as?
…a selfish person who only cares about himself and values just money, wealth,power and status which completely disregards the total concept of social responsibility as a whole due to his ignorant nature.
As the play is almost at it’s finish the Inspector speaks on the matter of social responsibility and what it means to the Birling’s : “ We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. and i tell you the time will come when, if men will not learn that lesson, they will…………………………….”
“…..be taught in fire and blood and anguish.”
The repetition of “we” creates ?
= a connection with the reader as it directly speaks to EVERYONE, including the Birling family because they are no different than any other person just because of their wealth,class or status.
Then the Inspector begins to list “ fire and blood and anguish” What does this highlight?
This exemplifies the amount of horrible things that will happen if you don’t care for each other. And also the dramatic irony linking back to WW2 and 2 and even the Titanic disaster which will all be shortly happening.
The final point is made by Sheila as she tries to change her parent’s selfish views; “?”
“You began to learn something. and now you’ve stopped. You’re ready to go on in the same old way.”
The word choice of “Learn something” says what?
It says that there was progress being made towards being socially responsible
But then “same old ways” highlights that?
…they’ve stopped moving forward due to their ignorance and how they have just regressed back to how they used to be.
In ‘An Inspector Call’s’ J.B Preistly highlights the significant theme of Social Responsibility from the start a we are shown the selfish and arrogant man,Mr Birling, and past him we see Sheila who has been more enlightened toward the views of helping those around you, then it ends with a big speech from the inspector. It is evident that Priestly believes?
We should all look out for each other and understand the importance of social responsibility
His use of (1)______________ is used particulaurly well to highlight Arthur’s oblivius nature to the (2)__________
1) Dramatic Irony (2) ..world around him
