Symbols

Question 1

The solid furniture, at the begging in of the play?

Answer 1

‘It has good solid furniture’ - It’s a solid furniture, symbolises, the apparent stability of the family and the place in the social hierarchy.

Question 2

The closed doors and closed windows?

Answer 2

They suggest blindness to the realities of the world outside this upper class context

Question 3

The dining room?

Answer 3

‘Fairly large’ - suggesting the family are not as wealthy as they wish to be

Question 4

The engagement ring?

Answer 4

‘Mummy-isn’t it a beauty?’ - not only does the symbolise Sheila Anjali engagement, but it also represents Sheila social success at securing a wealthy a husband. It represents the ability affluence and acceptance into the upper classes.

Question 5

Mr Birling’s is possible knighthood?

Answer 5

Represents progression from middle to upper-class.

Question 6

Eva Smiths name?

Answer 6

‘This young woman, Eva Smith’ - ‘Eva’ alludes to the biblical characters, who was the first woman made by God. Therefore Eva represents all woman Smith is one of the most common surnames again, indicating that Ava is the embodiment of all working-class women.

Question 7

The hedonistic behaviour at the Palace bar?

Answer 7

The behaviour reveals the dark side to upper-class behaviour. It shows how hypocritical Gerald is expect she literally innocent, but he seeks out working-class women for entertainment.

Question 8

Eva’s change of names?

Answer 8

It reveals her desire to reinvent herself after each disaster. As ‘Daisy’ she is innocent, but ‘Renton’ hints employment as a prostitute. As ‘Mrs Birling’ she attempts to gain respectability and security.

Question 9

£50 Eric steals?

Answer 9

The £50 Eric steals from his fathers business courses, his parents to come more angry than the revelation about sexual assault of Eva. This reveals that scared morality and focus on money rather than people.

Question 10

The fixed setting throughout the play?

Answer 10

‘ The Fix setting reveals the older generation inability to change their opinion and become more empathetic. The setting becomes a symbol of Eric and Sheila’s entrapment, and she looks towards the door at the end as she considers escaping oppressive of bringing.

Question 12

The dress, Sheila tries on?

Answer 12

Address symbolises a desire to conform to a stereotype of femininity, which values, beauty, fashion, and sophistication of intelligence.

Question 13

Mr Birling

Answer 13

Mr Birling is the epitome of capitalist businessmen; he is prepared to sacrifice morality in order to gain affluence and social power. Priestley uses dramatic irony to alienate the audience from Mr Birling and his capitalist views.

Question 14

Eva Smith

Answer 14

Eva Smith is the embodiment of young, working-class women who were oppressed by the middle/upper classes. Priestley creates pathos and sympathy for her predicament, as well as
paralleling her with Sheila to show that it social class is only an accident of birth.

Question 15

Mrs Birling

Answer 15

Mrs Birling symbolises the pride and callousness of the upper-classes, and her coldness towards her family demonstrate the discontent which comes from such haughtiness.

Question 16

Shelia and Eric

Answer 16

Sheila and Eric represent the possibility for a positive change in society, as they move from blindness to understanding and empathy. Does their sheltered upbringing mean that they are as much victims of society as Eva is? And does Sheila really understand the impact that she has on another person, or is she upset that she has suddenly been plunged into knowledge of the real world?

Question 17

Gerald

Answer 17

Gerald embodies the double-standards of the aristocracy, who present a respectable façade but in reality indulge in unscrupulous, hedonistic behaviour. Yet is Gerald the only character who truly feels distressed about Eva’s death?

Question 18

Inspector Goole

Answer 18

Inspector Goole is Priestley’s mouthpiece, and is used to articulate Priestley’s ideas about the morality and justice of socialism. Yet, ultimately, is Goole too didactic and domineering to gain the audience’s trust?

Question 19

Edna

Answer 19

An almost constant presence on stage, Edna reminds the audience that the upper-classes consistently ignore the working-classes. The audience is very much aware that Edna’s place in the Birling household is dependent on her continued politeness and respect for her employers.