The generation gap Flashcards
Sheila and Eric’s capacity to change represents
Priestley’s belief that the next generation can build a fairer society.
In terms of their incapacity to listen and learn,
the elder Birlings epitomise the arrogance of their generation and class.
In recognising the differences between individual and collective responsibility,
Sheila and Eric are an improvement on Mr and Mrs Birling.
Priestley explores the idea of a generation not learning from mistakes
The Inspector sees it as his duty to break this cycle.
But these girls aren’t cheap labour.
They’re people
Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?
We try for the highest possible prices.
The money’s not the important thing. It’s what
happened to the girl and what we all did to her that matters.
Everything we said had happened
really had happened.
I’m talking as a hard headed,
practical man of business.
I was almost certain
for a knighthood…
You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really
happened at all. And I can’t see it like that.
We can all go on behaving just as we did.
Well? Why shouldn’t we?
as if we’re all mixed together like bees in a hive –
community and all that nonsense.
Public men, Mr Birling, have
responsibility as well as privileges
We don’t live alone: we are
members of one body.
