Themes - Class and Status

Question 1

“Girls of that class…”

Answer 1

• Dismiss Eva as she is a lower class suggestions Mrs Birling only cares about the girls status
• Reflects on Mrs Birling sense of empathy

Question 2

“I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business. And I say there isn’t a chance of war.”

Answer 2

• Shows Mr Birlings confidence in his social status of being a business owner
• Has a strong belief in his knowledge (war isn’t going to happen) because of his success in business.
• He puts wealth and status before moral responsibility

Question 3

“But these girls aren’t cheap labor – they’re people.”

Answer 3

• Shelia shows empathy for the girls of lower classes saying just because they don’t have a high status doesn’t mean we can just use them they are people too.
• Going against her family’s capitalist attitudes

Question 4

“We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”

Answer 4

• Inspector talks about the split in class but that class shouldn’t separate everyone from taking responsibility for others and treating them differently