Themes - Gender

Question 1

“Clothes mean something quite different to a woman. Not just something to wear – and not only something to make ’em look prettier – but – well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect.”

Answer 1

• Stereotype that women are only concerned about there appearance and don’t care about anything else
• This reinforces the gender roles in 1912

Question 2

“I hate those hard-eyed, dough-faced women.”

Answer 2

• Gerald expresses how he feels about women who don’t fit the normal beauty standards
• Implying women are judged by looks not character

Question 3

“You’ll have to get used to that, just as I had.”

Answer 3

• Mrs Birling reinforces to Shelia that women must follow the traditional expectation - do the house work while the husbands get to work
• You can’t negotiate this it is just life

Question 4

“Is this the one you wanted me to have?”

Answer 4

• Talking about the ring Gerald gave Shelia
• Accepts the ring Gerald chose for her
• Shows males have the authority and control in the relationships

Question 5

“She felt there’d never be anything as good again for her – so she had to make it last longer.”

Answer 5

• Shows that Eva was very vulnerable and highlights how she need the a man to feel valued and cared for