Themes - generation Flashcards
quote 1 (“I accept no blame for it at all.”)
“I accept no blame for it at all.”
- Mrs Birling refuses to take any responsibility for her actions
- highlights the older generation’s are very defensive
- She believes her social status is high enough so she should just be left alone
- This reaction contrasts with Sheila and Eric, who accept their responsibilities.
- The divide shows Priestley’s belief that older care about status and power and are privileg, in contrast to the younger generation’s openness to others
Quotes 2 (“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.”)
“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.”
- shows how Mr Birling is condescension towards the younger generation’s
- Thinks there values and perspectives are bad.
- He believes his experience gives him wisdom,
- By implying that they “can’t even take a joke,” he downplays their serious concerns,
- highlighting the older generation’s refusal to acknowledge what has happened
Quote 3 “We did her in all right.”
“We did her in all right.”
- accepts collective responsibility for Eva Smith’s fate.
- His use of “we” show how he believes everyone is in the wrong
- Eric’s acceptance represents the self-awareness and moral development in younger individuals,
Quote 4 “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
- directed at all characters, this message. affects more deeply with the younger generation, who begin to understand its significance.
- Inspector Goole’s words challenge the older generation’s
- This speech reinforces the generational split, as Sheila and Eric listen to the Inspector’s message while Mr. and Mrs. Birling dismiss it.
- Through the younger characters’ acceptance, Priestley conveys his hope that future generations will adopt a more collective, socially responsible outlook.
