Young and Old (Theme and Context) Flashcards
what are the older generations believed to represent in society?
traditional views and the ruling class
What does Priestley want to show by questioning Mr and Mrs Birling’s personal views?
He questions their obsession with social class, and that the whole class system is out of touch and needs to be reformed
What are the younger generation being shown to do?
challenge the authority of their elders
why does Priestley show the younger generation as challenging their authority?
To show that if people learn their lesson, there is a chance for an equal and fair society in the future
What does Eric and Sheila do to show they disagree with their parents?
Eric stands around as if he wants nothing to do with them and Shelia stands by him
What do Gerald’s attitudes show?
That although he is closer in age to Sheila and Eric, he already has old attitudes
How does Priestley use structure to represent Geralds views?
His part is in the middle of the play to represent the fact that he is stuck in the middle of the older and younger generations views, and socialism and capitalism
What does the fact that Gerald is part of the younger generation yet remains unchanged represent?
that a more caring future isn’t inevitable and people can choose whether or not to change
What does Priestley criticise about the upper class?
that they are set in their ways and are unlikely to change
What in the play shows that Gerald doesn’t learn anything?
He isn’t guilty about Daisy/Eva and thinks his engagement to Shelia is back on
