Analysis and Development Quotes- Analysis and Interpretation
The action in An Inspector Calls takes place over a single evening
At the beginning of the play, time is used to undermine Arthur Birling as he makes a series of misplaced predictions about the
Act 1: "I haven't much time."
future Suggests that he may be from the future
The play explores the relationship between the past and the present and the future Goole- Ghoul --> pun
Time is also used to highlight the theme of contrast or opposition of the play Act 1: "The titanic she sails next week... unsinkable absolutely unsinkable"
Mr Birling declares the Titanic to be unsinkable.
As the play proceeds, the audience appreciates the important timings of the Inspector's arrival He repeats this opinion, which he presents as a fact, with the intensifier ‘absolutely’ showing his complete confidence in his judgement.
The play is set in 1912 but written in 1945 just after the war The line is significant because it highlights Mr. Birling's arrogance and his belief in the invincibility of the Titanic.
Mr. Birling is convinced that the Titanic is unsinkable, and that nothing can go wrong on the ship's maiden voyage.
Priestley embraces conflicting views and attitudes during the early 20th century The line is therefore ironic, as the audience knows that the Titanic will sink and that Mr. Birling's arrogance and blind faith in technology will
Clever use of time makes it seems as if events have not happened yet and the characters have a second chance at the end of be exposed as foolish and dangerous.
The line also underscores the theme of hubris in the play, as Mr. Birling's belief in the invincibility of the Titanic is a metaphor for his belief in the invi
the play. ncibility of his own wealth and status.
The audience knows that Mr. Birling's arrogance and disregard for the working class will ultimately lead to his downfall, just as the Titanic's
An Inspector Calls was a powerful warning to a 1945/46 audience still reeling from the horrors of the Second World War.
arrogance and disregard for safety led to its sinking.
Priestley draws on ideas about time to create twists and surprises in the play. The certainty shown by Mr Birling's repetition demonstrates his poor judgement
Appears to affirm this recent epiphany. Priestley criticises the capitalism for which
'An Inspector Calls' is a well-made play that attacks the social morels of his time. Birling stands; he shows his audience, the contradicting qualities that his character possesses-
seemingly infinite power paired with ignorant stupidity.
Act 1: "A man has to mind his own business" "sharp ring"
Which suggests that he feels that he only has responsibility for his own family and himself.. This is reinforced by the way the Birlings treat Eva Smith.
In his final attempt to vilify capitalism, Priestley presents Birling as selfish.
An almost exact definition of capitalism.
The sharp ring in an inspector calls serves as a dramatic device that heightens tension and
signals the arrival of the inspector. Every time the doorbell rings, the characters become increasingly anxious, as they know that the inspector is about to arrive and that their secrets
will be exposed.
The sound of the bell is therefore symbol of the impending doom that the characters are facing.
The sharp ring also serves to emphasise the inspectors power and authority.
He's able to disrupt the birlings comfortable lives and forced them to confront their actions.
The sound of the bell therefore represents the inspectors ability to shake up the status and to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of the upper classes.
Moreover the sharp ring is used to create a sense of repetition and cyclical time in the play.
Every time the bell rings, the same events unfold, with the inspector interrogating each character and exposing their secrets. This creates a sense of inevitability and suggested the
characters are trapped in a cycle of guilt or shame.
In conclusion, the shop bringing in an inspector calls serves as a powerful dramatic device that creates tension and emphasises the inspectors power and authority.
It also creates a sense of repetition and cyclical time which reinforces the place theme of guilt, responsibility and social justice.
Act 1: "chain of events"
The chain of events in an inspector calls is significant because it underscores the theme of responsibility and accountability. The play begins with the boiling family celebrating
engagement of Sheila and Gerald Croft.
The family is wealthy and upper class, and their self absorbed and complacent.
the arrival of the inspector interrupt celebration and marks the beginning of a series of revelations that will expose the families moral failings.
The inspectors fast revelation is the death of eva smith.
He questioned each member of the family in turn, revealing their involvement in eva's life and death will stop the chain of events that follows exposes of harmonies exploitation aviva
and their disregard for the working class.
The families actions have consequences that they are forced to confront the impact of their behaviour on others. The chain of events also underscores the theme of social class and
inequality.
the inspectors questions reveal the stark divide between the upper class batting family on the working class Eva Smith.
The family's actions are motivated by their desire for profit and their disregard for the welfare of others.
Time The chain of events is therefore critical of the capitalist system and underscores the theme of exploitation in the play.
The chain of events also underscores the theme of change and transformation.
The families forced to confront the impact of their behaviour and others add recognise their responsibility and accountability will stop the chain of events is therefore a powerful
Context
moment in the play, as the highlight the potential of social change and transformation.
The families recognition of their responsibility and accountability is a sign of their growth and development of characters and a sign that they have the potential to change and
transform themselves and society
Act 2: I can't help thinking about this girl - destroying herself so horribly - and I've been so happy tonight." (Sheila).
1. Edwardian Society set in 1912 and reflects the Edwardian Era The quote reveals the conflict that she lays experiencing between her own personal happiness and the knowledge of the suffering of others the guys that Sheila is referring to is Eva
Smith have been driven to suicide due to the actions of sheila's family and friends.
2. Political movements were common She does happiness is therefore contrasted with the tragedy of eva's death, which serves to highlight the moral implications of the characters actions.
The quote also revealed she list growing sense of responsibility and empathy towards others. Earlier in the play commercial had been dismissive of eve's plight, but now she's
3. Big divide between rich and poor beginning to realise the severity of the situation.
4. Ouspensky's theory suggests that when we die we re-enter our life once more from the beginning The contrast between her happiness and evil suffering serves to emphasise the moral awakening that Sheila is experiencing.
Moreover, the quote highlights the theme of social responsibility that is central to the play. She looks happy this issue to be hollow are meaningless in the face of the suffering of others.
5. Born again to the same parents and continue to repeat all events The quote suggests that personal happiness cannot be achieved at the expense of others on the individuals have a responsibility to look out for one another interact in the best interest
6. Cycle of identical lives would repeat if nothing of significance changed of the community as a whole in conclusion quote is significant as it reveals a conflict that Sheila is experiencing between her own personal happiness and a natural suffering of others.
The quote highlights the team's social responsibility and emphasise the moral awakening that she dates experiencing
7. We improve --> spiral --> eventually escape from the repetitions
8. Eternal occurence Act 2: Inspectors entrances and exits
The inspectors entrances and exits in an inspector call serve several important functions.
9. Dunnes Theory suggests that our experience of time as liner is an illusion bought by human Firstly, they create a sense of tension and suspense, as the characters become increasingly anxious about the inspectors presence.
The inspector's sudden arrival and departure are therefore used to create a sense of drama and to heighten the place themes of guilt and responsibility.
consciousness
Secondly, the inspectors entrances and exits are used to structure the play into greater sense of repetition and cyclical time.
10. Dunne proposed that time takes place on parallel planes Each time the inspector enters he interrogates a different character exposes the secrets.
The inspectors exits therefore marks the end of each act on the beginning of a new cycle of interrogation.
11. "Deja vu"- the time that we experience passing in our waking lives can be observed from within another This create a sense of inevitability and suggest that the characters are trapped in a cycle of guilt and shame.
time frame, our dreams. Thirdly, the inspectors entrances and exits are used to emphasise his power and authority.
The inspector is able to disrupt the buildings comfortable lives and forced them to confront their actions.
12. King Edward ruled from 1901 to 1910, but the Edwardian era itself spans from the mid-1890s to 1914, the His sudden arrival and departure therefore symbolises ability to shake up the status and to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of the upper classes.
year when WW1 began Finally the inspectors entrances and exits are used to create a sense of mystery and ambiguity
the inspector's true identity and motivations are never revealed and his sudden appearances and disappearances only served to heighten the sense of uncertainty and confusion
13. 1912 (play set): WW1 would start in two years time; Strong distinction between the upper and lower this creates a sense of unease and suggests that there may be more to the inspector that means that eye
classes; Women were subservient to men. No significant role in society except as a wife and mother for in conclusion the inspectors entrances and exits in any spectacle cell several important functions including creating tension and suspense structuring the play emphasising the
inspectors power and authority and creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity.
the higher classes; Women could not vote- suffragettes were protesting for suffrage; The ruling classes The use of entrances and exits exactly key aspect of the place dramatic structure and contributes to its overall impact and effectiveness
felt nothing needed to change politically. Act 3: "You're offering money at the wrong time Mr Birling."
14. 1945 (play written): WW2 ended in 1845 and people were recovering from years of warfare, shortages, This is a key moment in the play that highlights are class differences between the characters an underscores the place theme of social responsibility and guilt.
Mr birling is revealing his own lower social status an academic standing of the rules of polite society as the inspector is forced to reject his offer and insert his own authority and status.
danger and uncertainty; Class distinctions had reduced because of the two world wars and the necessity Mr birlings off of money is also also highlights the hypocrisy and selfishness of the upper classes who are more concerned with maintaining their own welfare and status than with
to fight alongside others; Because of the wars, women had earned a more valued place in society and the helping those in need.
right to vote; Women were able to vote and had become equal to men in terms of voice; Socialism grew Act 3: End phone call
more popular after WW2 and this lead to the creation of the welfare state. The idea of time repeating itself, and using knowledge of the past to change the future, occurs at the end of the play. Here, the phone call telling the Birlings that a girl has just died
brings the characters full circle.
,
Analysis and Development Quotes- Analysis and Interpretation
The idea of age and generation identity run through the play
Act 1: "Now you three young people, just listen to this and remember what I'm telling
Birlings family is split into two generations: parent and
you now." (Mr Birling)
children Mr Birling thinks of himself as a teacher to the younger generation because of age
The generational divide doesn't just refer to the relationship Showing seriousness
between a parent and their child on familial context. Imperatives emphasise Birling's desire for attention and for his children to be his disciples-
Priestley examines how your life experiences and the era you impact on younger
grow up in affects your morals and political identity. "Listen" and "remember" emphasises Mr Birling's desire for attention and for his children
Clear distinction between how the child reacts to the to be his disciples.
He wants to have an impact and pass over his misogyny to the younger generation.
Inspectors visit and how the parents react.
The way each generation views the other is also a key suspect
Act 1: "You youngsters- and I've learnt in the good hard school of experience" (Mr Birling)
of the family's dynamic. The phrase "good hard school of experience" suggests he thinks knowledge and
Gerald is an outlier as he belongs to an older, landed family intelligence can only come with age, and that "experience" is the ultimate form of
which makes him ultimately sympathise with the parents. education- shown by the metaphor of "school"
Gerald is physically part of the younger generation but The use of "youngsters" shows Mr Birling is fixated on age and superiority
mentally is part of the older generation The nouns are patronising and mocking
Priestley had a hope that the younger generation had the
Act 1: "Really the thing you girls pick up these days?" (Mrs Birling)
ability to learn and to change
Suggests disapprovement of modern culture.
Older characters opinions and behaviours ae stubbornly fixed. Rude and unlady like, threatening the tradition of femininity
Younger generations accept mistakes and offer change for This shows that she is quite patronising towards
future her children and infantilizes Sheila.
This also shows the distance in the relationship
between Mrs Birling and her children.
This links to the theme of attitudes and values of different generations
Generations
Context Again another example of Mrs Birling's conservatism
Sybil has snobbish opinions that people should speak and behave 'properly', not doing so
1. The generational divide in Britain in 1945 was the most severe
would make her look down upon them.
2. Those who fought in the world war, those who were too young to fight and those who
were too old to fight Act 2: "A lot of silly nonsense!" (Mrs Birling)"
3. Those who knew life before the war and those who only had known war "!" shows Mrs Birling's disbelief- consumed by prejudice
4. Priestley was born in 1894- member of the latter generation. Refuses to trust and respect Eva
5. Lost generation-to those born between 1883 and 1900, to those who reached adulthood Older generation is blinded by intolerance
during or just after the end of the world war.
6. Found living in the post war era difficult Act 2: "Impertinent is such a silly word" (Sheila)
7. War survivors felt confused and aimless- values that were no longer relevant were not The stage directionsdictate that “Sheila gives a short hysterical laugh” in response to her
used mother's use of the “silly word”impertinent”.
8. Found everyday life materialistic and emotionally meaningless Sheila's laugh is symbolicof her rejection of Mrs Birling's treatment of Eva.
9. Eric and Sheila were members of the lost generation Implies Birling's superiority is false
"Impertinence" criticism is ironic
10. Play is set when the war hadn't happened yet.
Sheila has broken free of her mothers opinion
11. Priestley presents the older generation as being stuck in their old ways, used to their
comforts and conservative values. The parents refuse to be self-aware or accept
Act 3: "You're beginning all over again to pretend that nothing much has happened."
responsibility, caring only for themselves. (Eric)
12. In contrast the younger generation are curious and compassionate, and quick yo rectify Suggests that as soon as proof has gone Mr and Mrs Birling are able to free themselves
their ignorance. He suggests that the younger generation should learn from the "Pretend"- wilful ignorance
mistakes of their elders in order to create a more peaceful and progressive future for "Nothing"- children found it life-changing
Britain. Shows that the old generation are stuck in their old ways and are unable to change
The action in An Inspector Calls takes place over a single evening
At the beginning of the play, time is used to undermine Arthur Birling as he makes a series of misplaced predictions about the
Act 1: "I haven't much time."
future Suggests that he may be from the future
The play explores the relationship between the past and the present and the future Goole- Ghoul --> pun
Time is also used to highlight the theme of contrast or opposition of the play Act 1: "The titanic she sails next week... unsinkable absolutely unsinkable"
Mr Birling declares the Titanic to be unsinkable.
As the play proceeds, the audience appreciates the important timings of the Inspector's arrival He repeats this opinion, which he presents as a fact, with the intensifier ‘absolutely’ showing his complete confidence in his judgement.
The play is set in 1912 but written in 1945 just after the war The line is significant because it highlights Mr. Birling's arrogance and his belief in the invincibility of the Titanic.
Mr. Birling is convinced that the Titanic is unsinkable, and that nothing can go wrong on the ship's maiden voyage.
Priestley embraces conflicting views and attitudes during the early 20th century The line is therefore ironic, as the audience knows that the Titanic will sink and that Mr. Birling's arrogance and blind faith in technology will
Clever use of time makes it seems as if events have not happened yet and the characters have a second chance at the end of be exposed as foolish and dangerous.
The line also underscores the theme of hubris in the play, as Mr. Birling's belief in the invincibility of the Titanic is a metaphor for his belief in the invi
the play. ncibility of his own wealth and status.
The audience knows that Mr. Birling's arrogance and disregard for the working class will ultimately lead to his downfall, just as the Titanic's
An Inspector Calls was a powerful warning to a 1945/46 audience still reeling from the horrors of the Second World War.
arrogance and disregard for safety led to its sinking.
Priestley draws on ideas about time to create twists and surprises in the play. The certainty shown by Mr Birling's repetition demonstrates his poor judgement
Appears to affirm this recent epiphany. Priestley criticises the capitalism for which
'An Inspector Calls' is a well-made play that attacks the social morels of his time. Birling stands; he shows his audience, the contradicting qualities that his character possesses-
seemingly infinite power paired with ignorant stupidity.
Act 1: "A man has to mind his own business" "sharp ring"
Which suggests that he feels that he only has responsibility for his own family and himself.. This is reinforced by the way the Birlings treat Eva Smith.
In his final attempt to vilify capitalism, Priestley presents Birling as selfish.
An almost exact definition of capitalism.
The sharp ring in an inspector calls serves as a dramatic device that heightens tension and
signals the arrival of the inspector. Every time the doorbell rings, the characters become increasingly anxious, as they know that the inspector is about to arrive and that their secrets
will be exposed.
The sound of the bell is therefore symbol of the impending doom that the characters are facing.
The sharp ring also serves to emphasise the inspectors power and authority.
He's able to disrupt the birlings comfortable lives and forced them to confront their actions.
The sound of the bell therefore represents the inspectors ability to shake up the status and to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of the upper classes.
Moreover the sharp ring is used to create a sense of repetition and cyclical time in the play.
Every time the bell rings, the same events unfold, with the inspector interrogating each character and exposing their secrets. This creates a sense of inevitability and suggested the
characters are trapped in a cycle of guilt or shame.
In conclusion, the shop bringing in an inspector calls serves as a powerful dramatic device that creates tension and emphasises the inspectors power and authority.
It also creates a sense of repetition and cyclical time which reinforces the place theme of guilt, responsibility and social justice.
Act 1: "chain of events"
The chain of events in an inspector calls is significant because it underscores the theme of responsibility and accountability. The play begins with the boiling family celebrating
engagement of Sheila and Gerald Croft.
The family is wealthy and upper class, and their self absorbed and complacent.
the arrival of the inspector interrupt celebration and marks the beginning of a series of revelations that will expose the families moral failings.
The inspectors fast revelation is the death of eva smith.
He questioned each member of the family in turn, revealing their involvement in eva's life and death will stop the chain of events that follows exposes of harmonies exploitation aviva
and their disregard for the working class.
The families actions have consequences that they are forced to confront the impact of their behaviour on others. The chain of events also underscores the theme of social class and
inequality.
the inspectors questions reveal the stark divide between the upper class batting family on the working class Eva Smith.
The family's actions are motivated by their desire for profit and their disregard for the welfare of others.
Time The chain of events is therefore critical of the capitalist system and underscores the theme of exploitation in the play.
The chain of events also underscores the theme of change and transformation.
The families forced to confront the impact of their behaviour and others add recognise their responsibility and accountability will stop the chain of events is therefore a powerful
Context
moment in the play, as the highlight the potential of social change and transformation.
The families recognition of their responsibility and accountability is a sign of their growth and development of characters and a sign that they have the potential to change and
transform themselves and society
Act 2: I can't help thinking about this girl - destroying herself so horribly - and I've been so happy tonight." (Sheila).
1. Edwardian Society set in 1912 and reflects the Edwardian Era The quote reveals the conflict that she lays experiencing between her own personal happiness and the knowledge of the suffering of others the guys that Sheila is referring to is Eva
Smith have been driven to suicide due to the actions of sheila's family and friends.
2. Political movements were common She does happiness is therefore contrasted with the tragedy of eva's death, which serves to highlight the moral implications of the characters actions.
The quote also revealed she list growing sense of responsibility and empathy towards others. Earlier in the play commercial had been dismissive of eve's plight, but now she's
3. Big divide between rich and poor beginning to realise the severity of the situation.
4. Ouspensky's theory suggests that when we die we re-enter our life once more from the beginning The contrast between her happiness and evil suffering serves to emphasise the moral awakening that Sheila is experiencing.
Moreover, the quote highlights the theme of social responsibility that is central to the play. She looks happy this issue to be hollow are meaningless in the face of the suffering of others.
5. Born again to the same parents and continue to repeat all events The quote suggests that personal happiness cannot be achieved at the expense of others on the individuals have a responsibility to look out for one another interact in the best interest
6. Cycle of identical lives would repeat if nothing of significance changed of the community as a whole in conclusion quote is significant as it reveals a conflict that Sheila is experiencing between her own personal happiness and a natural suffering of others.
The quote highlights the team's social responsibility and emphasise the moral awakening that she dates experiencing
7. We improve --> spiral --> eventually escape from the repetitions
8. Eternal occurence Act 2: Inspectors entrances and exits
The inspectors entrances and exits in an inspector call serve several important functions.
9. Dunnes Theory suggests that our experience of time as liner is an illusion bought by human Firstly, they create a sense of tension and suspense, as the characters become increasingly anxious about the inspectors presence.
The inspector's sudden arrival and departure are therefore used to create a sense of drama and to heighten the place themes of guilt and responsibility.
consciousness
Secondly, the inspectors entrances and exits are used to structure the play into greater sense of repetition and cyclical time.
10. Dunne proposed that time takes place on parallel planes Each time the inspector enters he interrogates a different character exposes the secrets.
The inspectors exits therefore marks the end of each act on the beginning of a new cycle of interrogation.
11. "Deja vu"- the time that we experience passing in our waking lives can be observed from within another This create a sense of inevitability and suggest that the characters are trapped in a cycle of guilt and shame.
time frame, our dreams. Thirdly, the inspectors entrances and exits are used to emphasise his power and authority.
The inspector is able to disrupt the buildings comfortable lives and forced them to confront their actions.
12. King Edward ruled from 1901 to 1910, but the Edwardian era itself spans from the mid-1890s to 1914, the His sudden arrival and departure therefore symbolises ability to shake up the status and to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of the upper classes.
year when WW1 began Finally the inspectors entrances and exits are used to create a sense of mystery and ambiguity
the inspector's true identity and motivations are never revealed and his sudden appearances and disappearances only served to heighten the sense of uncertainty and confusion
13. 1912 (play set): WW1 would start in two years time; Strong distinction between the upper and lower this creates a sense of unease and suggests that there may be more to the inspector that means that eye
classes; Women were subservient to men. No significant role in society except as a wife and mother for in conclusion the inspectors entrances and exits in any spectacle cell several important functions including creating tension and suspense structuring the play emphasising the
inspectors power and authority and creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity.
the higher classes; Women could not vote- suffragettes were protesting for suffrage; The ruling classes The use of entrances and exits exactly key aspect of the place dramatic structure and contributes to its overall impact and effectiveness
felt nothing needed to change politically. Act 3: "You're offering money at the wrong time Mr Birling."
14. 1945 (play written): WW2 ended in 1845 and people were recovering from years of warfare, shortages, This is a key moment in the play that highlights are class differences between the characters an underscores the place theme of social responsibility and guilt.
Mr birling is revealing his own lower social status an academic standing of the rules of polite society as the inspector is forced to reject his offer and insert his own authority and status.
danger and uncertainty; Class distinctions had reduced because of the two world wars and the necessity Mr birlings off of money is also also highlights the hypocrisy and selfishness of the upper classes who are more concerned with maintaining their own welfare and status than with
to fight alongside others; Because of the wars, women had earned a more valued place in society and the helping those in need.
right to vote; Women were able to vote and had become equal to men in terms of voice; Socialism grew Act 3: End phone call
more popular after WW2 and this lead to the creation of the welfare state. The idea of time repeating itself, and using knowledge of the past to change the future, occurs at the end of the play. Here, the phone call telling the Birlings that a girl has just died
brings the characters full circle.
,
Analysis and Development Quotes- Analysis and Interpretation
The idea of age and generation identity run through the play
Act 1: "Now you three young people, just listen to this and remember what I'm telling
Birlings family is split into two generations: parent and
you now." (Mr Birling)
children Mr Birling thinks of himself as a teacher to the younger generation because of age
The generational divide doesn't just refer to the relationship Showing seriousness
between a parent and their child on familial context. Imperatives emphasise Birling's desire for attention and for his children to be his disciples-
Priestley examines how your life experiences and the era you impact on younger
grow up in affects your morals and political identity. "Listen" and "remember" emphasises Mr Birling's desire for attention and for his children
Clear distinction between how the child reacts to the to be his disciples.
He wants to have an impact and pass over his misogyny to the younger generation.
Inspectors visit and how the parents react.
The way each generation views the other is also a key suspect
Act 1: "You youngsters- and I've learnt in the good hard school of experience" (Mr Birling)
of the family's dynamic. The phrase "good hard school of experience" suggests he thinks knowledge and
Gerald is an outlier as he belongs to an older, landed family intelligence can only come with age, and that "experience" is the ultimate form of
which makes him ultimately sympathise with the parents. education- shown by the metaphor of "school"
Gerald is physically part of the younger generation but The use of "youngsters" shows Mr Birling is fixated on age and superiority
mentally is part of the older generation The nouns are patronising and mocking
Priestley had a hope that the younger generation had the
Act 1: "Really the thing you girls pick up these days?" (Mrs Birling)
ability to learn and to change
Suggests disapprovement of modern culture.
Older characters opinions and behaviours ae stubbornly fixed. Rude and unlady like, threatening the tradition of femininity
Younger generations accept mistakes and offer change for This shows that she is quite patronising towards
future her children and infantilizes Sheila.
This also shows the distance in the relationship
between Mrs Birling and her children.
This links to the theme of attitudes and values of different generations
Generations
Context Again another example of Mrs Birling's conservatism
Sybil has snobbish opinions that people should speak and behave 'properly', not doing so
1. The generational divide in Britain in 1945 was the most severe
would make her look down upon them.
2. Those who fought in the world war, those who were too young to fight and those who
were too old to fight Act 2: "A lot of silly nonsense!" (Mrs Birling)"
3. Those who knew life before the war and those who only had known war "!" shows Mrs Birling's disbelief- consumed by prejudice
4. Priestley was born in 1894- member of the latter generation. Refuses to trust and respect Eva
5. Lost generation-to those born between 1883 and 1900, to those who reached adulthood Older generation is blinded by intolerance
during or just after the end of the world war.
6. Found living in the post war era difficult Act 2: "Impertinent is such a silly word" (Sheila)
7. War survivors felt confused and aimless- values that were no longer relevant were not The stage directionsdictate that “Sheila gives a short hysterical laugh” in response to her
used mother's use of the “silly word”impertinent”.
8. Found everyday life materialistic and emotionally meaningless Sheila's laugh is symbolicof her rejection of Mrs Birling's treatment of Eva.
9. Eric and Sheila were members of the lost generation Implies Birling's superiority is false
"Impertinence" criticism is ironic
10. Play is set when the war hadn't happened yet.
Sheila has broken free of her mothers opinion
11. Priestley presents the older generation as being stuck in their old ways, used to their
comforts and conservative values. The parents refuse to be self-aware or accept
Act 3: "You're beginning all over again to pretend that nothing much has happened."
responsibility, caring only for themselves. (Eric)
12. In contrast the younger generation are curious and compassionate, and quick yo rectify Suggests that as soon as proof has gone Mr and Mrs Birling are able to free themselves
their ignorance. He suggests that the younger generation should learn from the "Pretend"- wilful ignorance
mistakes of their elders in order to create a more peaceful and progressive future for "Nothing"- children found it life-changing
Britain. Shows that the old generation are stuck in their old ways and are unable to change
