Young vs old

• What is the main theme explored in "An Inspector Calls" regarding generations?

  The theme of generational identity and the divide between young and old
• How does Priestley illustrate the generational divide in the play?

  By showing the differing reactions of parents and children to the Inspector's visit
• Who is considered an outlier in the Birling family?

  Gerald
• What does the generational divide in Britain in 1945 signify?

  It reflects the experiences of those who fought in the World Wars and those who did not
• What is the time frame for the Lost Generation?

  Those born between 1883 and 1900
• How did the Lost Generation feel about the postwar era?

  They felt confused and aimless
• How does Priestley portray the older generation in the play?

  As stuck in their old ways and resistant to change
• What qualities does Priestley attribute to the younger generation?

  Curiosity and compassion
• What is the significance of the structure and form in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Emphasizes the generational divide
  • Organizes dialogue to show dominance in conversations
  • Highlights different reactions to the Inspector's visit
• How does the family appear at the beginning of the play?

  As a unified front
• What effect does the Inspector have on the family?

  He splits the family down generational lines
• What does Priestley suggest about society at the end of the play?

  That it is at a crossroads where change must happen
• What character arcs do Eric and Sheila undergo?

  They move from immaturity to a mature understanding of the real world
• How do the older generations react to the Inspector's revelations?

  They show a determination to return to their previous ways
• What does the cyclical structure of the play suggest?

  That history will repeat itself until lessons are learned
• What does Mr Birling symbolize in the play?

  The older generation's power and influence
• How does Mr Birling view his own wisdom?

  He believes his life experiences make him wise and infallible
• What does Mr Birling's toast reveal about his character?

  It shows his desire for attention and influence over the younger generation
• How does Priestley depict the older generations' arrogance?

  Through Mr Birling's overconfidence and refusal to accept being wrong
• What does Mr Birling say about war?

  He claims there isn’t a chance of war
• How does Mr Birling view the younger generation's lifestyle?

  He believes they are spoiled due to having more money and time
• What does Priestley suggest about the older generation's perception of the younger generation?

  They perceive them as weaker and less worthy
• How does Mrs Birling react to her husband's comments about the cook?

  She objects to his comments
• What does Mrs Birling's reaction to Sheila's slang term suggest?

  She disapproves of modern culture
• How does Priestley portray Mrs Birling's character throughout the play?

  As stubborn and resistant to change
• What does Mrs Birling's refusal to listen to others indicate?

  It reinforces the idea of older generations being deliberately ignorant
• What does Mrs Birling say when Sheila warns her about "beginning all wrong"?

  She replies, "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
• What does the slang term "squiffy" suggest about Mrs. Birling's views on modern culture?

  It suggests that she disapproves of modern culture.
• How does Mrs. Birling perceive the things that girls pick up these days?

  She thinks they are rude and unladylike.
• What does Priestley suggest about the older generations' trust in the younger generations?

  He suggests they did not trust them to act appropriately.
• What dictated the lives of the older generations according to Priestley?

  Arbitrary rules and a desire to appear sophisticated.
• How did the values of the older generations affect others, according to the text?

  They isolated and deterred others.
• What trait does Mrs. Birling exhibit throughout the play?

  She is stubborn and does not listen to others.
• What does Mrs. Birling's response to Sheila's warnings indicate?

  It indicates her refusal to listen to the younger generations.
• What does the repetition of "don't" suggest about the older generations?

  It suggests they were incapable of entertaining others' suggestions.
• How does Mrs. Birling react to the Inspector's inquiries?

  She claims he has no power to change her mind.
• What does Mrs. Birling's use of the noun "power" imply about her views?

  It suggests she sees changing her mind as a sign of weakness.
• How does Priestley portray Mrs. Birling's prejudices towards Eva Smith?

  He reveals her classism and bias against working-class individuals.
• What does Mrs. Birling consider Eva's introduction as?

  She considers it a piece of gross impertinence.
• How does Mrs. Birling's reaction to Eva's name reflect her character?

  It shows she aims to see the worst in people to villainize them.