Vocab & Techniques

• What is patriarchal authority?

  A social system where men hold power
• How does capitalist ideology relate to Mr. Birling?

  It critiques his belief in profit and ownership
• What does social hierarchy refer to?

  The class structure in society
• How is class prejudice demonstrated in the play?

  1. Birling refers to Eva as 'that sort'
• What does entitlement mean in this context?

  Belief one deserves privileges
• What is aristocratic detachment?

  Upper class ignorance of lower class struggles
• What does systemic oppression refer to?

  Widespread mistreatment by societal structures
• What is dehumanisation in the context of the play?

  Stripping away someone's humanity
• How does moral blindness manifest in Mr. and Mrs. Birling?

  They fail to see right from wrong
• What is a superiority complex?

  Belief one is better than others
• What does collective accountability mean in the play?

  • Shared responsibility for an outcome
  • Central to the Inspector's message
• What is a moral reckoning?

  Moment of realizing guilt
• What does ethical awareness involve?

  Understanding what is morally right
• What is a redemptive arc?

  • A journey towards redemption
  • Relevant for Sheila or Eric's development
• What is performative guilt?

  Acting guilty without real change
• What is the contrast between redemption and denial?

  • Redemption: Owning up to guilt
  • Denial: Rejecting responsibility
  • Seen in Sheila vs Sybil
• What does moral integrity mean?

  Sticking to strong moral principles
• How is moral vacuity represented in Mr. Birling?

  His obsession with reputation
• What is hypocrisy in the context of Mrs. Birling?

  Saying one thing, doing another
• What does self-reflexivity mean?

  Ability to self-examine
• What is ideological conflict?

  • Clash of beliefs
  • Central to youth vs older generation
• What is a progressive conscience?

  Forward-thinking moral compass
• What is youthful idealism?

  Belief in fairness and change
• How does resistance to change manifest in the Birlings?

  They refuse to adapt post-Inspector
• What is a traditionalist mindset?

  Belief in keeping things the same
• What are regressive values?

  Backward, outdated morals
• What does emotional maturity refer to?

  Ability to deal with feelings responsibly
• What is intergenerational tension?

  Conflict between age groups
• What is dramatic irony?

  • Audience knows more than characters
  • Example: Titanic reference
• What is foreshadowing?

  Hinting at future events
• What is a climactic moment?

  A turning point in the play
• What is the symbolic function of characters?

  Characters represent larger ideas
• What is a character foil?

  A character who contrasts with another
• What is the didactic purpose of the play?

  Intent to teach a moral lesson
• What is the motif of responsibility?

  • Recurring theme in the play
  • Especially emphasized in the Inspector's message
• What is anagnorisis?

  Moment of recognition
• What does juxtaposition mean?

  Placing opposites side by side
• What is irony-laden dialogue?

  Dialogue full of irony
• What is symbolic representation in the context of Eva and Edna?

  • They stand for wider social issues
  • Represent the struggles of the working class
• What does marginalised voice mean?

  Voices ignored by society