gender

• Why is gender pivotal to understanding character interactions in the play?

  It influences how characters interact and view themselves
• What does Priestley suggest about traditional gender stereotypes?

  They are damaging and hinder societal progress
• How does Priestley develop the theme of gender roles in the play?

  • Different female characters represent various societal roles
  • Interactions between genders comment on traditional roles
  • Suggests how society should progress in the future
• What is the role of the Inspector in the play?

  To break down gender stereotypes among characters
• How is the Inspector described in terms of masculinity?

  He is not hypermasculine but purposeful
• What qualities does the Inspector possess that contrast with toxic masculinity?

  He is intelligent, compassionate, and patient
• What does the Inspector's presence foreshadow in the play?

  Priestley’s hopes for a more progressive future
• How did the World Wars influence women's roles in society?

  Women took on jobs previously held by men
• What was the societal view of women after the World Wars?

  Women were reluctant to return to domestic roles
• What was the reaction of some people to the changes in women's roles post-war?

  They idealized pre-war traditions and resisted change
• What movement caused hostility towards suffragettes?

  The Women’s Suffrage movement
• How does Priestley illustrate the consequences of gender stereotyping?

  By showing conflict and suffering in society
• What do the female characters in the play represent?

  • Mrs Birling: Traditional subordinate female
  • Sheila: The 'New Woman' with strong opinions
  • Eva: A working-class woman exploited by men
• How does Mrs Birling embody traditional values?

  She acts as a subordinate in men's presence
• What does Mrs Birling's opinion about other women reveal?

  She is judgmental and strict towards them
• How does Mrs Birling's class status affect her role?

  She is still subordinate due to her gender
• What does Mrs Birling's reference to her husband indicate?

  Women's status depended on their husband's position
• What traditional family view does Mrs Birling adhere to?

  The man is in charge of the family
• How does Mrs Birling suppress other women?

  By passing down traditional values to Sheila
• What does Mrs Birling teach Sheila about men?

  To be dependent and loyal to them
• What does Mrs Birling imply about men's work?

  Only a man's work is valuable
• How does Mrs Birling view women's understanding of business?

  She believes women are incapable of it
• What does Mrs Birling's suggestion to leave the men indicate?

  She wants to separate genders physically
• How does Mrs Birling's language reflect societal attitudes?

  It mirrors sexist condescension towards women
• How does Eva Smith differ from Mrs Birling?

  She is assertive and outspoken
• What does Eva's character symbolize?

  Working-class women and their oppression
• How does Eva's strong voice challenge societal expectations?

  She defies the passive role expected of women
• What does Mr Birling's reaction to Eva's opinions reveal?

  He wants to censor her rebelliousness
• How does Mrs Birling view Eva's actions?

  She sees them as impertinent and disrespectful
• What societal views does Eva's pregnancy outside of marriage highlight?

  Stigmas against unmarried women and motherhood
• How does Eva's introduction as "Mrs Birling" reflect societal dependence?

  It shows women's reliance on family for security
• What does Priestley suggest about class differences in relationships?

  They create unequal consequences for women
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?

  She transforms into an assertive and independent woman
• What role does the Inspector play in Sheila's development?

  He helps her voice her own opinions
• What does Priestley suggest about women's portrayal in society?

  It makes them appear weak and two-dimensional
• How does Sheila's character arc relate to Women's Suffrage?

  It mirrors the progression from 1912 to 1945
• How is Sheila characterized at the beginning of the play?

  As naive, materialistic, and spiteful
• What transformation does Sheila undergo in the play?

  • Begins as a stereotypical upper-class girl
  • Becomes assertive and self-assured
  • Represents the New Woman
• What transformation does Sheila undergo during the play?

  She becomes assertive, self-assured, and independent
• How does the Inspector influence Sheila's character?

  He helps her voice her opinions and become self-aware