generations young v old

• What is the main theme regarding age in the play?

  Generational identity and divide
• How does Priestley view the impact of life experiences on morals?

  They shape one's morals and political identity
• What is the generational divide in the Birling family?

  Parents versus children
• How do the children react to the Inspector's visit compared to the parents?

  Children are more open and responsive
• Who is considered an outlier in the Birling family?

  Gerald
• What was the generational divide in Britain in 1945?

  Severe, due to war experiences
• What is the Lost Generation?

  Those born between 1883 and 1900
• How did the Lost Generation feel in the postwar years?

  Confused and aimless
• What does Priestley suggest about the younger generation's learning from elders?

  They should learn to create a better future
• How does Priestley portray the older generation in the play?

  • Stuck in old ways
  • Refuse to accept responsibility
  • Focused on self-interest
• How does Priestley portray the younger generation?

  • Curious and compassionate
  • Quick to rectify ignorance
  • Open to change and progress
• How does the structure of the play emphasize generational divides?

  Through dialogue and character reactions
• How does the family appear at the beginning of the play?

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

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

  It is at a crossroads for change
• What character arcs do Eric and Sheila undergo?

  From immaturity to mature understanding
• How do the older generations react after the Inspector's revelations?

  They want to return to normalcy
• What does the cyclical structure of the play suggest?

  History repeats 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 he is infallible
• How does Mr Birling's capitalist views affect his character?

  He prioritizes wealth over community
• What does Mr Birling think about the younger generation?

  He views them as foolish and naive
• How does Mr Birling perceive his role in the family?

  As a teacher to the younger generation
• What does Mr Birling's use of imperatives reveal about him?

  His desire for control and authority
• How does Mr Birling react to the idea of war?

  He dismisses it as unlikely
• What does Priestley imply about the older generation's arrogance?

  It leads to their delusion and mistakes
• How does Mr Birling's view of modern life reflect his character?

  He sees it as easier and weaker
• What does Mrs Birling represent in the play?

  The older generation's denial of change
• How does Mrs Birling react to her husband's comments?

  She objects to his remarks
• What does Mrs Birling's obsession with appearances suggest?

  She prioritizes social conduct over authenticity
• How does Mrs Birling view Sheila's use of slang?

  As rude and unladylike
• What does Mrs Birling's refusal to listen indicate?

  Her obstinacy and ignorance
• How does Priestley portray the older generation's values?

  As outdated and detrimental
• What does the repetition of "don't" signify in Mrs Birling's dialogue?

  Her refusal to engage with others
• What does Priestley think about the things girls pick up these days?

  They are rude and unladylike
• How does Priestley describe the older generations' trust in the younger generations?

  They did not trust them to act appropriately
• What dictated the lives of the older generations according to Priestley?

  Arbitrary rules and desire to appear sophisticated
• What does Priestley suggest about the values of older generations?

  They isolated and deterred others
• How does Mrs. Birling demonstrate her stubbornness throughout the play?

  She doesn’t listen to others' opinions
• What does Sheila warn Mrs. Birling about?

  Beginning all wrong