Gender

• What does Priestley suggest about traditional gender stereotypes?

  They are damaging and hinder societal progress
• What qualities does the Inspector possess that contrast with toxic masculinity?

  He is impressive, intelligent, compassionate, and patient
• What societal changes influenced women's roles during the 1940s?

  The two World Wars challenged conservative gender notions
• How did the return of men from war affect women's roles?

  Women were reluctant to return to domestic roles
• What was the public sentiment towards the Women's Suffrage movement?

  It caused hostility towards suffragettes
• What does Priestley illustrate about the consequences of gender stereotyping?

  It leads to conflict and suffering in society
• How do the female characters in the play represent different societal roles?

  • Mrs. Birling: Traditional subordinate female
  • Sheila: Evolves into the 'New Woman'
  • Eva: Represents lower-class women's struggles
• How does Mrs. Birling's status relate to her husband's position?

  Her status depends on her husband's position
• What does Mrs. Birling's statement about her husband imply about women's roles?

  Women are expected to be dependent on men
• How does Mrs. Birling teach her daughter about gender roles?

  She promotes dependence and loyalty to men
• What does Mrs. Birling imply about men's work?

  Only men's work is considered valuable
• How does Mrs. Birling's attitude reflect societal views on women?

  She reinforces the idea that women are inferior
• How does Mrs. Birling's language reflect her views on other women?

  She uses mocking and reductive language
• What does Eva's strong voice signify in the context of the play?

  It challenges traditional expectations of women
• What societal stigma does Eva face regarding pregnancy?

  Unmarried women faced significant scandal
• How does Eva's introduction as "Mrs. Birling" reflect societal views?

  It shows women's dependence on family for security
• What role does the Inspector play in Sheila's transformation?

  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 is Sheila initially presented in the play?

  As naive, materialistic, and spiteful
• What role does the Inspector play in Sheila's transformation?

  He helps her voice her opinions and become self-aware
• What does Priestley suggest about society's treatment of women?

  It makes them appear weak and two-dimensional
• What historical movement does Sheila's character arc imitate?

  Women's Suffrage from 1912 to 1945
• What does Sheila's excitement over her engagement ring reveal about her character?

  It shows her materialistic and shallow nature
• What societal expectation does Sheila's jealousy towards Eva reflect?

  That women must compete for beauty
• What does Sheila's admission about Eva imply about her view of beauty?

  She sees Eva as a threat due to her beauty
• How do Sheila's interactions with Gerald change throughout the play?

  She becomes more assertive and challenges him
• What does Sheila's mock aggressiveness indicate about her character at the start?

  She represses her feelings to conform
• How does Sheila's refusal to excuse Gerald's behavior demonstrate her growth?

  She recognizes her self-worth and holds him accountable
• What does Sheila's character represent in the context of Women's Suffrage?

  Her independence reflects changing gender conventions
• How does Mr. Birling treat women in the play?

  In a condescending and disrespectful manner
• What does Mr. Birling's toast to Gerald reveal about his views on marriage?

  He sees it as a transaction for happiness
• How does Mr. Birling's attitude towards women reflect societal beliefs?

  It shows women are seen as property
• How does Mr. Birling's treatment of Eva Smith illustrate hypocrisy?

  He sexualizes her while protecting Sheila
• How does Eric's character reflect the influence of his father?

  He embodies the misogyny taught by Mr. Birling
• What does the tension between Eric and Mr. Birling signify?

  It highlights the pressures of masculinity
• How does Eric's suggestion to "drink their health" reflect his character?

  It shows his desire to avoid confrontation
• According to Priestley, how were upper class women respected?

  Only if they were 'pure'
• What does Priestley suggest about lower class women?

  They were viewed as prostitutes and abandoned
• What does Eric symbolize in Priestley's work?

  The misogyny taught by older generations
• How does Priestley present misogyny?

  As a tradition that benefits men