Age

• How does the theme of age influence characters in the play?

  It affects their views, behaviors, and decisions
• Who are the younger characters in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Eric and Sheila
• What does the theme of age examine in the play?

  How different age groups behave based on age
• What might an exam question ask regarding age in the play?

  About age difference and generation gap
• How is Gerald's character positioned in terms of age?

  He is between the older and younger generations
• What capitalist tendencies does Gerald display?

  Less acceptance of responsibilities
• How does Gerald's social class affect his views?

  It may override his tendency for compassion
• How do Sheila and Eric refer to their parents?

  Polite terms like mummy and father
• What impression do Sheila and Eric's quotations create?

  They act respectfully towards their parents
• How does Mrs. Birling refer to Sheila, and what does it imply?

  As "this child," implying she is not taken seriously
• What does Mr. Birling's quote about the younger generation suggest?

  He mocks them, showing disdain for their views
• How does Eric feel about his father?

  He feels resentment and cannot confide in him
• What does Sheila express about her responsibility for Eva's death?

  She feels guilty and questions her role
• How does Mr. Birling initially respond to the inspector?

  He denies knowing Eva Smith
• What does Mrs. Birling say about her actions regarding guilt?

  She claims she did nothing to be ashamed of
• How does Mr. Birling's attitude towards guilt change?

  He shows guilt when offering money at the end
• What emotional responses do the younger characters exhibit?

  They show guilt and regret for their actions
• What does Sheila do when she recognizes Eva in the photograph?

  She cries and runs out
• What do the stage directions indicate about Gerald and Eric's departures?

  They leave in silence, indicating guilt
• How does the older generation view the younger generation's opinions?

  They see them as insignificant and naive
• What does the generational conflict reveal about the characters?

  It highlights the differences in values and beliefs
• What does the theme of age ultimately suggest about society?

  It critiques the divide between generations
• How does Mrs. Birling view her actions regarding guilt?

  She feels no guilt or responsibility.
• What does the adjective "ashamed" indicate about Mrs. Birling's feelings?

  She rejects all forms of guilt.
• How are the older generation portrayed in the text?

  As cold, uncaring, and selfish.
• What does Mr. Birling's offer of money signify?

  His guilt is economic rather than emotional.
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about giving "thousands" imply?

  He feels guilt but it's too late.
• How does the older generation's acceptance of guilt compare to the younger generation's?

  Older generation is slow to accept guilt.
• What does Eric's repetition of "I did" signify?

  He accepts responsibility for his actions.
• How does Sheila's attitude towards the inspector differ from Mrs. Birling's?

  Sheila wants to right her wrongs.
• What does Mr. Birling's claim about "every excuse" reveal?

  He distances himself from responsibility.
• How do the younger and older generations respond to the inspector's teachings?

  Younger generation learns, older does not.
• What lesson does the inspector emphasize regarding responsibility?

  We must care for our fellow man.
• What historical events complicate the younger generation's acceptance of the inspector's lesson?

  World Wars followed the play's events.
• What is JB Priestley's intention regarding the older generation?

  To condemn their mistakes and selfishness.
• How does Priestley portray the younger generation in contrast to the older generation?

  As kinder, more caring, and slightly socialist.
• What does Priestley hope to achieve by praising the younger generation?

  Encourage agreement with his socialist message.
• What are the key differences in how the two generations respond to the inspector?

  • Younger generation learns and accepts responsibility.
  • Older generation rejects responsibility and remains self-centered.
  • Sheila and Eric show growth, while Mr. and Mrs. Birling do not.
• What themes are explored through the generational differences in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Guilt and responsibility
  • Capitalism vs. socialism
  • The impact of historical events on attitudes