Generations

• "So I was perfectly justified in advising my committee not to allow her claim for assistance."

  
  

  (Mrs Birling explains her decision to turn away Eva when she came to her for help)

  Despite hearing about all the misfortune that Eva Smith has suffered, Mrs Birling is unmoved and stubbornly stands by her decision to turn Eva away.
• "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all."

  
  

  (Eric stands up to his parents when it becomes clear that they will not take responsibility)


  Eric sees that his parents are trying to 'pretend' that nothing happened when it is suggested that the Inspector was not real. He and Sheila, the younger characters, still feel responsible.
• "Why, you hysterical young fool - get back - or I'll -"

  
  

  (Mr Birling turns on his son Eric and nearly attacks him physically)


  Mr Birling implies here that Eric is a 'fool' because he is young. Ironically, it is the older Arthur who nearly resorts to physical violence.
• "The things you girls pick up these days."

  
  

  (After Sheila calls Eric 'squiffy')

  Mrs Birling implies that the young women of this current time are silly or irresponsible. Like with Eva Smith, she is very dismissive of the younger generation and perceives them to be lesser than her.
• "After all I don't often make speeches at you."

  
  

  (Just before Mr Birling gives his speech)

  Mr Birling implies that since Shelia is much younger than him, she is unable to understand the nature of the conversation/speech. This being the reason he does not often give speeches at her.
• "Why the devil do you want to go upsetting the child like that?"

  
  

  (After Sheila has been shown the picture of Eva Smith and runs out crying)

  Mr Birling refers to Shelia as being a 'child'. She may be his daughter, however, at the beginning of the play she is described as being in her early twenties. Mr Birlings comments here almost seem as if he is talking to someone who has just woken a baby. It also implies that Mr Birling does not think Shelia can handle such emotions as, being a women, she is too sensitive.
• "You seem to have made a great impression on this child, Inspector."


  Although Shelia is Mrs Birling's daughter, she is not a child. At the beginning of the play, Shelia is described as being in her early twenties. This shows the theme of age as Mrs Birling purposefully acts as if Shelia is not an adult as she still wants to be superior to her and acts as if she knows better.
• "No, of course not. He's only a boy."

  
  

  "No, he's a young man."


  Mr and Mrs Birling still refuse to accept Eric as being an adult even though others view him as that. This shows how even in their family there is a barrier. Like with the upper/middle-class and working class, there is a barrier between the young and old.
• "What's the matter with that child?"

  
  

  "Over-excited. And she refused to go."


  In this quote, Mr and Mrs Birling are still referring to Shelia as being a 'child' despite being in her early twenties. Furthermore they are explaining her supposed behaviour as if she were a toddler once more creating this barrier as they feel they must be superior.