Generation Young Vs Old

• Presentation of generations


  Older- static, conservative and rugged individualism

  Younger- Curious and compassionate- quick to rectify ignorance, learn form mistakes of elders
• Older generation are arrogant and controlling


  "just listen..remember"

  > Imperatives, desire for attention and influence

  > Mr B hubris (excessive self confidence)

  "ISn't a chance of war" /"titanic is unsinkable" / "Community and all that nonsense"

  > Mocks socialism - portrays older generation as cruel and narrow minded
• Eric


  > Suffer under pressure

  "And I'm not married" - lives laid out, no autonomy

  "A man has to look after himself"

  > Verbatim- incapable to speak for himself

  > Conditioned to mindlessly follow older generation

  "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages" - challenges his father, ability to path a new future

  > Capitalism system exploits

  "we did her in all right"
• Sheila


  "Silly pretences"

  > Criticises her family as foolish and childish (Roles reversed)

  "Impertinent is such a silly word"

  > Birling superiority is false

  > Ironic- Sheila used the words against Eva- sheila broke free

  "These girls aren't cheap labour- they're people"

  > Uses sheila's shrewdness to expose ridiculous older generation facade

  "I behaved badly.. I'm ashamed of it" *As if she's been crying* (Stage directions)
• Fights between generations


  "It's about time you learnt to face responsibility"

  > Hypocrisy as Mr Birling is to blame for spoiling Eric

  > Impossible to understand each other due to upbringing

  "Just let me finish" - crave attention and dominance

  "Don't talk to me like that" - Silenced and censored giving illusion society is happier than it is

  "What's the matter with this child" Invalidates
• Mr and Mrs B

  "I cannot accept responsibility"

  "I did my duty"