Age Gaps

• Priestley explores the age divide through Sheila and Eric's response to Eva's death, Mr and Mrs Birling's response to Eva's death and how the older characters perceive the younger ones.
• "Don't be childish Sheila" Mrs Birling, Act 2

  Infantalises Sheila and diminishes her meaning(a typical attitude at the time as they thought children were fragile). Also could link to the fact that shes a women(unstable perceptions). Possible sexism as Eric isn't told the same thing - society had patriarchal views. Rudeness towards Sheila could inspire antipathy(aversion) towards her parents(especially Birling)
• "The famous younger generation who knows it all. And they can't even take a joke" Arthur, Act 3

  Birling returns to his complacent and arrogant attitude, very similar to before the Inspector. Mocks Sheila and Eric for taking responsibility for their actions. Patronising tone infantalises Eric and Sheila and reveals how Birling thinks he's superior. Makes Birling look foolish/stupid as he is mocking the younger generation for the views. Could provide hope for the younger generation as they are taking socialism seriously
• "But don't forget I'm ashamed of you, yes both of you" Eric, Act 3

  Shows he is not proud to have a rich family but actually disappointed and embarrassed. Eric's growing socialist views begin to emerge. It contrasts the typical Edwardian expectations that children are unaware and unimportant. Emphasises the extent to which Eric has grown and accepted the Inspector's socialist projections.