Theme - Generation Young v Old

• What is the main theme regarding age and generational identity in the play?

  The play explores the impact of age and generational identity on morals and political identity.
• How does Priestley illustrate the generational divide in the Birling family?

  He shows the differing reactions of the parents and children to the Inspector's visit.
• Who is considered an outlier in the Birling family and why?

  Gerald is an outlier because he belongs to an older, landed family and sympathizes with the parents.
• What was the generational divide in Britain in 1945 characterized by?


  • Those who fought in the World Wars
  • Those who were too young to fight
  • Those who were too old to fight
  • Different experiences of life before and after the wars
• What is the Lost Generation defined as?

  The Lost Generation refers to those born between 1883 and 1900 who reached adulthood during or just after the First World War.
• What challenges did the Lost Generation face in the postwar era?

  They felt confused and aimless as the values inherited from their elders became irrelevant.
• How does Priestley portray the older generation in the play?

  He presents them as stuck in their old ways, conservative, and self-centered.
• What qualities does Priestley attribute to the younger generation?

  The younger generation is portrayed as curious, compassionate, and eager to learn from their elders' mistakes.
• How does Priestley use structure and form to emphasize the generational divide?

  • Dialogue organization highlights differing perspectives
  • Scenes where parents or children dominate conversations
  • Varied reactions to the Inspector's visit
• What does Priestley suggest about the characters in the play?


  He suggests that characters are constructs used to symbolize different outlooks and political orientations.

  
• How does the family appear at the beginning of the play?

  The family appears as a unified front, despite small disputes.
• What is the younger generation's attitude towards their parents at the beginning of the play?

  They are curious and inquisitive but do not want to challenge their parents' authority.
• What effect does the Inspector have on the Birling family?

  The Inspector's visit splits the family permanently along generational lines.
• What does Priestley suggest about society at the time of the play?

  He suggests society is at a crossroads where change is necessary.

  
• How do Eric and Sheila's character arcs develop throughout the play?

  • Start with immature desire to follow parents
  • End with mature understanding of the real world
  • Capable of independent thought
• How do the older generations react to the Inspector's revelations?

  They show a determination to return to their previous ways, indicating delusion.
• How does the play end in relation to its beginning?

  The play ends with a phone call announcing another Inspector is coming, mirroring the beginning.

  
• What does the cyclical structure of the play suggest?

  It suggests that history will repeat itself until people learn from it.
• What role does Mr Birling play in the Birling family?

  Mr Birling is the patriarch and symbolizes the older generation's power and influence.
• How does Mr Birling view his own accomplishments?

  He is very satisfied with his accomplishments and believes they make him wise.
• What does Mr Birling's attitude towards the younger generation reveal?

  He views them as foolish and naive, reflecting his arrogance.
• How does Mr Birling perceive knowledge and intelligence?

  He believes knowledge comes only with age and experience.
• What does Mr Birling's toast to the younger generation signify?

  It signifies his desire to impart his wisdom and influence them.
• How does Priestley portray the older generations' arrogance?

  He suggests they are overconfident and dismissive of the possibility of being wrong.
• What does Mr Birling's statement about war reveal about his character?

  His absolute certainty about the future reflects his delusion and arrogance.
• How does Mr Birling view the younger generation's lifestyle?

  He believes they are spoiled due to having more money and time than he did.
• What does the term "lecture" imply about Mr Birling's attitude towards the younger generation?

  It implies he sees himself as an authority figure who must correct their mistakes.
• How does Priestley associate Mr Birling with capitalism?

  Mr Birling's character embodies selfishness and right-wing conservatism.
• What does Mr Birling's toast reveal about his political views?

  It reveals his focus on self-preservation and individualism over community.
• How does Mrs Birling's character reflect the older generations' denial of change?

  She is conservative and unrepentant about her prejudices, showing stubbornness.
• What is Mrs Birling's obsession in the play?


  She is obsessed with appearances, manners, and social etiquette.
• How does Mrs Birling react to Sheila's use of slang?

  She disapproves and believes it threatens traditional femininity.
• What does Priestley suggest about the older generations' values?

  He suggests they prioritize social conduct over genuine interaction, leading to repression.
• How does Mrs Birling's stubbornness manifest in her interactions with Sheila?

  She refuses to listen to Sheila's warnings and dismisses her concerns.
• What does the repetition of "don't" in Mrs Birling's dialogue suggest?

  It suggests the older generations' deliberate ignorance and obstinacy.
• What does Priestley suggest about the older generations' views on femininity?

  They view the things girls pick up as rude and unladylike, threatening the tradition of femininity.
• How did the older generations' lives differ from the younger generations according to Priestley?

  The older generations' lives were dictated by arbitrary rules and a desire to appear sophisticated, rather than living freely.
• What does Priestley imply about the impact of the older generations' values on others?

  These values isolated and deterred others.
• What trait does Mrs. Birling exhibit throughout the play?

  She is stubborn and does not listen to the opinions of others.
• What does Mrs. Birling's response to Sheila's warnings indicate about her character?

  It shows her refusal to listen to the younger generations.