Gender

• Why is gender pivotal to understanding character interactions in the play?

  It influences how characters interact with each other and view themselves.
• What is Priestley’s main message regarding traditional gender stereotypes?

  They are damaging and stop society from progressing.
• How does Priestley develop the theme of gender in the play?

  • Different female characters represent various roles of women in society.
  • Interactions between male and female characters comment on traditional gender roles.
  • Suggests how society should progress in the future.

  
• What role does the Inspector play in breaking down gender stereotypes?

  He presents a powerful alternative to hypermasculinity through his presence and purposefulness.
• How does the Inspector differ from Mr. Birling and Gerald in terms of masculinity?

  He is not hypermasculine and embodies intelligence, compassion, and patience.
• What does Priestley suggest about masculinity through the Inspector's behavior?

  Masculinity does not need to depend on violence, aggression, or intimidation.
• What societal changes regarding women's roles occurred during the 1940s compared to 1912?

  • Women took on jobs traditionally held by men during the World Wars.
  • This changed perceptions of women's contributions to society.
  • Women were reluctant to return to domestic roles after the war.

  
• What was the reaction of some people in 1945 to the changes in women's roles?

  Some idealized pre-War years and wanted to uphold traditional values.
• What movement caused hostility towards suffragettes?

  The Women’s Suffrage movement.
• How does Priestley illustrate the conflict and suffering caused by gender stereotyping?

  By focusing on the dark side of the era and confronting the audience with harsh realities.
• How do the female characters in the play represent different societal roles for women?

  • Mrs. Birling represents the traditional subordinate female.
  • Sheila evolves into the 'New Woman' with strong opinions.
  • Eva symbolizes the lower-class woman exploited by men.

  
• What does Mrs. Birling symbolize in the context of gender roles?

  She symbolizes the traditional 1912 woman who acts as a subordinate in the presence of men.
• How does Mrs. Birling's behavior reflect her views on gender roles?

  She is judgmental and strict, upholding patriarchal values and misogyny.
• How does Mrs. Birling's status relate to her husband's position?

  Her status is dependent on her husband's position as Lord Mayor.
• What traditional view of the family does Mrs. Birling adhere to?

  The view that the man is in charge of the family.
• How does Mrs. Birling teach her daughter about gender roles?

  She teaches Sheila to be dependent on and loyal to men, suggesting internalized misogyny.
• What does Mrs. Birling imply by calling a man's work "important work"?

  She implies that only a man's work is valuable.
• How does Mrs. Birling's attitude towards other women reflect her views on gender?

  Her mocking and reductive attitude mirrors her husband's sexist condescension.
• What language does Mrs. Birling use to undermine Sheila's concerns?

  She refers to Sheila as "over-excited," "a hysterical child," and "childish."
• How does Eva Smith differ from Mrs. Birling in terms of her character traits?

  Eva is assertive, outspoken, determined, and righteous, unlike Mrs. Birling.
• What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

  She symbolizes working-class women and their oppression.
• What does Eva's role as a ringleader of the factory strike indicate about her character?

  It shows she has a strong voice and is a leader.
• How does Mr. Birling react to Eva's strong opinions?

  He fires her for having "far too much" to say, wanting to censor her opinions.
• What does Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva reveal about her character?

  It reveals her lack of kindness and respect for women who do not conform to traditional roles.
• How does Eva's pregnancy outside of marriage reflect societal views?

  Unmarried women faced stigma and were viewed as irresponsible for having children.
• What does Eva's introduction of herself as "Mrs Birling" signify?

  It reflects women's dependence on family for security and societal acceptance.
• How does Priestley portray the consequences of class differences in relationships?

  He shows that upper-class men can exploit working-class women without facing consequences.
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?

  • She transforms from a naive, materialistic girl to an assertive, self-assured woman.
  • The Inspector helps her construct and voice her own opinions.
  • Represents the progression of Women’s Suffrage from 1912 to 1945.

  
• What traits does Sheila exhibit at the beginning of the play?

  Sheila is presented as naive, materialistic, and spiteful.
• Who is the character that undergoes a transformation in the play?

  Sheila
• How does Sheila's character change throughout the play?

  She transforms from a stereotypical upper-class girl into an assertive, self-assured, and independent woman.
• What role does the Inspector play in Sheila's transformation?

  The Inspector enables Sheila to construct and voice her own opinions, leading to her self-awareness.
• What does Priestley suggest about society's treatment of women?

  Society treats and portrays women in ways that make them appear weak and two-dimensional.
• What does Sheila's character arc represent in relation to Women's Suffrage?

  Her character arc imitates the progression of Women's Suffrage from 1912 to 1945.
• How is Sheila initially presented at the beginning of the play?

  Sheila is presented as naive, materialistic, and spiteful.
• What does Sheila's fascination with clothes and jewelry suggest about her character?

  It suggests she is greedy and shallow, typical of female characters in literature.
• How does Priestley use Sheila's excitement over her engagement ring?

  It highlights her naivety and infantilizes her character.
• What does Priestley suggest about women's reliance on material possessions?

  He suggests that women were conditioned to rely on clothes and jewelry for pleasure and self-expression due to societal restrictions.

  
• What societal expectation did women have in the early twentieth century regarding their worth?

  Women only had worth if they were deemed beautiful.
• How does Sheila's jealousy towards Eva reflect societal conditioning?

  It reflects how women were taught to compete for beauty to secure a husband and financial security.