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Younger and older generation gap (Younger Generation (Sheila Birling…
Younger and older generation gap
Younger Generation
Sheila Birling
Beginning of play
"Oh- sorry. I didn't know. Mummy sent me in to ask you"
'But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.'
'(Miserably) So I’m really responsible?'
End of play
Shows remorse and is seen crying
"Everything we said had happened really had happened. If it didn’t end tragically, then that’s lucky for us. "
‘Mother, I think that was cruel and vile’
Eric Birling
beginning of play
‘The fact remains that I did what I did.’
He treated her ‘as if she were an animal, a thing, not a person.’
End of play
"[Shouting] and I say the girls dead and we all helped to kill her- that's what matters"
Main Message
This links to the central theme of responsibility as the Younger generation begin following the highly capitalist views set by the older generation, however the inspector (Priestly) allows the younger generation to realise that the future should be much more socialist.
Context
In this era Traditionally the younger generation were expected to obey and respect there elders. Although you could argue that we as a younger generation are required to obey our elders, however it is communicated during the play that during this era Older generation have a huge amount of influence.
This is portrayed through the quote: "Perhaps we may look forward to a time where Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but working together." suggesting that he influenced her decision for his own gain.
Older Generation
Inspector Goole
Inspector Goole continues a recurring status in the play which is due to the high socialist views Priestly is trying to portray upon the audience.
Mr Birling
Beginning of play
"But you youngsters just remember what I said"
"perhaps we may look forward to a time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices."
‘It has nothing whatever to do with this wretched girls suicide. Eh, Inspector?’
End of the Play
"Are you listening Sheila?"
During the start of the play Arthur is given
Main Message
The old are set in their ways. They are confident that they are right and they see the young as foolish.
They will do whatever it takes to protect their status and there name.
Mrs Birling
Beginning of play
"Really, the things you girls pick up these days"
"You of course know that my husband was mayor only two years ago"
End of play
"I was the only one who didn't give in to him"
"Didn't I tell you? Didn't I say I couldn't imagine a real police inspector talking like that to us"