An Inspector Calls - Generational Differences Flashcards
(6 cards)
“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.”
Mr birling
Device: Sarcasm / Irony
Analysis: Mr Birling mocks the younger generation, highlighting his dismissive attitude. The ironic tone shows how the older generation refuses to take responsibility or learn from the events, unlike the younger ones.
“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
Inspector Goole
Device: Metaphor / Repetition
Analysis: The metaphor of a shared body symbolises unity and collective responsibility. The repetition of “we” emphasises community, a message embraced more by the younger generation (e.g. Sheila, Eric).
“You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened at all.”
Sheila
Device: Accusatory tone / Irony
Analysis: Sheila criticises her parents for ignoring the moral lessons. The accusatory tone shows her growth and how she breaks away from their selfish views, representing the new generation’s conscience.
“The way some of these cranks talk, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”
Mr Birling
Device: Dismissive tone / Irony
Analysis: The derogatory term “cranks” shows his disdain for socialism. Priestley uses dramatic irony here – the audience knows the war and welfare state came, proving Birling wrong and highlighting the failure of his generation’s values.
“I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry.”
Sheila
Device: Emotive language / First-person pronoun
Analysis: Sheila accepts responsibility, using emotive language and personal ownership. This shows her maturity and contrasts with her parents’ denial, symbolising hope in the younger generation.
- “The girl’s still dead, isn’t she?”
Eric
Device: Rhetorical question / Direct tone
Analysis: Eric uses a blunt rhetorical question to cut through the excuses. His plain, serious language contrasts with the older generation’s attempts to downplay events, showing how he, like Sheila, changes.
