characters Flashcards
How does the inspector take charge
The inspector arrives unexpectedly. He says he’s there to ask questions
He’s an outsider – doesn’t have much in common with the bs
The inspector leaves after delivering a speech about social responsibility
He is described as authoritative and imposing
How is the inspector the driving force of the play
He starts off with a summary of the afternoon events
“suicide, of course “
He thought his more information out of people by bluntly saying what the other characters tried to skirt around
He also reveals new information which items to drama, such as he drops into the conversation
“that this girl was going to have a child”
How is the inspector ‘calling’ ominous
The word “calls” sounds so casual
Calls – is a deceptive word to use about the inspector. He may appear casual and spontaneous but in fact he is single minded and calculated
the title of the play is echoed in Ednas word as she announces the arrival of the inspector at the start of the play and in a telephone call at the end of the play
How is the inspectors language emotive and personal
Inspector has come to the house to stir things up - he does this with a emotive language
He describes Eva/Daisy as a “pretty “and “lively “go.
These attractive words make the audience more sympathetic towards her
The sympathy is strengthened by the harsh tone he uses to describe her death “With a burnt out inside on a slab”
How does the inspector use shock tactics
Answer someone with his own questions if he is not happy with an answer
“you know very well there was, Mrs Birling”
Follow-up questions with more questions until he has pieced together a confession
“Was it or was it not your influence “ - to sybil
He is blunt and prepared to ask personal questions
“where you in love with her” - Gerald
How does inspector know how to make an entrance
Inspectors timing is crucial
“a man has to mind his own business” – as if birlings announcement summons inspector
Inspectors exit is a clever tactic
How is the inspector presented as more than just a police officer
He represents the police and the courts – tracking down the truth
he has the attitude of a philosopher and social commentator and the knowledge of a spooky ghost delivering a prophecy
He could be a ghost or he could represent the spirit of a religious or moral figure
How is the inspectors authority strengthened
Unsettling presence which may be down to confidence
Make sure everyone recognises he is in charge
Takes control and leads events
His authority makes people take him more seriously
How is the inspector presented as classless
The inspector seems to come from outside the class system that the Birlings live in
The inspector doesn’t recognise any of the Birling’s ideas about class – treats everyone the same
He says
“we are members of one body” - shouldn’t ignore each others need
How does Priestly use inspector a mouthpiece
The inspector stands outside the class system – outside of the play
Doesn’t take a neutral position – he’s on Eva/daisys side
Priestleys own views are reflected in the opinions of the inspector – mouthpiece
Priestley’s speech directed to the plays audience - inspectors final speech
Play has a strong message about looking after one another – inspectors job to deliver
How does Priestly present Arthur Birling to seem pretty pleased with himself
Arthur Birling seems very confident – head of family and boss
Likes to be in control – doesn’t like being told what to do and “angrily” responds
mr b authority is undermined
How is Mr B presented as a successful and ambitious businessman
B hints that his company could merge with a larger company owned by Geralds father - sees his daughters marriage a bit like a business deal and hopes it will bring “lower costs and higher prices”
Birling thinks he is successful because he is a “hard headed, practical man of business” same attitude throughout life
He is very optimistic about the future. He thinks that strikes won’t be a problem for his company, the Titanic won’t sink, and dismisses any fear of war as “silly little war scares”
How does Priestly present Mr B as a man who likes to be respected
wants to be in control
Following is a public figure in Brumley and is obsessed with his status - when his good name is threatened he’s terrified and would “give thousands” to avoid a scandal
Isn’t used to being challenge – shows a touch of impatience
Birling’s family is falling apart and he cannot do anything about it. He blames inspector for making a “nasty mess “the nights celebrations
How does Priestly present Birling using authority anguage
Uses stage directions and careful language choices to create character
How does Priestly present Mrs Birling as a woman who is proud of her social status
Sybil has traditional values.
She strictly follows etiquette because of a good reputation for being polite will improve her family status
These rules are more important to hear the more rules – difference between good and bad
She has a strong set of beliefs and people social status which makes her prejudiced
To preserve her own status, she is prepared to be cruel such as reject Eva from charity
How does Priestly present present sybil as a social superior
Sybil Birling is from a family with a higher social status then Arthur Birling. Even though Arthur is head of the family she is his social superior
- sybil tells her husband after saying food was good in front of a guest
“ tell cook for me” - Always reminding her family to have better manners
telling shelia off for her manners - Won’t let anyone boss her around
“you have no power to change my mind”
How does Priestly show Sybil has strict standards
Sybil’s social standards make her prejudiced against people from a lower class – can’t imagine her son being involved with a woman “of that sort”
Without realising it, she condemns her son and demands that he should be made to pay and confessed publicly
How does Priestly show Sybil as uncharitable
Mrs Burling is involved in a charity and supports “deserving cases “. Mrs Birling has the authority to decide who is and who isn’t. She uses her influence of her social status to convince other members of the board to reject Eva. She is outraged that Eva would pretend to be part of the high social class by using her name
How does Priestly show Mrs Birling doesn’t change
Mrs Birling is self-centred – hasn’t noticed her sons alcoholism and dismisses daughters worries about Geralds affair
Won’t accept responsibility for her actions
Doesn’t learn from the inspectors message
How does Priestly present Eric as a troublesome man
Eric isolates himself from the rest of the family
Stage directions say Eric is “not quite at ease “and is described as being “half shy “and “half assertive”
Eric drunkenness and bad behaviour represents the dark side of his family life
How does Priestly present Eric as a villain and a victim
Eric feels isolated and unsupported by family
He shouts at his mother “you don’t understand anything you never did you never even tried – “and perhaps he is right, perhaps the most angriest moment in the play
He is the obvious villain of the peace but except responsibility
How does Priestly present Gerald croft as an eligible bachelor
At the start, he seems like a good catch that she gets on well with Mr Birling and impresses Mrs B
But then it turns out Gerald has been lying - confesses to fling
After finding out the inspector was a hoax he sides with Mr Birling – focusing on protecting their reputation
How does Priestly present Geralds future
Gerald is got a lot going for him – he is handsome, wealthy, about 30 – respectable man about town
He relax says and is comfortable in this company with Mr B
Gerald works for Croft Ltd – his fathers firm – which he will probably take over when is Father retires
How does Priestly present Gerald as unsorry for his actions
Priestly makes Gerald sound less passionate than Sheila
