Characters Flashcards
(18 cards)
Inspector Goole’s responsibility
Believes in collective responsibility – ‘We are members of one body.’
Inspector Goole’s role as a moral voice
Acts as Priestley’s mouthpiece to promote social change.
Inspector Goole’s challenge to class divide
Confronts the Birlings’ capitalist and individualistic views.
Sheila Birling’s development
Begins shallow and selfish, but matures to accept guilt.
Sheila Birling’s rejection of old views
Challenges her parents’ attitudes – becomes the moral conscience.
Sheila Birling as a symbol
Represents the younger generation’s openness to social responsibility.
Mr. Birling’s character traits
Capitalist and arrogant; confident in his beliefs, dismissive of socialism – ‘a man has to mind his own business.’
Mr. Birling’s outlook
His optimism and predictions (e.g., about war and Titanic) are ironic and show his ignorance.
Mr. Birling as a symbol
Resistant to change and accountability.
Mrs. Birling’s prejudices
Prejudiced and classist; refuses help to Eva, blaming her for her situation.
Mrs. Birling’s self-awareness
Doesn’t recognise her role in Eva’s death until forced to.
Mrs. Birling’s representation
Represents upper-class attitudes and denial of responsibility.
Eric Birling’s emotional state
Emotionally unstable; struggles with guilt, drinking, and responsibility.
Eric Birling as a victim
Highlights flaws in the Birlings’ parenting.
Eric Birling’s growth
Learns and changes; admits faults and supports the Inspector’s message.
Eva Smith/Daisy Renton’s symbolism
Symbol of the working class; represents the powerless and voiceless.
Eva Smith/Daisy Renton’s treatment
Used and discarded; abused by each character, showing class and gender exploitation.
Eva Smith/Daisy Renton’s role
Her story drives the moral message of the play.
