Costume Flashcards
(80 cards)
1
Q
What shirt is Mr Birling wearing?
A
100% cotton pristine white shirt with high wing collar
2
Q
Why does Mr Birling wear a 100% cotton pristine white shirt with high wing collar?
A
- Pristine white shirt - Birling sees himself as perfect and faultless.
- 100% cotton - not a cheap fabric, but not the highest quality either, showing Birling’s more humble beginnings.
- High wing collar - Birling sees the evening as an event to dress up for.
3
Q
What kind of jacket does Mr Birling wear?
A
Black tight-fitting dinner jacket
4
Q
What does the black tight-fitting dinner jacket show?
A
The ill-fitting jacket shows that Mr Birling has over-indulged as a result of his privileged life.
5
Q
What type of trousers does Mr Birling wear?
A
Black pinstriped suit trousers which are baggy around the legs.
6
Q
Why does Mr Birling wear black pinstriped suit trousers which are baggy around the legs?
A
- Black pinstripe - he is trying to remind Gerald that he is a successful businessman.
- Baggy around the legs - he is overweight and, therefore, has to buy trousers which are larger.
7
Q
What type of tie does Mr Birling wear?
A
A silk navy blue tie. A blue pocket square embossed with ‘Birling & Co.’ in bold white font.
8
Q
Why does Mr Birling wear a silk navy blue tie and a blue pocket square embossed with ‘Birling & Co.’?
A
- Silk - he has money and spends it on frivolous things like accessories.
- Navy blue - aligning himself with Conservative Party values.
- Pocket square embossed with Birling & Co. - his arrogance/ constant need to promote his business and earn more money.
9
Q
What kind of shoes does Mr Birling wear?
A
Extremely shiny black Oxford shoes with black laces
10
Q
Why does Mr Birling wear extremely shiny black Oxford shoes with black laces?
A
- Black Oxford Shoes - typical of the Edwardian era and indicate that he is a middle-class businessman.
- Extremely shiny - he believes that smart clothing will convince Gerald that this is an important family.
11
Q
What kind of hair does Mr Birling have?
A
Strawberry blonde hair with a centre parting.
12
Q
Why does Mr Birling have strawberry blonde hair with a centre parting?
A
A reference to Stanley Baldwin, who is a former conservative prime minister. A nod to Mr Birling’s right wing ideologies.
13
Q
What is Mr Birling’s makeup?
A
Heavy red blusher applied to cheeks and heavy contouring, blusher eases off as the play progresses.
14
Q
Why does Mr Birling have heavy red blusher applied to cheeks and heavy contouring?
A
Makes him look warm as a result of a hearty meal. Eases off as the play progresses as the colour from his face drains as he realises his fate.
15
Q
What type of shirt does Eric wear?
A
White 100% cotton shirt, which is untucked more and more throughout the play.
16
Q
Why is Eric’s shirt a white 100% cotton shirt, which is untucked more and more throughout the play?
A
- White 100% cotton - align Eric with his father from the start.
- More untucked - show Eric breaking away from his father’s strict views.
17
Q
What type of tie does Eric wear?
A
Blue and red silk paisley bow tie with round edges.
18
Q
Why does Eric wear a blue and red silk paisley bow tie with round edges?
A
- Blue and red - he has the capacity to hold Capitalist and Socialist views.
- Silk - he does come from wealth.
- Paisley pattern - he has the capacity for creativity and imagination, unlike his father, which enables him to change his mind.
- Round edges - these were worn in Edwardian times but seen as unfashionable.
19
Q
What type of trousers and braces does Eric wear?
A
Black Darcy Edwardian braces and black suit trousers which are slightly too short for him.
20
Q
Why does Eric wear black Darcy Edwardian braces and black suit trousers which are slightly too short for him?
A
- Black ‘Darcy’ braces - associated with youth.
- Suit trousers, too short - Eric has out-worn his family’s politics and is ready for a new look.
21
Q
What type of jacket does Eric wear?
A
A black dinner jacket with a dark wine red velvet collar trim.
22
Q
Why does Eric wear a black dinner jacket with a dark wine red velvet collar trim?
A
- Black dinner jacket - to align Eric with his father.
- Dark wine red trim - showing that he has the capacity for Socialist views.
- Velvet trim - he enjoys the finer things in life and is a ‘man about town’.
23
Q
What type of shoes does Eric wear?
A
Slightly scuffed black Oxford shoes with brown laces
24
Q
Why does Eric wear slightly scuffed black Oxford shoes with brown laces?
A
- Black Oxford Shoes - Eric is, in many ways, like his father.
- Slightly scuffed - he places less value on superficial things like looks.
- Brown laces - he is slightly more understanding of the workers and their lives.
25
What hairstyle does Eric have?
Short curly hair, with the curl peaking over one eye.
26
Why does Eric have short curly hair, with the curl peaking over one eye?
1. Curly - indicates that this is his natural hair and maybe Mr Birling straightens his out with oil for pretences.
2. Peaking over one eye - creates the 'lovable rogue' look for Eric, creating empathy with the audience.
27
What makeup does Eric have?
Slight pink stain on the actor's lips and pink blusher on his cheeks.
28
Why does Eric have a slight pink stain on the actor's lips and pink blusher on his cheeks?
1. Blusher - he has had a lot to drink and is feeling warm.
2. Pink stain on lips - he has been drinking red wine and indicates innocence and vibrancy of life.
29
What kind of shirt does Gerald have?
Pristine white silk shirt
30
Why does Gerald have a pristine white silk shirt?
1. Pristine white - because Gerald can afford to keep his shirt looking immaculate and views himself as innocent until The Inspector questions him.
2. Silk - he is able to afford silk and he wants to make a good impression on his new family.
31
What type of jacket does Gerald wear?
A blue soft wool smoking jacket with black trim and gold buttons
32
Why does Gerald wear a blue soft wool smoking jacket with black trim and gold buttons?
1. Blue - Gerald has benefited heavily from a Capitalist society.
2. Soft Wool - expensive fabric, he comes from a wealthier family than The Birlings.
3. Gold Buttons - again showing his wealth.
33
What kind of trousers does Gerald wear?
Navy blue soft wool trousers
34
Why does Gerald wear navy blue soft wool trousers?
1. Soft wool - expensive.
2. Navy blue - he has benefited from the Capitalist society they live in.
35
What kind of tie does Gerald wear?
A silk blue bowtie with gold circles on it.
36
Why does Gerald wear a silk blue bowtie with gold circles on it?
1. Silk blue bowtie - expensive, elegant fabric and Right wing colouration.
2. Gold circles - like wedding rings. Implying that the idea of marriage is superficial to Gerald, just for show. Gold references his wealth again.
37
What kind of shoes does Gerald wear?
Black patent leather evening 'slippers' with toggle detailing in the shape of a C.
38
Why does Gerald wear black patent leather evening slippers with toggle detailing in the shape of a C?
1. Evening slippers - commonly worn in the Edwardian era to events, showing that Gerald is au fait with social events.
2. Black patent leather - conveys his wealth and class.
3. Toggle detailing in the shape of a C - the C stands for Croft and indicates that he has the money to buy personalised shoes.
39
What hairstyle does Gerald have?
Pompadour waves
40
Why does Gerald have pompadour waves?
Popular with upper class Edwardian men and, later, film stars. This creates the impression amongst the audience that Gerald is more classy than the other characters.
41
What kind of accessories does Gerald have?
A gold signet ring with the letters 'GC' embossed on it.
42
Why does Gerald have a gold signet ring with the letters 'GC' embossed on it?
1. Gold signet ring - this is typically worn by wealthy men, given to them on their 18th birthday.
2. GC - stands for 'Gerald Croft'. Showing that he is valued highly by his family and they are proud of their name.
43
What kind of jacket does the inspector wear?
Tweed Chesterfield overcoat with black trim collar and silver buttons. A tear on the left pocket.
44
Why does the inspector wear a tweed Chesterfield overcoat with black trim collar and silver buttons?
1. The drab grey colour shows working class roots whilst being a professional look.
2. The tear on the left pocket shows that he is exposing his left-wing ideology.
45
What kind of shirt does the inspector wear?
An off-white collarless cotton shirt, which is frayed at the edges, with an attached white collar.
46
Why does the inspector wear an off-white collarless cotton shirt, which is frayed at the edges, with an attached white collar?
1. Collarless shirt - The Inspector aligns himself with the working class.
2. Attached collar - he is trying to appear like a real Inspector & appear part of the 'white collar class' (middle class).
47
What kind of boots does the inspector wear?
Worn worker's boots with frayed laces.
48
Why does the inspector wear worn worker's boots with frayed laces?
1. Workers' boots - The Inspector aligns himself with the workers.
2. Worn boots & frayed laces - he is not afraid of hard work to get his message across.
49
What accessories does the inspector have?
Sterling silver Albert chain with pocket watch, which the actor stops before entering The Birling's house.
50
Why does the inspector own a sterling silver Albert chain with pocket watch?
1. Sterling Silver and an Albert chain shows that The Inspector values time and sees it as an important factor in the need for change.
2. Stopped time - The Inspector has done this to ensure that The Birling's understand the message before it's too late.
51
What kind of tie does the inspector wear?
A dark mahogany red wooden tie.
52
Why does the inspector wear a dark mahogany red wooden tie?
1. The dark mahogany red colour looks almost black - showing the dark times that the country is living through.
2. The red represents The Inspector's left-wing socialist views, but also the unnecessary bloodshed at the hands of The Birling's.
3. Wool because it is a sturdy fabric and The Inspector is unwavering in his quest.
53
What hairstyle does the inspector have?
Edwardian side-parted hair, slightly unkempt.
54
Why does the inspector have his hair Edwardian side-parted hair, slightly unkempt?
It is similar to William Booth's hair. Booth's charity, the Salvation Army, were an important support during the war.
55
What type of makeup does the inspector have?
White, powdered face with dark circles around the eyes and pale foundation on his lips.
56
Why does the inspector have white, powdered face with dark circles around the eyes and pale foundation on his lips?
It makes Inspector Goole appear 'ghoul-like', as though he may be a ghost haunting The Birling's forever more.
57
What type of dress does Mrs Birling wear?
High waist, ankle length, purple skirt made of silk.
58
Why does Mrs Birling wear a high waist, ankle length, purple skirt made of silk?
1. Silk: expensive, used at upper class evening events, shows her experience with upper class events.
2. Purple: elegant, royal, deep rich colour, aristocratic heritage, keen to flaunt that.
3. High waist + long: traditional Edwardian upper class skirt, long, not revealing, holds herself to high degree.
59
What type of shoes does Mrs Birling wear?
Black leather patterned heels.
60
Why does Mrs Birling wear black leather patterned heels?
1. Leather is expensive and long lasting.
2. Heels make a clacking noise when she walks across the wooden dining room floor and makes her taller, this enhancing her imposing nature.
3. Black Patterns signify quiet elegance.
61
What kind of ring would Mrs Birling wear?
Early 20th Century Platinum, Diamond Cluster Ring with Cognac Diamond in the Centre.
62
Why would Mrs Birling wear an early 20th Century Platinum, Diamond Cluster Ring with Cognac Diamond in the Centre?
1. Ring sits low on the finger: Practical ring to wear as an engagement ring.
2. Expensive: Shows how Mr Birling tries impress Mrs Birling and win her over with his money.
3. Cognac diamond: Produced in Australian mines and thus shows how Mrs & Mr Birling profit off the toiling and labor of the poor in British Colonies.
63
What kind of earrings would Mrs Birling wear?
Big diamond dangling earrings, which are made of 18K white gold.
64
Why does Mrs Birling wear big diamond dangling earrings, which are made of 18k white gold?
1. Big in order to show elegance and class and this also shows that Mr Birling is rich and has the money to constantly spoil his wife.
2. Dangling in order to show that she wants to show off and look her best all the time, this also shows her class again as she is used to going out to upper class gatherings a lot.
65
What kind of necklace does Mrs Birling wear?
Three strands of white south sea pearl necklaces hang from her neck.
66
Why does Mrs Birling wear three strands of white south sea pearl necklaces?
White South Sea Pearls - The type of pearls were rarer within England during the 1900s and having them was not only a sign of wealth but also taste, representing her taste for fashion and elegance in the elite classes.
Three Strands - However the three strands of them contrasts this, as they are not only excessive but almost tacky, representing the influence received from Mr Birling (who is thought to be a member of a different class with a general lack of taste).
67
What kind of gloves would Mrs Birling wear?
Long silk, clean, white gloves, stretched beyond the elbows ensuring no wrinkles are present.
68
Why does Mrs Birling wear long silk, clean, white gloves?
1. Silk - Silk, typically associated with upper class wealth clearly displays the influence she has from her side of the family due to its expensive qualities.
2. Clean and White - Shows her self-confidence and how much she thinks of herself and her necessity for her to be presented as perfect.
3. Stretched Beyond the Elbows - This further reinforces her presentation of self-confidence by wanting to display her silk constantly, while also attempting to maintain her modest presentation.
4. No wrinkles - Contributes to presentation of her self believed perfection.
69
What hairstyle would Mrs Birling have?
Brown shiny hair neatly in the form of the 'Gibson girl hairstyle'.
70
Why does Mrs Birling have brown shiny hair neatly in the form of the 'Gibson girl hairstyle'?
The Gibson girl hairstyle was thought to be the most sought after hairstyle, being considered the epitome of feminine attractiveness.
71
What kind of dress would Sheila wear?
Purple Edwardian silk dress, gold waist and lacy white sleeves at the elbows. Gold laced rim to the bottom of the dress.
72
Why does Sheila wear a purple Edwardian silk dress, gold waist and lacy white sleeves at the elbows?
1. Purple signifies wealth at the time, silk shows good quality and her high social standing.
2. Gold laced rim and waist adds to the clear image of wealth of Sheila, it also shows the audience she has high standards and doesn't want to wear a lesser piece of clothing even at dinner with her family.
3. Sleeves covering her elbows shows her modesty and this shows that she is still young and she is already proposed so has no need to flaunt herself.
73
What kind of shoes would Sheila wear?
Women's Edwardian Leather white shoes with white lace bow tying over foot. Small 3 inch heel and dark wooden bottom.
74
Why does Sheila wear Women's Edwardian Leather white shoes with white lace bow tying over foot?
1. White signifies elegance as it mimics the colour of a swan.
2. Lace bow shows her youth.
3. Dark wooden bottom emphasises her wealth and makes her presence known as she steps on the floor. The heel being only three inches tall signifies that she isn't as large a presence as her mother yet but she is trying to mirror her.
75
What kind of necklace would Sheila wear?
Edwardian heart shaped diamond pendant with a thin platinum chain link to go around the neck.
76
Why would Sheila wear an Edwardian heart shaped diamond pendant with a thin platinum chain link to go around the neck?
1. Heart shape symbolises her caring nature.
2. The chain link despite being made of platinum, showing her wealth, is thin to reflect her humility.
3. Wealthy rocks on the pendant shows the importance of this event for Sheila since it is her engagement party.
77
What kind of makeup would be done for Sheila?
Pink blush and lipstick / eyeshadow / pale foundation.
78
Why would Sheila have Pink blush and lipstick / eyeshadow / pale foundation?
1. The pink colour signifies her young nature.
2. The eye shadow and the pale foundation are signature looks for young women at the time.
79
What kind of earrings would Sheila wear?
Edwardian emerald drop earrings with gold and diamond rocks surrounding the stone.
80
Why would Sheila wear Edwardian emerald drop earrings with gold and diamond rocks surrounding the stone?
1. The green colour scheme contrasts with the purple and draws inspiration from the Women's Suffrage Movement.
2. The value of these rocks stands as an example of both the family's wealth and the importance of the engagement since Sheila is dressing up.
