Older Vs Younger

Question 1

Old vs Young – Mr Birling

Answer 1

Quote – ‘The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can even take a joke.’

Technique – Derogatory adjective; generalisation; sarcasm

Explanation – Mocks youth; resists change; highlights generational divide

Question 2

Old vs Young – Mrs Birling

Answer 2

Quote – ‘Run along now, Sheila’ / ‘He’s only a boy’

Technique – Infantilisation; patronising tone

Explanation – Refuses to see her children’s growth; underestimates youth

Question 3

Old vs Young – Eric

Answer 3

Quote – ‘You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to if he’s in trouble’

Technique – Accusatory tone; colloquialism

Explanation – Challenges father; highlights generational conflict

Question 4

Old vs Young – Sheila

Answer 4

Quote – ‘You’re beginning to pretend that nothing’s really happened at all’

Technique – Accusatory tone; repetition

Explanation – Stands up to parents; shows maturity and moral clarity

Question 5

Old vs Young – Inspector

Answer 5

Quote – ‘We are all members of one body’

Technique – Inclusive pronoun; metaphor

Explanation – Delivers collective moral message; youth absorb, elders deflect