Power

Question 1

power quote 1

Answer 1

It’s my duty to keep labour costs down”,
the noun ‘duty’ reinforces Birling feels no obligation to use his economic power to enact collective responsibility to his workers but rather uses his power to oppress the working class, all so he can make profit.

Question 2

power quote 2

Answer 2

class power of Sheila as a privileged or valued customer at millwards over Eva, “so you used the power you had as a daughter of a good customer… to punish the girl”,
this accusation the inspector targets at Sheila exposes her abuse or misuse of class power over a vulnerable shop worker. Sheila defence, “she was very pretty and looked as if she can take care of herself”, Priestley condemning a society that teaches woman that power lies in their beauty and treat other woman as competitive.

Question 3

power quote 3

Answer 3

Mrs birling
“first she called herself Mrs birling …I think it was a piece of gross impertinence – quite deliberate- and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case”

Priestley uses this moment to expose how those in privileged positions abuse their authority, denying vulnerable individuals support simply to protect their own ego and status. Mrs Birling’s response reveals her entrenched class prejudice and sense of superiority. The phrase “gross impertinence” suggests that Eva’s assumption of the Birling name is seen as a violation of social hierarchy, reflecting Mrs Birling’s belief that the working class should ‘know their place’. The word “naturally” is particularly revealing — it implies that her lack of empathy is not only expected but justified, reinforcing the structural arrogance of the upper class

Question 4

power quote 4

Answer 4

The Inspector’s line, “You used her… as if she was an animal, a thing, not a person,”
exposes Eric’s abuse of power as a gender and class superior to Eva , with “animal” and “thing” dehumanising Eva and highlighting how the upper-class viewed working-class women as disposable.

Question 5

power quote 5

Answer 5

“he certainly didn’t make me confess” –
The imperative verb “make” shows Mrs Birling beliefs that not admitting what she did is a way of keeping afloat in the power struggle between her and the Inspector therefore demonstrating her preoccupation with power and social status which has stemmed from capitalist ideologies rather than taking responsibility for her actions
Ironically in saying she has indeed admitted that she had a part in Eva’s death reflecting the irresponsibility and immorality inherent to capitalist ideologies