Priestley's Use of Language Flashcards
The Writer's Technique
In Act One, Sheila uses the word “squiffy”.
What does this tell you about her?
The word “squiffy” tells you that Sheila is young - it’s a slang word that would have mainly been used by younger people.
How does Sybil react to Sheila using the word “squiffy”?
What does this suggest about Sybil?
Sybil is shocked by Sheila’s use of the word and reacts by saying “What an expression, Sheila!” This suggests that she is from an older generation that doesn’t always approve of the language of young people.
Which of these words best describes Gerald’s language at the start of Act One?
A. casual
B. polite
C. rude
D. erratic
B. Gerald is polite towards the Birlings. He addresses Arthur as “sir” and praises the dinner “politely”, calling it “first-class”.
Explain how Arthur’s language shows the importance of business to him. Give an example from the play in your answer.
Arthur often uses business terms to talk about things that aren’t related to business, showing how he is obsessed by business and making money. For example, when he discovers there was no dead girl in the infirmary, he describes the Inspector’s story as an “elaborate sell”, making it sound as though the Inspector was a salesman.
How does Eric’s use of language show that he is emotional when he finds out Sybil turned Eva / Daisy away?
Eric speaks in long, broken sentences with pauses between his words. For example, he exclaims “— my child — your own grandchild — you killed them both —”. This suggests that he is angry and upset, and that he can’t think or speak clearly. He also repeats “you” and “your” multiple times, which makes his accusation seem more aggressive and personal.
The Inspector’s language is:
A. waffly
B. direct
C. hesitant
B. The Inspector’s language is direct — e.g. when Arthur mentions playing golf with the Chief Constable, the Inspector bluntly replies “I don’t play golf.”
The Inspector is described as often pausing to look at someone “before actually speaking” to them. How does this make him seem powerful?
The fact that the Inspector pauses before speaking to people makes him seem in control as the other characters have to wait to hear what he will say, and it shows he won’t be rushed.
How do Arthur and Sybil react to the Inspector’s way of speaking?
Arthur and Sybil are disturbed by the Inspector’s way of speaking. For example, Arthur doesn’t like the “tone” of his questions and Sybil describes his direct style as “quite extraordinary”. Neither of them are used to being talked to with such authority.
In Act One, Sheila says “I’m sorry, Daddy” for looking at her ring instead of listening to her father. In Act Three, she tells the family “And don’t lets start dodging and pretending now.”
Use these quotes to help you explain how Sheila’s language changes in the play.
In the first quote, Sheila sounds young and obedient to her father — she uses the childish term “Daddy” and apologises to him. In the second quote, she sounds more confident and assertive. She uses the imperative “don’t” and a direct, accusative tone. This shows how Sheila’s language changes during the play to reflect her growing maturity and independence. She becomes more willing to express her own opinions and discuss important issues maturely.
