Social Classes

Question 1

Social Class – Mr Birling

Answer 1

Quote – ‘A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own’

Technique – Repetition; Explanation – Capitalist individualism; selfish upper-class attitude

Question 2

Social Class – Mrs Birling

Answer 2

Quote – ‘Girls of that class–’

Technique – Classist language; ellipsis; generalisation; Explanation – Dismissive of lower class; rooted in snobbery

Question 3

Social Class – Eric

Answer 3

Quote – ‘She wasn’t the usual sort’

Technique – Euphemism; Explanation – Reveals unconscious class bias; judges based on social background

Question 4

Social Class – Sheila

Answer 4

Quote – ‘But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.’

Technique – Humanising language; empathy; confrontational tone; Explanation – Critiques exploitation; recognises humanity in lower class; moral development

Question 5

Social Class – Inspector

Answer 5

Quote – ‘There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us’

Technique – Repetition; metaphor; Explanation – Eva symbolises working class; final message urges social responsibility and awareness