Theme Q 2 Better Version Flashcards
(12 cards)
Who said, ‘Community and all that nonsense… A man has to mind his own business and look after himself’?
Mr. Birling
Themes: Capitalism vs. Socialism, Responsibility, Class. Analysis: Birling mocks social responsibility, embodying selfish capitalist ideology. Priestley criticizes this attitude to promote collective care and social responsibility.
What is the impression created by the Inspector according to the stage direction?
‘He creates at once an impression of massiveness…’
Themes: Authority, Justice, Morality. Analysis: The Inspector immediately commands attention and respect. This positions him as a symbol of truth, justice, and social conscience.
What does Mr. Birling say about labor costs?
‘It’s my duty to keep labour costs down.’
Themes: Capitalism vs. Socialism, Exploitation, Class. Analysis: Reflects how capitalist priorities exploit workers. Priestley critiques putting profit before people.
What does Gerald say about being respectable citizens?
‘We’re respectable citizens and not criminals.’
Themes: Class, Hypocrisy, Responsibility. Analysis: Gerald equates wealth and status with morality. Priestley shows that class does not determine ethical behavior.
What does Gerald imply about his attraction to women?
‘If she’d been some miserable plain little creature…’
Themes: Gender, Class, Appearance vs. Reality. Analysis: Gerald’s attraction is based on appearance, exposing shallow and conditional empathy.
What does Inspector Goole say about sharing guilt?
‘We have to share something… we’ll have to share our guilt.’
Themes: Responsibility, Socialism, Guilt. Analysis: Priestley emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and moral accountability.
What does Mrs. Birling say about girls of a certain class?
‘Girls of that class…’
Themes: Class, Prejudice, Power. Analysis: Mrs. Birling’s dismissive tone shows her snobbery and prejudice against the working class.
What does Mrs. Birling say about her judgment of Eva?
‘She called herself Mrs. Birling… that prejudiced me against her case.’
Themes: Class, Pride, Hypocrisy. Analysis: Her pride causes her to judge Eva harshly. Priestley highlights how personal bias can be cruel and unjust.
What does Eric admit about his feelings for Eva?
‘I wasn’t in love with her… she was pretty and a good sport.’
Themes: Gender, Responsibility, Exploitation. Analysis: Eric admits using Eva emotionally and physically. Shows the entitlement and irresponsibility of privileged men.
What does Inspector Goole say about society’s responsibility?
‘We are members of one body… if men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.’
Themes: Socialism, Responsibility, Consequences. Analysis: Priestley’s main message: society must care for each other or face tragic consequences (like war or revolution).
What does Sheila say about the importance of truth?
‘It’s still the same rotten story whether it’s been told to a police inspector or to somebody else.’
Themes: Responsibility, Truth, Generational Divide. Analysis: Sheila understands that moral truth matters more than the Inspector’s identity. Shows her growth and maturity.
What do Gerald and Sheila discuss regarding their future?
‘Everything’s all right now, Sheila. (Holds up the ring.) / ‘No, not yet. It’s too soon. I must think.’
Themes: Change, Gender, Responsibility. Analysis: Sheila refuses to revert to the past. Her development contrasts Gerald’s desire to ignore what happened.
