AIC CHARACTERS

The inspector

conveys a christian message

delivers an anti-war message

used as a catalyst for change in the Birlings and the audience

Shiela

quickly catches onto the Inspector’s/Priestley’s socialist message

she has no political voice or social power as she is a woman

Patriarchy in 1912 was structured so that men had power and women were below men

Mrs Birling

symbolises pride - one of the 7 deadly sins

wilfully blind to the bad actions of her family/society

could be seen as having good reason to turn away Eva

Mr Birling

‘Arthur’ symbolises King Arthur (idealised version of what a King should be)

emphasises the anti-war aspect of the play

willing to ‘sell’ his daughter to Gerald as a business opportunity

Gerald Croft

exploits Eva rather than ever actually caring for her

most resistant to change

acts as a bridge between the old and young generations (contrasting views)

Eva Smith

shows the need for female empowerment

the significance of ‘Eva Smith’ and ‘Daisy Renton’

shows the consequence of sexual exploitation

Eric Birling

symbol of the younger generation

shows the idea that capitalism is theft

Eric’s drunkenness represents the blindness of capitalism