AIC Topic sentences

Sheila

• sheila is used to expose the superficiality of capitalism.Her shift from ignorance to enlightenment mirrors Priestley’s boarder argument against dehuminising capitalist structures.

• Priestley explores the character of sheila as the ideal recipient of the inspector’s message,as the inspector’s proxy is priestley’s preferred response from the audience.

Mrs Birling

• Through the character of Mrs Birling ,Priestley explores the resistance of the upper class to the change their social position

• Priestley presents mrs b as a figure who uses her social position to exert oower over vulnerable women

• Mrs Birling embodies the older generation’s resistance to change and moral progress

Mr Birling

• Priestley uses the character of Mr b as a construct for capitalism and demonstrates the individualistic nature of this ideology through mr b’s appearance and personality.

• Through mr b,Priestley critiques those in power who prioritise profit over human kindness.

• Priestley uses mr b’s dismissive attitude to expose the dangers ofignoring collective responsibility.

• Priestley explores the stark contrast between the younger and older generation ,regarding their attitudes to social responsibility as Priestley confines the character of mr b to a static development

Gerald croft

• Gerald aligns himself with the older generation ,revealing his resistance to social change and moral growth.

• Priestley uses Gerald to expose the superficial morality of the upper class

• Through Gerald ,Priestley critiques the patriarchal attitudes that allow men to take advantage of women while maintaining a respectable public image.

Eric Birling

• Priestley uses Eric to expose the corrupting influence of class privilege on young men in Edwardian society.

• Eric’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions contrast sharply with his parents’ refusal to change.

• Eric’s transformation shows Priestley’s hope that the younger generation can build a more responsible and compassionate society.

The inspector

• Inspector goole serves as a catalyst for tension,forcing hidden truths and secrets to the surface

• Through Inspector Goole ,Priestley delivers a powerful message about collective responsibility and the impact of individual actions

• Priestley presents the inspector as a mysterious,authoritative figure who disrupts the complacency of the Birling family.

• Inspector goole emodies Priestley’s socialist ideas, confronting the selfishness and ignorsnce of the upper/middle classes.

Eva smith

• Priestley portrays Eva smith as a victim of the prejudices and individualistic attitude of the capitalist society of early 20th century Britain.

• Through the character of Eva smith,Priestley delicts the collective suffering of the proletariat at the hands of the upper classes,therefore the need for socialist reform.

• Priestley explores the detrimental effect of the class system through portraying distinct parallels between Eva and Sheila.