Priestley aptly conveys the difference in attitude between the younger and older generations in regards to the death of Eva Smith. The characters of the older generation are presented as confident and class conscious individuals, who fail to take any responsibility. Whilst the characters of the younger generation are conversely presented as more perceptive and open minded individuals who can acknowledge their faults.
First and Foremost, Mr Birling is a very self-assured, yet ignorant man, as he frequently considers himself to be knowledgeable of industry. He expressed his belief that the Titanic is “absolutely unsinkable.” This example of dramatic irony shows that Birling is overly confident and doesn’t know as much as he thinks he does. Through the course of the play, Birling is very concerned with status and image. He refuses to accept any responsibility for his part in Eva’s death, and only focuses on the fact that Eric stole £50. He does not want a “public scandal.” Evidently, Mr Birling is narcissistic and would rather secure his social status than realise any errors in his ways. Furthermore, in Act 1, Birling exudes selfishness when challenged about his decision of firing Eva. With defiance, he responds by saying “If you don’t come …show more content…
They can accept socialist ideas and successfully examine their consciences. The older generation should be the figures setting a good example to the younger, but it appears that the two generations have reversed roles, as the younger generation try to get through to the older and set the better example, as they mature whilst he older generation acts childish and increasingly self - absorbed. This would make the audience optimistic that the generation who are to shape the future understand the Inspector’s message, and may help prevent the “fire and blood and
First and Foremost, Mr Birling is a very self-assured, yet ignorant man, as he frequently considers himself to be knowledgeable of industry. He expressed his belief that the Titanic is “absolutely unsinkable.” This example of dramatic irony shows that Birling is overly confident and doesn’t know as much as he thinks he does. Through the course of the play, Birling is very concerned with status and image. He refuses to accept any responsibility for his part in Eva’s death, and only focuses on the fact that Eric stole £50. He does not want a “public scandal.” Evidently, Mr Birling is narcissistic and would rather secure his social status than realise any errors in his ways. Furthermore, in Act 1, Birling exudes selfishness when challenged about his decision of firing Eva. With defiance, he responds by saying “If you don’t come …show more content…
They can accept socialist ideas and successfully examine their consciences. The older generation should be the figures setting a good example to the younger, but it appears that the two generations have reversed roles, as the younger generation try to get through to the older and set the better example, as they mature whilst he older generation acts childish and increasingly self - absorbed. This would make the audience optimistic that the generation who are to shape the future understand the Inspector’s message, and may help prevent the “fire and blood and