AIC THEMES

AIC THEMES

1. CLASS

   • The birlings being of higher class than Eva Smith made them overlook the situation in the beginning
     • In the beginning they didnt even represent her with a name they called her 'girl'
       • even towards the end Sybil still says 'A GIRL OF THAT CLASS'
   • The inspector plays a physical representation in what people of lower class have to deal with daily
     • he does this by using graphic and emotive language to describe things
   • People of high class are meant to act a specific way and have a specific etiquet
     • because Mr Birling is a good customer in Milwards, it meant Sheila could easily get someone sacked if she requested
       • this in turn could show the upbringing of upper class children and give the impression they are spoilt

2. AGE

   • similarly to responsibility the younger characters accept more responsibility
     • they know times are changing and accept it
       • unlike their parents who still live in a different time and havent caught up yet
     • the older characters still live in a time where they care for themselves also still in a Patriarcal society.
       • the man dictates everything and is the head of the house.
         • why its so shocking to see Sheila stand up to her family.
     • Gerald isn't as concerned about responsibility- he is in a higher class than the Birlings and so doesnt need to worry

3. GENDER

   • Patriarcal Society
     • the man is in charge-always.
     • women are expected to do as a man says
     • this is the society the older characters still live in
   • Sheila and Eric are in a more modern mindset
     • sheila stands up to her father and parents
       • she tells them that they are wrong
     • eric standing up would be more acceptable however still not really accepted.

4. RESPONSIBILITY

   • In the beginning no one accepts anything to do with Eva's death.
     • They almost portray themselves and saints and that they could never do anything wrong.
       • this could be because they have been brought up blaming people of a lower class and that they cant do anything wrong.
   • the younger the character the more accepting they are to taking responsibility.
     • Sheila and Eric are more acceptant that they did something wrong
       • Eric says- ' we did her in all right'
       • sheila gets angry with her parents who 'pretend nothing much has happened'
     • Mr and Mrs Birling accept no part in Eva's Death
       • Mrs B describes Eva as a 'girl of that class' and accepts no blame
       • in the end Mr B is only concerned about 'covering it up as soon as he could' and his knighthood.
     • Gerald seems a little acceptant however does'nt really accept responsibility
       • he asks Sheila to marry him again , as if nothing has happened