"Public Men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges"


Contrast is used by Priestley when he remind Birling of his "responsibilities" as well as his "privilege".  By placing "responsibilities" first perhaps he is insinuating that Birling has forgotten this aspect, and instead is only concerned with his "privilege" (something that his actions certainly would attest). 
This quote reminds us of the issues present in both the society of Priestley and the society in which the text was set in, in which there were those with privilege but for whom responsibility did not seem important. This attitude therefore furthering the gulf between the lower and upper classes. 

Conflict Poetry: Some Revision Tips

For each poem you should be able to:

- What is the subject/ topic of the poem? Be specific. Don't just say conflict.
- Identify at least 1 message from the poet (why did they write the poem/ what was their inspiration?)
- Identify at least 3 key language devices used by the writer that further the main idea (do they rely heavily on contrast/ word choice/ pun...).
- Identify if the poem is told through a speaker or by the poet. If a speaker how are we supposed to feel towards the speaker?
- How does the poet want you to feel about the subject? What is the writer trying to evoke in the reader?
- Does the poem allude to a specific historical time/ geographical setting/ specific conflict?

Analysing Quotes

All analysis should try to link to:

Ideas/ techniques/ characterisation/ structure/ historical context  both of author and the setting

An Inspector Calls

Sheila being told to go from the room by Gerald, and so Inspector questions Gerald on his motives.

Inspector to Gerald

“And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?”

·        There is irony in the Inspectors words to Gerald as the Inspector is already aware that Gerald has not protected Eva sufficiently.

·        The use of the leading question highlights what should happen but also what has not (in respect to Eva).

·        The word choice of disturbing has suggestions of causing trauma, disorder and pain hence highlighting the difficulties present in society at that time, and the lasting effects that such difficulties can have on young women.

·        The phrasing “young women” highlights through the word choice of young the vulnerability of these women, also perhaps this separates them from older women showing the generational gap and that perhaps older women are unable to be protected against “unpleasant and disturbing things”. This also highlights Priestley’s message of the need for change for the current generation in the wake of WWII.