Younger Generation vs. Older Generation

There are extreme differences between people who are born in
different generations. The younger generation are more naïve

an impressionable while the older generations are hard-headed
and assertive. Priestley builds up tension and contrasts the
differences between the younger generation and the older
generation by the characters of Sheila and Eric against Mr.
Birling and Mrs. Birling.
They are shown to be and naïve and continuing to follow and

agree with their parents due to their age. Eric and Sheila prove
to be mature throughout the play as they reflect the inspector’s
message. Even though Eric is ashamed of the rape he had
committed against Eva Smith, he admits to the fact that he,
“wasn’t in love with her or anything,” in the end he
understands the consequences of his actions and takes
responsibility for them as he says, “You lot may be letting
yourselves out nicely, but I’m can’t.” Eric insists on giving Eva
money, even thought it was stolen, but this connotes Eric’s
determination to fix his mistake and take responsibility for his
actions, which is what the inspector teaches throughout his
investigation. Sheila also admits her role in Eva’s death. She
expresses her sorrow and regret when she says, “it was my own
fault…And if I could help her now, I would,” this elicits that she
cares about the consequences of her actions, even though she
did not act as Eric did, she still takes responsibility for her
actions. Sheila was horrified when she found out that Eva was
sacked twice, she gives an honest explanation of what
happened at the store and how her jealousy leaded to Eva’s
ousting, in the end she was ashamed of her behavior, and she
felt sorry for Eva. She admits to her actions of jealousy takes
responsibility for her role in Eva’s suicide.
The older generation in the birling family consists of stronger
characters whose opinions cannot be easily swayed. Mr. Birling
is confronted about his conflicts with Eva Smith, but he
immediately states that, “the girl has been causing trouble in
the works. I was quite justified,” this reveals that he is not
affected by the news of Eva’s forced suicide, which is because
of a problem that started out with him originally and he
showed no sign of guilt or regret. The younger generation,
especially Sheila continues to contrast her father’s viewpoint by
saying, “I think it was a mean thing to do.” Sheila’s comment
results into the tension, but she forces her father to examine by
hearing an opposite viewpoint, but his opinion stays the same.
When Sheila hears her father describe Eva Smith as ‘cheap
labor’ she immediately says, “but these girls aren’t cheap labor,
they’re people,” demonstrating the differences between the
mindsets of the two generations. Mrs. Birling does admit to her
actions, but her arrogance and high-class personality are seen
when she says, “if you think you can bring any pressure to bear
upon me inspector, you’re quite mistaken,” she is the same as
Mr. Birling, she does not show a hint of guilt nor regret. Mrs.
Birling is only troubled by the problems withing her household
and herself, and therefore more tension is built as she
contradicts the viewpoints of her own children.As the paly
continues and everyone finds out that Inspector Goole was a
fake, the parents start to talk down the events that happened.
The tension starts to rise again when the children speak directly
to their parents saying, “if you must know, it’s you two who are
being childish,” Sheila is incredibly disgusted her parents’
actions, that her character and personality take a sudden turn.
She evolves into a braver woman who is extremely annoyed
that she scolds her own parents. Even Eric says, “Well, I don’t
blame you. But don’t forget I’m ashamed of you as well. Yes-
both of you.” Sheila and Eric’s characters create tension in the
play as they rebel on their parents and their differences
regarding the views on responsibility, which contrasts with
their parents greatly. The fact that the younger generation
stands up to the older generation and doing unconventional
actions towards them represents the main themes of the play.
Through tension between the characters, the main theme of

we don’t live alone, we are members of one body, and we are
responsible for each other is revealed. For this to be revealed,
great tension is built, which divides the birling family. The
children desperately try to get their parents to believe what
they believe is the inspector’s lesson and purpose of visiting,
yet Mr. and Mrs. Birling settle on the idea that they are just the
younger generation that know it all. It may be true that the
inspector is not real and that the older generation will never
learn, the main theme is still being successfully communicated
to the audience. Priestley does this to show us how he believes
that the younger generation are able to change the world to
the better.

Younger Generation vs. Older Generation

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There are extreme differences between people who are born in

different generations. The younger generation are more naïve

They are shown to be and naïve and continuing to follow and

Through tension between the characters, the main theme of

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