Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" cleverly uses a generational divideto... Show more
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Updated Apr 5, 2026
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Generational Contrast in 'An Inspector Calls'
Izzy Gurney
@isabellegurney
1 / 7
The Great Generational Split
Ever wondered why you and your parents see the world so differently? Priestley taps into this universal tension by showing how the Birling family splits along age lines when faced with moral crisis.
At the start, the family appears united - they're all wealthy, privileged, and share the same social position. But when the Inspector arrives, everything changes. The older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) represent outdated, conservative values - they're arrogant, refuse to accept responsibility, and only care about protecting their reputation.
Meanwhile, the younger generation (Eric and Sheila) show genuine curiosity about the Inspector's message. They're willing to challenge their parents' authority and learn from their mistakes, making them symbols of hope for a more progressive future.
Key Point: The phone call at the play's end suggests this divide can't be healed - two completely different ideologies now exist within the same family.
Mr Birling - The Stubborn Patriarch
Mr Birling perfectly embodies everything wrong with the older generation's mindset. As the family patriarch, he's used to being in control and gets genuinely angry when anyone dares to challenge his authority.
His famous quotes reveal his selfish capitalist philosophy: "a man has to look after himself" and "why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices." Notice how he sees business purely as a game where everyone's out for themselves.
When Eric suggests showing mercy to Eva Smith, Mr Birling dismisses it as "a lot of silly nonsense!" He's completely resistant to criticism and believes his wealth automatically makes him wise and morally superior.
Remember: Priestley uses Mr Birling to represent the selfish attitudes that led to social problems in early 20th century Britain.
The Teacher Who Won't Learn
Mr Birling sees himself as a teacher figure, constantly telling the younger generation what to think. His patronising tone comes through in phrases like "now you three young people just listen" and "remember what I'm telling you now."
He desperately wants his children to become his disciples, following his business-focused worldview without question. The way he demands attention shows how much he craves influence over the younger generation.
But here's the irony - whilst he's trying to teach them, he's completely incapable of learning anything himself. He wants to shape their minds whilst keeping his own firmly closed to new ideas.
Age Doesn't Equal Wisdom
Mr Birling's obsession with age reveals his deepest insecurities. He constantly reminds others that he's older, using phrases like "take my word for it, you youngsters" in a mocking, condescending tone.
He genuinely believes that knowledge and intelligence automatically come with age, calling his life experience the "hard school of experience" - supposedly the "ultimate form of education."
This attitude blinds him to the possibility that younger people might actually understand morality and social responsibility better than he does. His age becomes a barrier to growth rather than a source of wisdom.
Think About It: Priestley challenges the traditional idea that older always means wiser.
Eric's Journey from Follower to Leader
At the play's beginning, Eric simply parrots his father's words: "as you were saying dad, a man has to look after himself." This word-for-word repetition shows how the younger generation has been conditioned to follow their elders without thinking.
Eric initially seems incapable of independent thought, ready to follow in his father's footsteps and inherit the same selfish values. The younger generation appears keen to maintain the status quo and traditional family values.
But this changes dramatically once the Inspector begins his investigation. Eric starts questioning everything he's been taught, showing that young people can break free from harmful conditioning when presented with moral challenges.
The Moment of Moral Awakening
Eric's transformation becomes clear when he challenges his father: "could have kept her on instead of throwing her out." Unlike the older generation, he can actually imagine showing mercy and forgiveness.
His questioning of the capitalist system is revolutionary: "why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices." He recognises how this system is fundamentally selfish and exploitative.
This represents a crucial turning point where the younger generation stops accepting their parents' values and starts developing their own moral compass. Eric moves from blind obedience to active resistance.
Key Insight: The younger generation becomes capable of seeing injustice that their parents refuse to acknowledge.
Sheila's Powerful Stand for Humanity
Sheila delivers one of the play's most powerful lines: "but these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." This simple statement reveals everything wrong with how the older generation views working-class women.
Her response shows genuine anger at the way society treats vulnerable people as objects rather than human beings. She's referring to how easily her parents dismiss and dehumanise those beneath them socially.
The fact that she needs to pause, feeling "incredible anger" and being "unable to comprehend" her parents' attitudes, shows how far she's moved from their worldview. She now sees their casual cruelty with fresh eyes.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Generational Contrast in 'An Inspector Calls'
Izzy Gurney
@isabellegurney
Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" cleverly uses a generational divideto explore how different age groups respond to social responsibility and moral challenges. The play shows how younger characters are more open to change, whilst older characters stubbornly cling to their... Show more
The Great Generational Split
Ever wondered why you and your parents see the world so differently? Priestley taps into this universal tension by showing how the Birling family splits along age lines when faced with moral crisis.
At the start, the family appears united - they're all wealthy, privileged, and share the same social position. But when the Inspector arrives, everything changes. The older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) represent outdated, conservative values - they're arrogant, refuse to accept responsibility, and only care about protecting their reputation.
Meanwhile, the younger generation (Eric and Sheila) show genuine curiosity about the Inspector's message. They're willing to challenge their parents' authority and learn from their mistakes, making them symbols of hope for a more progressive future.
Key Point: The phone call at the play's end suggests this divide can't be healed - two completely different ideologies now exist within the same family.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Mr Birling - The Stubborn Patriarch
Mr Birling perfectly embodies everything wrong with the older generation's mindset. As the family patriarch, he's used to being in control and gets genuinely angry when anyone dares to challenge his authority.
His famous quotes reveal his selfish capitalist philosophy: "a man has to look after himself" and "why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices." Notice how he sees business purely as a game where everyone's out for themselves.
When Eric suggests showing mercy to Eva Smith, Mr Birling dismisses it as "a lot of silly nonsense!" He's completely resistant to criticism and believes his wealth automatically makes him wise and morally superior.
Remember: Priestley uses Mr Birling to represent the selfish attitudes that led to social problems in early 20th century Britain.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
The Teacher Who Won't Learn
Mr Birling sees himself as a teacher figure, constantly telling the younger generation what to think. His patronising tone comes through in phrases like "now you three young people just listen" and "remember what I'm telling you now."
He desperately wants his children to become his disciples, following his business-focused worldview without question. The way he demands attention shows how much he craves influence over the younger generation.
But here's the irony - whilst he's trying to teach them, he's completely incapable of learning anything himself. He wants to shape their minds whilst keeping his own firmly closed to new ideas.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Age Doesn't Equal Wisdom
Mr Birling's obsession with age reveals his deepest insecurities. He constantly reminds others that he's older, using phrases like "take my word for it, you youngsters" in a mocking, condescending tone.
He genuinely believes that knowledge and intelligence automatically come with age, calling his life experience the "hard school of experience" - supposedly the "ultimate form of education."
This attitude blinds him to the possibility that younger people might actually understand morality and social responsibility better than he does. His age becomes a barrier to growth rather than a source of wisdom.
Think About It: Priestley challenges the traditional idea that older always means wiser.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Eric's Journey from Follower to Leader
At the play's beginning, Eric simply parrots his father's words: "as you were saying dad, a man has to look after himself." This word-for-word repetition shows how the younger generation has been conditioned to follow their elders without thinking.
Eric initially seems incapable of independent thought, ready to follow in his father's footsteps and inherit the same selfish values. The younger generation appears keen to maintain the status quo and traditional family values.
But this changes dramatically once the Inspector begins his investigation. Eric starts questioning everything he's been taught, showing that young people can break free from harmful conditioning when presented with moral challenges.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
The Moment of Moral Awakening
Eric's transformation becomes clear when he challenges his father: "could have kept her on instead of throwing her out." Unlike the older generation, he can actually imagine showing mercy and forgiveness.
His questioning of the capitalist system is revolutionary: "why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices." He recognises how this system is fundamentally selfish and exploitative.
This represents a crucial turning point where the younger generation stops accepting their parents' values and starts developing their own moral compass. Eric moves from blind obedience to active resistance.
Key Insight: The younger generation becomes capable of seeing injustice that their parents refuse to acknowledge.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sheila's Powerful Stand for Humanity
Sheila delivers one of the play's most powerful lines: "but these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." This simple statement reveals everything wrong with how the older generation views working-class women.
Her response shows genuine anger at the way society treats vulnerable people as objects rather than human beings. She's referring to how easily her parents dismiss and dehumanise those beneath them socially.
The fact that she needs to pause, feeling "incredible anger" and being "unable to comprehend" her parents' attitudes, shows how far she's moved from their worldview. She now sees their casual cruelty with fresh eyes.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user