Robot Says…

The theme of age is central to the generational divide between the Birling family members, highlighting contrasting attitudes towards responsibility and social change.
Mr Birling and Mrs Birling, representing the older generation, often display a rigid, self-centred worldview. Mr Birling dismisses the younger generation’s ideals, stating, "The famous younger generation who know it all."
The older generation clings to traditional values and refuses to accept responsibility for their actions. For example, Mrs Birling denies her role in Eva Smith's death, claiming, "I accept no blame for it at all."
In contrast, the younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, evolves throughout the play. They become increasingly aware of their moral responsibilities. Sheila, for instance, says, "You mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If you do, the Inspector will just break it down."
Priestley uses the generational conflict to critique the resistance to social progress and the perpetuation of inequality by the older generation. This is evident in Mr Birling’s dismissal of social responsibility when he declares, "A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself."
The younger generation’s willingness to change serves as a beacon of hope for a more socially responsible future. Eric, for example, acknowledges his mistakes and says, "The fact remains that I did what I did."
Through the theme of age, Priestley underscores his broader social message: that progress and collective responsibility lie in the hands of the younger generation, while the older generation often remains entrenched in outdated attitudes. </aside>

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Relating to… Age

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