An Inspector Calls: Gender Quotes

Questions and Answers

What does Mr. Birling suggest about women's clothing?

It is a sign of their self-respect. (correct)

Women should wear whatever they want.

It is only for making them look prettier. (correct)

Clothes are irrelevant to their character.

How does Gerald describe women he disapproves of?

Beautiful and charming.

Hard-eyed and dough-faced. (correct)

Intelligent and strong.

Independent and confident.

What does Mrs. Birling suggest about Eva's feelings?

She claims that Eva is incapable of having feelings.

Why does Mr. Birling avoid making speeches at Sheila?

He believes she would not understand them because she is a woman. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Eva Smith pose to Mr. Birling?

She questioned the amount of money she and other workers were earning. Signup and view all the answers

How does Gerald depict Sheila's emotional capacity?

He suggests she is weak and unable to handle emotionally challenging situations. Signup and view all the answers

Gerald believes that young women should be protected from unpleasant things.

True Signup and view all the answers

The quote about Sheila listening to a distressing story suggests women are seen as emotionally strong.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about 'fat old tarts' suggest about women's objectification?

It implies women must look a certain way to please men. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gender Perspectives in "An Inspector Calls"

Mr. Birling expresses a patronising attitude towards women, suggesting their clothing represents self-respect. This reflects his belief in a stereotypical view of women's identities as uniform and shallow.
Gerald's derogatory remark about "hard-eyed dough-faced women" illustrates his superficial standards and objectification of women, indicating that he lacks depth in his understanding of women's value.
Mrs. Birling's dismissal of Eva's feelings as "absurd" demonstrates the cruelty of women upholding patriarchal values, revealing a failure to empathize with other women, particularly those from the working class.
Mr. Birling implies that Sheila's lack of understanding requires him to withhold speeches from her, reflecting the societal belief that women were intellectually inferior and unfit for serious discussions.
Eva Smith's challenge of Mr. Birling's authority over wages signifies her independence and strength as a working-class woman, defying the expectation that women should remain subservient.
Gerald's comment about Sheila being unable to handle emotional situations underscores the societal view of women as weak and fragile, often relying on men to speak for them.
Gerald's belief that young women need protection from unpleasant realities reflects a common patriarchal notion that women were inherently weak, contributing to their exclusion from decisions like voting.
The suggestion that Sheila should not witness distressing stories reinforces the stereotype that women cannot handle emotional hardship, further entrenching their subjugation.
Remarks such as "I hate these fat old tarts" reveal the objectification of women, implying that their worth is tied to physical appearance, perpetuating the idea that they exist to please men.

Description

Explore key gender-related quotes from J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This flashcard quiz highlights significant insights into the characters' views on women and societal expectations. Test your understanding of the themes and character attitudes in this classic play.