Themes, Ideas and Messages GapFill

The difference in attitude between the younger and older generations is an important   plotgenrethemesubplot in the play. The older generation (the Birling  niecesparentschildrenrelations) seem set in their ways and cannot change or learn from their mistakes, whereas their two children, Eric and  EdnaEvaSheilaDaisy, start to challenge existing values and show they have the ability to change their attitudes.

At the start of the play everyone in the family is   dissatisfiedunhappyhappysad, and Sheila, the daughter, appears to have a good relationship with her parents. However, the relationship between Mr and Mrs Birling and  Mr BirlingGeraldEricthe Inspector seems very tense, and Mr Birling shows his impatience with his son. Eric and Sheila seem to get on well, and their relationship is one of teasing and arguing with each other. Gerald seems to fit in with both the older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) and the younger generation (Sheila and Eric). Both Sheila and Eric begin to show their   opposition tosupport forimpatience withbacking for their parents and show that they have something of a common purpose. Eric blames  his motherSheilathe InspectorDaisy for the death of his unborn child, and this leads to a complete breakdown in their relationship. There is also a breakdown in Eric’s relationship with  GeraldEvathe Inspectorhis father when Mr Birling discovers that Eric has stolen   silverjewelsgoldmoney from the company. During the play Sheila stops obeying her mother and realises that Mrs Birling is prejudiced and  generouskindcruelhelpful. Of all the characters it is  Mrs BirlingEvaMr BirlingSheila who changes the most and realises the importance of social responsibility.