"Clothes mean something quite different to a woman."
The Big Idea: The upper-class men wear "White Tie" (Evening Dress). It is a uniform of high status. It should look rigid, expensive, and impeccable—except for Eric.
Look: "Nouveau Riche" (tries too hard).
Details: Stiff Winged Collar, White Piqué Waistcoat (adds bulk), and a waxed "Toff Moustache". Shows his rigidity.
Look: The Aristocrat ("Dandy").
Details: Tailored Wool Tailcoat that fits perfectly, Silk Top Hat, Silver Cigarette Case. He looks natural in wealth.
Look: Dishevelled.
Details: Ill-fitting tailcoat ("boy in a man's suit"), untied bow tie, creased shirt front. Pale, clammy make-up suggests fear/drink.
The Big Idea: He is the visual antagonist. He does not dress for dinner. He wears "business" clothes, making him look darker, heavier, and "classless" compared to the Birlings.
A dark, boxy wool business suit. It is functional, not decorative. It contrasts sharply with the delicate tailcoats of the other men.
A beige Mackintosh or Trench Coat. He wears it undone to take up more space. It is a timeless garment that makes him seem like a traveler.
Hair: Neat, practical, unstyled (no oil).
Face: Pale and ghostly make-up, or heavy shadows under eyes to suggest he is haunted/tired.
The Big Idea: The women's clothes reflect their age and morality. Sybil is armored and protected; Sheila is soft and exposed.
The Matriarch.
Deep Jewel Tones (Emerald/Ruby) in heavy Silk or Satin. Uses a Lace Choker and "S-Bend" corset to force a haughty, judgmental posture.
The Innocent.
Pale colors (Cream/Pink) in Chiffon and Lace. An "Empire Line" dress (waist under bust) which is fashionable and youthful.
Sybil: Piled high "Pompadour" hair (Dominance).
Sheila: Soft loose curls. By the end, her make-up should be tear-stained and messy.
A stiff, durable cotton with a raised waffle pattern. Used for men's white waistcoats to imply a "crisp", wealthy appearance.
A dress where the waist is raised to just below the bust. Popular in 1912 for young women, emphasizing innocence.
A loose-fitting business suit (worn by the Inspector). It represents the working world and reality, crashing into the party.
Hair swept upwards from the face and worn high over the forehead. Used for Mrs. Birling to give her height and status.
Edexcel Students: You must fill out a table exactly like this in your exam.
AQA Students: Use this structure to write perfect paragraphs (Point ➔ Effect ➔ Terminology).
| Element / Effect | How would it enhance the extract for the audience? | Technical language you could use |
|---|---|---|
| Click 'Generate Example' to see a top-band answer... |