themes

• What social class do the Birlings belong to?


  Upper-middle class
• How did clothing symbolize social classes during the time the play is set?


  What people wore to dinner indicated their social classes
• What significant historical context influenced the audience when the play was first performed in 1945?


  The audience had just experienced two world wars and rationing
• How did the wars affect the social dynamics between rich and poor people?


  Both rich and poor people were eating the same meals and dressing similarly
• What does the term "equaliser" refer to in the context of the play?


  It refers to how the wars leveled social differences to some extent
• What was the state of class division in Britain before World War One?


  Britain was strongly divided by class
• Who are examples of the working class in the play?

  Eva Smith
• What was Priestley's intention in depicting class differences in the play?


  To show how differently people in different classes lived and caution against returning to those ways
• How does Mrs Birling's attitude towards Eva Smith reflect class prejudice?


  She believes Eva's morals are inferior due to her lower class status
• What does the Inspector's statement about Eva's position signify?


  It highlights the severity of Eva's situation and the consequences of class indifference
• What does Mr Birling do when the workers at his factory go on strike?


  He sacks the ringleaders and allows others to return at the same poor pay
• What is the concept of social responsibility as presented in the play?


  It is the idea that everyone has a role in looking after each other, especially the vulnerable
• How does the play depict the consequences of a lack of social responsibility?


  It shows how neglecting the vulnerable leads to tragic outcomes, like Eva's fate
• What does the Inspector say about community responsibility?


  We are members of one body and responsible for each other
• How do Mr and Mrs Birling's views on responsibility differ from their children's?


  The Birlings refuse to accept responsibility, while their children are more willing to learn and change
• What does Mrs Birling say about her role in Eva's death?


  She accepts no blame for it and blames Eva instead
• How do the younger Birlings respond to the Inspector's lessons?


  They are more open to learning and accepting their mistakes
• What does Priestley suggest about the potential of the younger generation?


  He has hope that they can learn from their mistakes and improve society
• How does the play address gender roles during the time it was written?


  It shows how women stepped into roles traditionally held by men during the war
• How do Mr Birling and Gerald view women in the play?


  They hold traditional and superficial views about women's roles and appearances
• What does Eric's comment about clothes reveal about gender perceptions?


  It shows a dismissive attitude towards women's concerns about clothing
• How does Priestley use male characters to symbolize societal issues?


  He uses them to represent how men exploit their power over vulnerable individuals like Eva
• What overarching themes are intertwined in the play?


  Class, social responsibility, age, and gender
• What are the key themes in "An Inspector Calls" and how do they intersect?


  • Class: Division between upper-middle and working class
  • Social Responsibility: Importance of caring for the vulnerable
  • Age: Generational differences in attitudes towards responsibility
  • Gender: Traditional views on women's roles and their evolution
• How does the play encourage empathy towards Eva Smith?


  • Highlights her struggles due to class prejudice
  • Shows the consequences of neglect from the upper class
  • Depicts the need for social responsibility