themes / context

• What are the top five context points to remember for An Inspector Calls?

  1. Priestly was a socialist criticizing capitalism.
  2. Women had limited rights across all classes.
  3. Edwardian England had deep class divisions.
  4. The idea of the "undeserving poor" was prevalent.
  5. The play is set just before World War One.
• What does the term "undeserving poor" refer to in the context of the play?

  The belief that the poor are immoral and unworthy of aid
• What are the four main themes in An Inspector Calls?

  1. Class: Deep class divisions and abuse of power.
  2. Age: The divide between older and younger generations.
  3. Social Responsibility: Duty to help the poor.
  4. Gender: The mistreatment of women and lack of power.
• What is one of the core messages regarding social responsibility in An Inspector Calls?

  Wealthy individuals have a duty to help the poor
• In what year did JB Priestley write "An Inspector Calls"?

  1945
• Why did Priestley set "An Inspector Calls" in 1912?

  To use dramatic irony and hindsight after World War II
• What significant event had just occurred in Britain when the play was first performed in 1946?

  Britain had just come out of six years of World War II
• What is said to be the last year of stability before the events of the play?

  1912
• What is dramatic irony as used by Priestley in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • A method where the audience knows something that a character does not
  • Creates tension and deeper understanding of the characters' situations
• How does Mr. Birling establish his authority in the play?

  By claiming to be a hard-headed businessman who knows his stuff
• What prediction does Mr. Birling make about the Titanic?

  He claims it is "absolutely unsinkable"
• What historical event occurred in 1912 that contradicts Mr. Birling's prediction about the Titanic?

  The Titanic sank
• What does Mr. Birling predict about marriage in the early 20th century?

  He suggests it is a very good time to get married
• What major global event does Mr. Birling's prediction about marriage fail to foresee?

  World War I, which began in 1914
• What does Mr. Birling say about Britain's prosperity?

  He claims there will be steadily increasing prosperity
• How does the reality of World War I contradict Mr. Birling's predictions about prosperity?

  World War I caused national debt to increase significantly
• What was the unemployment rate in Britain during the Great Depression in 1929?

  1. 75 million unemployed
• What does Mr. Birling say about the inevitability of war?

  He dismisses the idea, saying "Fiddlesticks" to the notion of war
• How does Mr. Birling's statement about labor strikes reflect his understanding of social issues?

  He underestimates the potential for labor unrest in the future
• What does Mr. Birling predict about the future of labor agitations?

  He believes they will be forgotten by 1940
• What major conflict was occurring in 1940?

  World War II
• How does Mr. Birling's character represent capitalism in the play?

  He embodies the principles of capitalism and its flaws
• What is Priestley's agenda in "An Inspector Calls" regarding capitalism?

  To critique capitalism and promote socialist policies
• Where was "An Inspector Calls" first performed?

  In Russia
• What notable social changes occurred between 1912 and 1945?

  • Introduction of compulsory military service and food rationing (1914-1918)
  • Women over 30 and men over 21 gained the right to vote (1918)
  • Exclusion of women from many jobs made illegal (1919)
  • Women over 21 gained the right to vote (1928)
  • Britain celebrated the end of World War II (1945)
  • A more socialist government was elected, introducing free healthcare and welfare state
• How does Priestley use the setting of 1912 to convey a message to the audience?

  He highlights the progress made in social equality since that time
• What message does Priestley want the audience to take away regarding class and gender divides?

  That these divides hinder societal progress and should be addressed
• What does Priestley suggest about the consequences of self-serving behavior in society?

  It leads to suffering and negative outcomes for everyone
• What does Priestley hope the audience will feel towards Eva Smith?

  Sympathy
• How does Priestley want the audience to view the older Birlings?

  With resentment for their self-serving attitudes
• What does Priestley imply about the potential for societal change in the future?

  That collective action can lead to a better society
• What is the overall theme of "An Inspector Calls"?

  Social responsibility and the critique of capitalism
• How does the play's critique of the upper classes relate to contemporary society?

  It encourages questioning of social inequalities that still exist today