Social class

• How does social class influence the events in the play?

  Social class influences interactions and treatment among characters, particularly between the Birlings and Eva Smith.
• What was the state of class division in Britain in 1912?

  Class divided Britain into wealthy land and factory owners and impoverished workers.
• What was the impact of the World Wars on the British class system?

  The World Wars dismantled the British class system by bringing people together and enforcing similar lifestyles through rationing.
• What does Priestley emphasize about class inequality in his play?

  Priestley emphasizes that class inequality persisted despite the changes brought by the World Wars.
• How did the upper classes view the working class according to the text?

  The upper classes scorned and mocked their working class peers.
• What does Priestley encourage society to do regarding social equality?

  Priestley encourages society to move towards social equality instead of reverting to old class divisions.
• What does the lighting symbolize when the play begins?

  • The lighting is described as "pink and intimate."
  • It symbolizes the Birlings' optimistic, rose-tinted perspective.
  • The atmosphere shows their ignorance of others' troubles.
• How are the Birlings described at the beginning of the play?

  The Birlings are described as "pleased with themselves," indicating their complacency.
• What does Priestley imply about the upper classes' conscience?

  Priestley implies that the upper classes lack a conscience regarding the cost of their happiness on others.
• How does Priestley show the divide between the rich and poor in the play?

  Priestley emphasizes the divide by showing the lack of interaction between the two classes and featuring only one working class character on stage.
• Why does Priestley argue that the upper classes maintain the class system?

  Priestley argues that the upper classes maintain the class system because it benefits them and allows them to ignore the struggles of the working class.
• What does Mr. Birling claim about the country's future?

  Mr. Birling claims that the country is "in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity."
• What does Mr. Birling overlook in his claims about prosperity?

  Mr. Birling overlooks the poverty, disease, and physical labor endured by the lower classes.
• What does Priestley suggest about the relationship between success and class?

  Priestley suggests that one group's success does not guarantee success for all, highlighting class disparities.
• How do the Birlings react to the Inspector's visit?

  The Birlings focus on how the Inspector's visit impacts their own lives, dismissing the struggles of the working class.
• What does the juxtaposition between Mr. Birling and the Inspector reveal?

  The juxtaposition emphasizes Mr. Birling's selfishness and the tragedy of Eva's death.
• What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

  Eva Smith symbolizes the lower classes as a whole.
• How does the audience's perspective of Eva Smith change throughout the play?

  The audience's perspective is altered by the Birlings' classist remarks and personal bias, forcing them to discern the truth about Eva.
• What does Mr. Birling represent in the play?

  Mr. Birling represents the nouveau riche and is concerned about his social class.
• How does Mr. Birling view his social status?

  Mr. Birling feels entitled to respect and power due to his social status.
• What does Mr. Birling's career history reveal about him?

  Mr. Birling's career history reveals his desire to boast about his power and respectability.
• What does Mr. Birling expect from the Inspector due to his status?

  Mr. Birling expects to be treated differently by the Inspector because he is a "public man."
• What does the Inspector remind Mr. Birling about public men?

  The Inspector reminds Mr. Birling that public men have responsibilities as well as privileges.
• How does Mr. Birling view the lower classes?

  Mr. Birling believes it is his obligation to keep the lower classes in their place.
• What does Priestley show about the upper classes' view of the lower classes' attempts to stand up for themselves?

  Priestley shows that the upper classes viewed attempts by the lower classes to stand up for themselves as outrageous and disrespectful.
• What does Gerald Croft's background signify in relation to Mr. Birling?

  Gerald Croft comes from a higher class than the Birlings, representing the old money versus nouveau riche divide.
• How did the rise of factories and businesses affect social class in the early twentieth century?

  The rise of factories and businesses allowed people without noble heritage to become wealthy, creating a new class of 'nouveau riche.'
• What tensions arise from the differences between the Birlings and the Crofts?

  The tensions arise from the Birlings' lower social status and the Crofts' reluctance to associate with them.
• What ulterior motives does Mr. Birling have regarding Gerald and Sheila's engagement?

  Mr. Birling wants Gerald and Sheila to marry to improve his business prospects and climb the social ladder.
• How does Mr. Birling's attitude towards the Crofts reveal his character?

  Mr. Birling's attempts to flatter and impress Gerald reveal his insecurity and desire for social advancement.
• What does Lady Croft's disapproval of Sheila signify?

  Lady Croft's disapproval signifies the importance of social class and the prejudices held by the upper class.
• How does Priestley portray Mrs. Birling's character?

  Mrs. Birling is portrayed as the epitome of upper class prejudice, being cold, judgmental, and dismissive of the lower classes.
• What assumptions does Mrs. Birling make about Eva Smith?

  Mrs. Birling makes assumptions based on Eva's working-class status, leading her to deny Eva help from the charity.
• How does Mrs. Birling's language reflect her prejudices?

  Mrs. Birling's language, such as "girls of that class," reflects her belief that the working class is fundamentally different and inferior.
• What stereotypes does Mrs. Birling hold about the lower class?

  Mrs. Birling believes all lower class people are immoral and money-hungry.
• How does Mrs. Birling react to Eva introducing herself as "Mrs. Birling"?

  Mrs. Birling views it as "gross impertinence," believing it disrespects her social status.
• What does the phrase "gross impertinence" reveal about Mrs. Birling's character?

  The phrase reveals her excessive pretentiousness and sense of superiority over the working class.
• What is Mrs. Birling's belief about lower class people?

  She believes they are immoral and money-hungry.
• How does Mrs. Birling's bias affect her reactions?

  It makes her overreact and see every small flaw as confirmation of her bias.
• What does Mrs. Birling think about Eva introducing herself as "Mrs. Birling"?

  She sees it as gross impertinence and feels it will taint her name.