Themes+Context

• When was "An Inspector Calls" written?

  In the 1940s
• How was British society structured in 1912?

  It was firmly divided along class lines
• What political party was formed in 1906?

  The Labour Party
• Who could vote in 1912 Britain?

  Only men who owned property
• How were women's lives controlled in 1912?

  By their families and husbands
• What was the role of charities like the "Brumley Women's Charity Organization" in 1912?

  They provided essential help for those in need
• What significant event was Britain heading towards in 1912?

  The First World War
• How many workers participated in the 1912 National Miners' Strike?

  Over a million
• How did the leadership of the upper classes change after the war?

  Many questioned their leadership during the war
• What significant change occurred in Britain by 1945 regarding voting rights?

  All men and women over 21 could vote
• What global event began in 1930 that affected British industries?

  The Great Depression
• How did the Second World War influence British society?

  People wanted to create a better society
• What ideology became more popular after the world wars?

  Socialism and left-wing ideas
• What does the Inspector argue in the play?

  People should be responsible for each other
• What was a focus of the Labour Party in government after 1945?

  Improving the welfare system
• What was Gerald's initial impression of the Birling family?

  They seemed like a nice well-behaved family
• What were the expectations of middle-class families in 1912?

  Members were expected to know their roles
• What were the defined gender roles for wealthy middle-class men?

  Work to support the family and protect women
• What were the defined gender roles for wealthy middle-class women?

  Marry into money and manage social events
• How did working-class families differ in their roles?

  Many worked in factories or as servants
• What does the Birling family want to project to others?

  They want to appear as the perfect family
• How is gender role tension depicted in the Birling family?

  Women withdraw while men discuss serious matters
• What happens to the family hierarchy with the Inspector's arrival?

  The hierarchy is destroyed
• How do Sheila and Eric respond to their parents' authority?

  They begin to think for themselves
• What does Sheila express uncertainty about?

  Whether to marry Gerald
• How does Eric view his father?

  He believes Birling doesn't understand anything
• What does Sheila and Eric's refusal to "go on behaving just as we did" signify?

  They reject their parents' values
• What is the significance of social class in "An Inspector Calls"?

  It influences behavior and character treatment
• How does Priestley use characters to convey his message about social responsibility?

  He designed characters to show unity
• What does Priestley challenge through the characters in the play?

  The views and behavior of the class hierarchy
• What were the three main classes in early 20th century Britain?

  Working Class, Middle Class, Upper Class
• How did the class system affect Eva/Daisy's life?

  It made life difficult for her
• How does Priestley portray the upper classes in the play?

  As having limited social responsibility
• What does Mrs Birling's reaction to Eva/Daisy's photo signify?

  She doesn't recognize her existence
• What does Priestley suggest about the higher classes' view of the class system?

  They didn't question it
• What is Birling's main concern regarding Eva's death?

  That it will affect his knighthood
• How does Birling use Gerald in relation to his social class?

  To promote his social status
• What is the purpose of the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation?

  To provide money to desperate women
• How does Priestley reveal the unfairness of the class system?

  Through exaggerated caricatures of the Birlings
• What does Priestley suggest about the Birlings' behavior?

  It is common among the middle classes