Context

• What was Priestley's father's profession?

  School teacher
• How does Priestley's father's profession influence the play?

  It contributes to the play's didactic tone
• What does the term "didactic" mean?

  Teaching or instructive
• What message does the play convey about social responsibility?

  We are all members of one body
• How does the inspector embody Priestley's views?

  He acts as a teacher and moral guide
• When was Priestley's first piece of writing published?

  December 14, 1912
• Why is the year 1912 significant in the play?

  It marks a key turning point in Eva's life
• What does Priestley suggest about the Burling family's learning in 1912?

  They refuse to learn important lessons
• What pivotal event occurs in Eva's life in 1912?

  She becomes a writer
• How does Eva's writing relate to Priestley's own experience?

  Both became writers in the same year
• What is the inspector's role in relation to the ruling classes?

  He asks hard questions of them
• What type of propaganda is the play considered?

  Anti-war propaganda
• When was Priestley injured during the war?

  June 1916
• What does "convalesce" mean in the context of Priestley's experience?

  To recover from an illness or injury
• What happened to Priestley after he returned from the war?

  He worked in administrative jobs
• What does the inspector's warning about "fire and blood anguish" signify?

  It reflects Priestley's bitter war experiences
• How does Priestley link war and socialism in his autobiography?

  He criticizes the upper-class generals' actions
• What does Priestley express about the British command in his autobiography?

  They threw men away for nothing
• How does Priestley view the upper-class officers during WWI?

  As immoral and incompetent
• What types of stupidity does Priestley attribute to upper-class men?

  Incompetence, wrongheadedness, and cynicism
• What educational institution did Priestley attend after the war?

  Cambridge University
• How did Priestley complete his degree at Cambridge?

  In two years instead of three
• What does Priestley's experience at Cambridge reveal about him?

  He was more intelligent and determined
• What societal issue did Priestley explore during the Great Depression?

  Poor treatment of the unemployed
• What was the title of Priestley's book published after his national tour?

  The English Journey
• How does Priestley's interest in social reform manifest in his writing?

  Through the character of Eva Smith
• What political party did Priestley establish in 1942?

  The Commonwealth Party
• Why did Priestley turn down a knighthood?

  To maintain his political independence
• What does Priestley's refusal of honors reveal about his character?

  His commitment to his principles
• How does Priestley portray Gerald Croft's father in the play?

  As a snob who disrespects Sheila
• What does Priestley criticize about the honors system?

  It promotes snobbery and moral weakness
• How does Burling's desire for a knighthood reflect his character?

  It shows his moral weakness and ambition
• What is the significance of the ten pieces of context about Priestley?

  They help distinguish essays for higher marks
• Why is it important to relate facts about Priestley to his purpose?

  To enhance understanding of the play's message