Social class

• How does social class influence the events in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Social class influences a lot of what happens in the play.
• What was the economic situation in Britain in 1912 regarding social class?

  In 1912, class divided Britain with wealthy land and factory owners and impoverished workers.
• How does the treatment of Eva Smith reflect the class divide in the play?

  The Birlings’ treatment of Eva is a result of their upper-class status versus her working-class background.
• What effect did the World Wars have on the British class system?

  The World Wars dismantled the British class system by bringing people together and enforcing similar lifestyles through rationing.
• Despite the changes brought by the World Wars, what did Priestley want to emphasize about class inequality?

  Priestley wanted to emphasize that class inequality still existed despite the changes from the World Wars.
• What attitudes did the upper classes have towards the working class according to Priestley?

  The upper classes scorned and mocked their working-class peers.
• What message does Priestley convey about social equality in the play?

  Priestley encourages 1940s society to move towards social equality instead of returning to old ways.
• How does the lighting in the play's opening scene reflect the Birlings' perspective?

  The lighting is described as "pink and intimate," symbolizing the Birlings’ optimistic, rose-tinted perspective.
• What does the description of the Birlings as "pleased with themselves" reveal about their character?

  This reveals their complacency and satisfaction with their social status.
• 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.
• What does Priestley emphasize through the divide between the rich and poor in the play?

  Priestley emphasizes that the differences between classes have huge impacts on characters and their experiences.
• 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, allowing them to live in ignorance of the working class struggles.
• How does the capitalist system affect the class divide according to Priestley?

  The capitalist system increases the gap between the rich and the poor.
• What does Mr Birling claim about the country's future prosperity?

  Mr Birling claims that the country is "in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity" and that there will be "peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere."
• What does Mr Birling overlook in his claims about prosperity?

  He overlooks the poverty, disease, and physical labor endured by the lower classes.
• What does Priestley suggest about success in society?

  Priestley suggests that success for some does not mean success for all.
• How do the Birlings react to the Inspector's visit?

  The Birlings fixate on the impact the Inspector's visit has on their own lives, dismissing lower-class struggles as inconveniences.
• What does the contrast between Mr Birling and the Inspector reveal?

  The contrast emphasizes how selfish and petty Mr Birling's complaint is regarding the Inspector's visit.
• What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

  Eva Smith is symbolic of the lower classes as a whole.
• What does it mean that Mr Birling is a member of the nouveau riche?

  It means he made his own money instead of inheriting it.
• How does Mr Birling represent upper-class privilege?

  Mr Birling shows how the upper classes use their positions to evade conflict and responsibility.
• What does Mr Birling expect from the Inspector due to his status as a "public man"?

  Mr Birling expects to be treated differently by the Inspector because of his status.
• What does the Inspector remind Mr Birling about public men?

  The Inspector reminds Mr Birling that public men have responsibilities as well as privileges.
• What does Mr Birling believe is his obligation towards the lower classes?

  Mr Birling believes it is his personal obligation to put the lower classes in their place.
• How does Priestley portray the upper classes' view of the lower classes?

  Priestley shows that the upper classes viewed any attempt by the lower classes to stand up for themselves as outrageous and disrespectful.
• What do the interactions between Mr Birling and Gerald Croft demonstrate about social class?

  They demonstrate how social class makes people act with ulterior motives and causes divisions where there need not be any.
• How does Gerald Croft's background differ from Mr Birling's?

  Gerald comes from a family of higher class (old money) than the Birlings (nouveau riche).
• What societal changes allowed nouveau riche individuals to become wealthy in the early twentieth century?

  The increase in factories and business allowed individuals without noble backgrounds to become wealthy.
• How does the tension between Mr Birling and Gerald's family highlight class differences?

  The tension highlights that while both families are rich, the Crofts are of a higher class due to their old country heritage.
• Why is Mr Birling keen for Gerald and Sheila to marry?

  Mr Birling is keen for the two to marry because it will help him climb the social ladder and grow his business.
• What does Mrs Birling's attitude towards Eva Smith reveal about her character?

  Mrs Birling's attitude reveals her upper-class prejudice and lack of empathy towards the working class.
• How does Mrs Birling's demeanor reflect her social superiority?

  Her "cold" demeanor and social superiority make her particularly judgmental and blunt.
• What assumptions does Mrs Birling make about Eva Smith based on her social class?

  Mrs Birling makes assumptions about Eva because she is a working-class girl, leading her to deny Eva help from the charity.
• What does Mrs. Birling believe about Eva's worthiness of attention?

  She believes Eva doesn't deserve any of her time or attention.
• What does Priestley intend to show about the upper class's attitude towards the lower class?

  He intends to show how ingrained prejudice was in society and how dismissive the upper class were of their lower class peers.
• What stereotypes does Mrs. Birling hold about lower class people?

  She believes all lower class people are immoral and money-hungry.
• How do Mrs. Birling's beliefs affect her reactions?

  Her beliefs make her overreact, seeing every small flaw as confirmation of her bias.
• What does Mrs. Birling's reaction to Eva introducing herself as "Mrs. Birling" reveal about her character?

  It reveals her sense of superiority and her belief that Eva's actions are disrespectful.
• What does the phrase "gross impertinence - quite deliberate" indicate about Mrs. Birling's view of Eva?

  It indicates that she believes Eva intentionally disrespected her.
• What does the adverb "naturally" imply about Mrs. Birling's feelings towards her prejudice?

  It implies she feels justified in her prejudice.