context

• What should inform your reading of the play An Inspector Calls?

  Context should inform, but not dominate
• What are the contexts to consider when exploring An Inspector Calls?

  The text's setting, reception, and literary context
• When was An Inspector Calls written and when is it set?

  Written in 1945, set in 1912
• How did British society change between 1912 and 1945?

  Significant political and societal differences emerged
• What universal themes does An Inspector Calls address?

  People, human nature, societal structures
• What characterizes capitalism in An Inspector Calls?

  Abuse and exploitation of the poor are inevitable
• How is socialism presented in the play?

  As a system promoting equality and societal welfare
• What type of government was in England in 1912?

  A conservative right-wing government
• What did the Labour Party advocate after 1945?

  A society free from the fear of poverty
• What is Priestley's aim by setting the play in 1912?

  To show capitalism as morally unacceptable
• What was the state of workers' rights in 1912?

  Workers had little or no rights and protections
• What significant change occurred with the introduction of the Welfare State in the 1940s?

  Greater protection for citizens' social and economic welfare
• How did World War II impact societal views on healthcare and employment?

  These issues became essential policies
• How were workers' rights viewed by 1945?

  Marginally improved compared to 1912
• What does socialism represent in the context of the labour movement?

  An instrument responsive to workers' needs
• How does Priestley illustrate the vulnerability of workers in the play?

  Through Eva's dismissal for participating in a strike
• What does Priestley argue about societal members' responsibilities?

  They have duties towards others' welfare
• What social reforms were introduced between 1945-1951?

  Policies to protect vulnerable citizens
• What did the Beveridge Report advocate?

  A system of social insurance for all citizens
• How does setting the play in 1912 affect Eva's portrayal?

  It conveys her destitution more bleakly
• What does the play highlight about government intervention?

  Its importance for social responsibility
• What characterized the class system in Edwardian society?

  A dominant hierarchical class system
• How was British society divided at the start of the 20th century?

  Into upper, middle, and working classes
• What societal changes occurred after the two World Wars?

  The class system was no longer the only structure
• What was the impact of the Great Depression on British society?

  Demand for social change increased among the working class
• How does Priestley represent the class extremes in the play?

  Through the Birlings and Eva's contrasting lives
• How does the setting of the play enhance its themes?

  It contrasts the Birlings' lifestyle with workers' poverty
• What was the societal view of women in 1912?

  Women were largely seen as subservient
• What was the suffragette movement's goal?

  To campaign for gender equality for women
• How are working-class women depicted in the play?

  As exploited and abused by the wealthy
• How do Gerald and Eric's actions reflect gender dynamics?

  They abuse their power over Eva
• How is Eva viewed in terms of labor in 1912?

  As 'cheap labour' and vulnerable to exploitation
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?

  She challenges her father's authority and norms
• What societal stigma existed for unmarried pregnant women in 1912?

  They were heavily ostracized by society
• What stigma would still exist for Eva's pregnancy by 1945?

  Significant stigma would still be attached