English lit

• Social Responsibility:

  • The play emphasises the idea that individuals and society as a whole have a responsibility for each other
  • The Inspector challenges the characters to consider the consequences of their actions on others and promotes a sense of collective responsibility
  • Some physical processes continue to operate on relict (old) glaciated upland landscapes that we see in the UK
• Class Distinctions:

  • The play highlights the social class divisions and the disparities between the upper and lower classes
  • The Birling family represents the upper class, while Eva Smith symbolises the struggles of the working class
  • The Inspector's arrival disrupts the comfortable world of the Birlings, forcing them to confront the consequences of their privilege
• Guilt and Consequences:

  • The theme of guilt is prevalent as the characters are confronted with their involvement in Eva Smith's tragic fate
  • Each character's actions contribute to her downfall
  • The play explores the moral consequences of their decisions
• Time and Temporality:

  • The concept of time plays a significant role in the play
  • The Inspector's mysterious arrival and the revelation of the characters' connection to Eva Smith create a sense of inevitability and timelessness
  • Priestley uses the time structure to convey the idea that individuals are accountable for their actions, regardless of when they occurred
• Inspector Goole as a Catalyst:

  • Inspector Goole serves as a catalyst for change in the characters
  • His role is not just to investigate but also to expose the flaws in the characters' personalities and moral values
  • The inspector represents a voice of conscience and justice, pushing the characters to confront their own shortcomings
• Capitalism and Exploitation:

  • The play touches upon the harsh realities of a capitalist society
  • The working class is exploited for the benefit of the upper class
  • Eva Smith's experiences illustrate the vulnerability of individuals in a system that prioritises profit over human welfare
• Deception and Hypocrisy:

  • The characters in the play often deceive themselves and others
  • The Inspector's questioning reveals the hypocrisy in their beliefs and actions
  • The play critiques the facade of respectability maintained by the upper class
• Generation Gap:

  • The play highlights the differences in attitudes and values between the older and younger generations
  • The older generation tends to uphold traditional views, while the younger characters show a willingness to question societal norms and take responsibility for their actions