Context

• Set in 1912- Priestly does not want to return to society in the Edwardian era.
• Social commentary where Priestly uses the characters as dramatic vehicles to show his socialist views.
• Priestly helped to set up the labour party.
• The play was first performed in Russia, a then communist country.
• Written after 2 world wars- Priestly approved of how the wars made the people work together regardless of social status so hoped this message would resonate more.
• Priestly wanted people to look within themselves whilst watching the play, asking themselves, am I like this?
• Priestly never reveals if it was one girl or more, because he wants to show wether their actions killed her or not, they could have.