Social Class

• What is central to Priestley’s message in the play?

  Social class
• How does Priestley use the hierarchy of 1912?

  To highlight injustice and inequality
• What does Priestley expose through Eva Smith's treatment?

  Exploitation of the working class
• How are the upper classes portrayed in the play?

  Arrogant, selfish, and blind to inequality
• How are the working class represented in the play?

  Voiceless, vulnerable, and treated inhumanely
• What does Priestley believe about social class and personal value?

  It should not determine a person’s value
• What are the attitudes of Mr. Birling towards the working class?

  • Refers to their demands as unreasonable
  • Criticizes capitalist greed and entitlement
• How does Mrs. Birling demonstrate upper-class snobbery?

  • Shows disgust and judgment towards the poor
  • Lacks empathy for those in need
• What does the Inspector say about Eva Smith?

  She represents the invisible working class
• How does Mr. Birling abuse his power over Eva?

  He fires her for asking for better pay
• How does Sheila use her class status against Eva?

  She gets Eva fired
• What does Gerald do to Eva Smith?

  Uses her for pleasure then discards her
• How does Mrs. Birling deny Eva help?

  Out of prejudice
• What does Priestley suggest about class power?

  It leads to exploitation without moral responsibility
• What was J.B. Priestley's political stance?

  He was a socialist
• When did Priestley write the play?

  In 1945
• What historical events influenced Priestley's writing?

  Two world wars
• Why does Priestley set the play in 1912?

  To criticize the Edwardian class structure
• What warning does Priestley give to the 1945 audience?

  Not to repeat past mistakes
• What is Priestley’s message about class divisions?

  They must be broken down to avoid suffering
• What does Priestley imply will happen if class divisions persist?

  Society will suffer through “fire and blood and anguish”
• What were the social conditions in 1912 and 1945?

  1912:

  • Rigid class system
  • Working class had few rights

  
  

  1945:

  • Labour Party wins election
  • Rise in support for social equality