Gender

• What societal issue does J.B. Priestley explore in his work?

  Gender inequality and societal expectations
• How does Priestley depict the vulnerability of women in his work?

  Through the exploitation of working-class women
• What does Priestley criticize about social attitudes in his work?

  Patriarchal and classist systems
• What power dynamics does Priestley suggest exist between genders?

  Men hold social and economic power
• How are working-class women portrayed in Priestley's work?

  As controlled, judged, and objectified
• How does Sheila Birling's character develop throughout the play?

  She evolves into a strong, independent thinker
• What does the Inspector represent in Priestley's work?

  A moral perspective challenging societal norms
• What were the gender roles in 1912 as depicted in the play?

  • Women expected to be passive and obedient
  • Men held authority in home and society
  • Sexual double standards prevalent
• How is Eva Smith described in the play?

  Young, pretty, warm-hearted, and grateful
• What does Gerald Croft's statement about his affair with Eva reveal?

  It reflects sexual double standards
• What does Mr. Birling's attitude towards women suggest?

  He belittles women's intelligence and independence
• What are Priestley's authorial intents in the play?

  • Expose hypocrisy of traditional gender roles
  • Link gender inequality to class and power
  • Encourage female empowerment and moral accountability
• What was the status of women's rights in 1912?

  Women had few rights and rigid roles
• How did the context of 1945 influence Priestley's views?

  Women had joined the workforce during the war
• What does Priestley urge post-war audiences to reconsider?

  Traditional gender norms and expectations