Social Class

• How does social class influence the events in the play?

  It creates divisions and affects character interactions
• How did the World Wars affect the British class system?

  They dismantled the class system and united people
• What does Priestley emphasize about class inequality?

  It still existed despite the wars
• How did the upper classes view the working class?

  They scorned and mocked them
• What does Priestley encourage society to do regarding social class?

  Move towards social equality
• How does the lighting in the play's beginning reflect the Birlings' perspective?

  It symbolizes their optimistic, rose-tinted view
• How does Priestley illustrate the divide between rich and poor in the play?

  Through the characters' experiences and interactions
• What does Priestley suggest about the relationship between success and class?

  Success for some does not mean success for all
• How does the Inspector's visit affect the Birlings?

  They focus on their own troubles instead of Eva's
• What does the juxtaposition between Mr. Birling and the Inspector reveal?

  1. Birling's selfishness and ignorance
• How is Eva Smith characterized in the play?

  As a symbol of the lower classes
• What does Mr. Birling's career history reveal about him?

  His desire for respect and power
• What does the Inspector remind Mr. Birling about public men?

  They have responsibilities as well as privileges
• What does the term "nouveau riche" refer to?

  Those who made their own money
• How does the class divide affect Gerald and Sheila's engagement?

  It causes tension between their families
• What does Mr. Birling hope to gain from Gerald and Sheila's marriage?

  To climb the social ladder
• How does Mr. Birling's attitude towards Gerald reveal his character?

  He is self-serving and opportunistic
• What does Lady Croft's disapproval of Sheila indicate?

  She values social class over love
• How does Priestley portray Mrs. Birling's character?

  As the epitome of upper class prejudice
• What assumptions does Mrs. Birling make about Eva Smith?

  That she is immoral and undeserving
• What does Mrs. Birling say about understanding the working class?

  She doubts they can understand their struggles
• What does Mrs. Birling's reaction to Eva's introduction reveal?

  It shows her bias against lower classes
• How does Mrs. Birling justify her prejudice against Eva?

  She believes it is natural for her to feel that way
• What does the Inspector imply about the upper classes' treatment of the working class?

  They find excuses to disgrace the working class
• How does Mrs. Birling perceive Eva's moral compass?

  She refuses to trust Eva's strong morals
• What do the adjectives "ridiculous," "elaborate," and "fancy" emphasize about Mrs. Birling's view of Eva?

  They highlight her disdain for Eva's claims
• What does the Inspector mean by "Her position now is that she lies with a burnt-out inside on a slab"?

  It indicates the consequences of social neglect
• What does Sheila's statement "I wish you hadn’t told me" reveal about her perspective?

  She sees herself as the victim, not Eva
• What comparison does Priestley draw between Sheila and Eva?

  Both are young women facing class inequality
• What does the Inspector's remark about the difference between classes suggest?

  It challenges the notion of class superiority
• How does Priestley portray the elite as criminals?

  By showing their neglect and oppression of others
• What does Priestley suggest about the trust society places in "respectable citizens"?

  It is misplaced and influenced by reputation
• How does the imagery of a barrier reflect the upper classes' attitudes?

  It shows their deliberate rejection of the lower classes
• What role does Edna, the maid, play in the play?

  She represents the voiceless working class
• How does the absence of working class characters affect the play's message?

  It highlights the oppression of the lower classes
• What does Priestley suggest about the Birlings' actions throughout the play?

  They contribute to the oppression of the lower classes
• How does the Inspector's presence challenge the Birlings' values?

  It exposes their flaws and prejudices
• What does Priestley imply about the future of class relations?

  They can improve through awareness and change