context

• Who is the author of "An Inspector Calls"?

  J.B. Priestley
• What year was "An Inspector Calls" written?

  1945
• What societal context is important when studying "An Inspector Calls"?

  The importance of context in society
• In what year was J.B. Priestley born?

  1894
• What significant event influenced Priestley's ideas and writing?

  His work for a war firm
• What was the political climate during Priestley's early years?

  Full of political upheaval and uncertainty
• When is the play "An Inspector Calls" set?

  In 1912
• What societal structure is depicted in "An Inspector Calls"?

  A patriarchal society
• What were women fighting for in 1912?

  The right to vote in public elections
• Who was Emily Davison?

  A suffragette who died for the cause
• What event made headlines involving Emily Davison?

  She ran in front of the king's horse
• How is Sheila used by her father in the play?

  To gain power and influence
• How is Eva Smith treated in the workplace?

  Exploited and poorly treated
• What type of abuse does Eva Smith experience?

  Sexual abuse and exploitation
• How are women treated in the play?

  As second-class citizens
• What does Mrs. Burling's attitude represent?

  Undermining the suffrage movement
• How does Sheila change throughout the play?

  Becomes more assertive and independent
• What dramatic technique does Priestley use to explore modernization?

  Dramatic irony
• What does the sinking of the Titanic symbolize in the play?

  Overconfidence in technological progress
• What influence did Priestley's father have on him?

  He was a socialist
• What did Priestley believe about workers in his time?

  They were exploited by unscrupulous bosses
• What happened to Eva Smith before her death?

  She ended up at the mercy of charity
• Who was Kia Hardy?

  A liberal politician elected in 1892
• What did Kia Hardy help to found?

  The UK-wide independent labour party
• What did socialist groups challenge in the early 20th century?

  The assumption that capitalism benefited everybody
• What does Burling represent in the play?

  Capitalism and social climbing
• What does Inspector Goole represent?

  Priestley's socialist ideas
• What traumatic experience did Priestley have during World War I?

  He almost lost his life on two occasions
• What was Britain's status before World War I?

  An imperialist power
• What was the main purpose of colonies for Britain?

  Economic advantages
• What was the global status of Britain before World War I?

  The largest and richest imperial power
• What led to tensions among imperial powers?

  The rush for new colonies
• What did Germany want before World War I?

  A share of the imperial pie
• What ensued between global powers before World War I?

  An arms race
• What does Inspector Goole's final speech warn against?

  Exploitation and greed leading to conflict
• What does the phrase "we are members of one body" imply?

  We are responsible for each other
• What does Inspector Goole suggest will happen if lessons are not learned?

  It will end in fire and blood
• What does the inspector's warning address on two levels?

  Bosses exploiting workers and imperial rulers
• What are the key themes explored in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Social responsibility
  • Class and capitalism
  • Gender inequality
  • The impact of war
• How does Priestley use characters to convey his message?

  • Burling represents capitalism
  • Inspector Goole represents socialism
  • Sheila's transformation symbolizes modernity
  • Mrs. Burling's attitude reflects societal norms