Class system

• • There was a rigid class system within 1912, providing little social mobility (unable to move between the classes, lower to upper etc) within society. Thus, those who belonged to a class within society, were confined & restricted by this - most significantly the lower classes (as symbolised through Eva who was unable to advance herself within society without drastic consequences
  • This rigid divide was a continuation of the Victorian eras fixed social structure
• • In the early 1900s, poverty was rife, with 25% living in poverty & 10% living below subsistence (not enough to live) level
  • The driving force behind this was underpayment of workers (Priestley creates Eva as an indictment of this inhumane treatment of the working classes)
  • The Birlings classify as middle class as they had a servant, Edna
• How does the 1912 class system link to the play?

  • Priestley is critical of the lack of social mobility in 1912
  • He creates Eva as emblematic of the inhumane treatment the lower classes faced due to this restrictive class system
  • He also constructs Mr Birling as a pompous unlikeable character to vilify the individuals who perpetuate this rigid system
• What is context for the 1945 class system?

  • increased social mobility arose when the Equal Franchise Act 1928 was introduced for all men & women over 21 were enfranchised (given the right to vote)
  • this meant the oppressed lower classes had a political voice too, however mass prejudice still existed around working classes
  • hence, Priestley aims to highlight the detrimental impacts of class to his 1945 audience through the example of 1912 society; forcing his audience to reflect on how to eliminate the oppressing class divide
• How does the 1945 class system link to the play?

  • the increased social mobility, particularly for women, can be seen through Sheila's development of a voice throughout the play
  • this could symbolise how women had gained a political voice
  • although Eva does not have a voice herself Priestley constructs the Inspector to speak on behalf of her & the lower classes
  • this could symbolise how the lower classes were not more represented despite the once completely rigid class system