context

• Strikes

  The play is set at a time when industry was undergoing significant expansion, which meant an increase in wealth for the owners of these factories like Mr Birling and Gerald Croft. At the same time as they were increasing their wealth, wages were not rising for the workers within these industries. This created significant tension and resulted in strike action in some industries.
• Set and Written

  written in 1945, after WW1 and WW2, but set in 1912, prior to both of these events.
• 1912


  Priestley did this because 1912 represented a time that was very different to post-war Britain and highlighted to the audience how much had already changed between then and now. In 1912, the barriers between class and gender were very rigid, with everyone sticking to their traditional roles and their being no room for social progression.
• 1945


  By 1945 these barriers had begun to be broken down, and by highlighting these differences Priestley wanted to encourage people to build on this success towards a more socialist society where everyone looked after each other.
• Generation Gap


  presented by Mrs Birling and Sheila. Sheila is open to accepting responsibility and wants people to listen to her. Mrs Birling is happy to settle with the position she has and does not want this to change.
• Gender


  We see this when they discuss what Sheila will have to get used to after her marriage. This change could link to the rise in popularity of the suffragette movement as well as the increase in women taking on work etc. during the wars. Priestley wants to remind the audience how far they have already come.
• Socialism


  Priestley want people to care more about other in society.
• Capitalism


  Priestley saw this as the source of all ill in society.