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Inspector Calls Context: 1912 vs 1945 for GCSE and Quizlet

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An Pham

22/01/2023

English Literature

Context Poster - An Inspector Calls

Inspector Calls Context: 1912 vs 1945 for GCSE and Quizlet

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" explores the stark contrast between 1912 and 1945, highlighting societal changes in politics, gender roles, and class structure. The play serves as a critique of capitalism and promotes socialist ideals.

  • Set in 1912 but written in 1945, the play examines pre-WWI society versus post-WWII perspectives
  • An Inspector Calls context analysis 1912 vs 1945 reveals significant shifts in voting rights, welfare systems, and gender equality
  • Priestley uses the fictional town of Brumley to represent industrial cities in England
  • The play challenges the audience to reflect on social responsibility and class divisions
...

22/01/2023

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English Literature

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22 Jan 2023

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Inspector Calls Context: 1912 vs 1945 for GCSE and Quizlet

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An Pham

@apham

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" explores the stark contrast between 1912 and 1945, highlighting societal changes in politics, gender roles, and class structure. The play serves as a critique of capitalism and promotes socialist ideals.

  • Set in 1912 but... Show more

Politics
war
Business
1912
capitalism
• only male homeowners
could vote
little welfare - charities
•Pre WW1
·some tension
some strikes
·no m

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Context of "An Inspector Calls"

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is a powerful exploration of social and political changes in Britain between 1912 and 1945. The play, set in the fictional industrial town of Brumley, serves as a microcosm for broader societal shifts during this period.

Highlight: The play's setting in 1912 but writing in 1945 allows Priestley to critique pre-WWI society from a post-WWII perspective, making the audience more receptive to socialist viewpoints.

Political Context

In 1912, Britain was characterized by a capitalist system with limited voting rights and minimal welfare. By 1945, the country had become increasingly socialist, with expanded suffrage and the beginnings of a welfare state.

Example: In 1912, only male homeowners could vote, while by 1945, all men and women over 21 had voting rights.

Economic Changes

The period between 1912 and 1945 saw significant economic upheaval, including the Great Depression and two World Wars. These events led to increased labor unrest and a shift in power dynamics between business owners and workers.

Vocabulary: Bourgeois - middle class; Proletariat - working class

Gender Roles

The play highlights the evolution of gender roles from a patriarchal society in 1912 to growing equality by 1945, largely influenced by women's contributions during the World Wars.

Quote: "Eva is referred to as a 'girl' rather than a woman"

Class Structure

Priestley uses the characters to represent different social classes and their changing dynamics:

  • Upper Class: Least numerous, wealthiest and most powerful e.g.,GeraldCrofte.g., Gerald Croft
  • Middle Class: Business owners, professionals e.g.,theBirlingse.g., the Birlings
  • Working Class: Most numerous, reliant on welfare and charity e.g.,EvaSmithe.g., Eva Smith

Priestley's Political Views

J.B. Priestley's political views were decidedly socialist, and he uses the character of Inspector Goole as a mouthpiece for these ideas. The play serves as a political diatribe, critiquing capitalism and promoting social responsibility.

Definition: Political diatribe - a piece of writing that severely criticizes the politics of that time.

Significance of Setting

Priestley's choice of Brumley as a setting is deliberate, representing industrial cities across England. His experiences growing up in Bradford inform the play's depiction of factory conditions and class relations.

Highlight: Priestley's exposure to factories, working-class life, and business owners in Bradford influenced his portrayal of Brumley and its inhabitants.

The play invites the audience to critically examine the "golden age" before WWI and sympathize with the plight of the poor, embodied by Eva Smith. Through the character of Inspector Goole, Priestley challenges the self-satisfaction and false security of the Birling family, emphasizing the importance of social awareness and personal responsibility.

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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