Class Inequality in An Inspector Calls

Priestley uses "An Inspector Calls" to highlight the stark class inequality prevalent in early 20th century Britain. The play portrays a society where the upper classes look down on the poor, using them as cheap labor rather than treating them as people.

Quote: "As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!" - Mrs. Birling's snobbish assumption reveals the deep-seated prejudices against the working class.

The play critiques the rigid class structure of the time:

• Working class: Had the hardest jobs and little money
• Middle class: Owned factories or were professionals
• Upper class: Inherited wealth, often titled, and held significant control

Example: Mr. Birling's desire for "just a knighthood" shows how the upper classes valued social status over moral considerations.

Priestley uses the characters to represent different class attitudes:

• Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist middle-class mentality, believing in keeping the working class "in their place"
• Sheila, representing the younger generation, develops socialist sympathies and questions the unfair treatment of workers

Highlight: The play reveals how class differences affected every aspect of life, from job opportunities to social interactions and even moral judgments.

Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

A central theme in "An Inspector Calls" is social responsibility, with Priestley advocating for a more compassionate and interconnected society. The play contrasts characters who accept responsibility for their actions with those who refuse to acknowledge their role in Eva Smith's demise.

Quote: "We are responsible for each other" - This line, delivered by the Inspector, encapsulates Priestley's socialist message.

The characters' reactions to Eva's death reveal their attitudes towards social responsibility:

• Sheila: "I'll never, never do it again" - She accepts full responsibility and shows genuine remorse.
• Mr. Birling: "A man has to mind his own business" - He embodies the selfish capitalist mindset that Priestley criticizes.
• Mrs. Birling: Refuses to help Daisy in her charity work, fearing a public scandal.

Highlight: Priestley uses the Inspector as his mouthpiece to advocate for the ideology of social responsibility, particularly emphasizing the duty of the wealthy to support the poor and vulnerable in society.

The play suggests that public figures, like Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges. This reflects Priestley's belief that those in positions of power should use their influence for the betterment of society as a whole.

Example: Eric's frustration with his parents' refusal to accept responsibility demonstrates the generational divide in attitudes towards social obligations.

Gender Roles in An Inspector Calls

Priestley uses "An Inspector Calls" to examine and critique the gender roles and sexist attitudes prevalent in early 20th century Britain. The play portrays women in various roles, from the traditional housewife to the more progressive and independent young woman.

Quote: "Clothes mean something quite different to a woman" - Mr. Birling's statement reveals the sexist assumptions about women's priorities and interests.

The play highlights different aspects of gender inequality:

• Mrs. Birling doesn't have a job but volunteers for charity, reflecting the limited options for upper-class women.
• Sheila is portrayed as more capable and independent than the older generation expects, challenging traditional gender roles.
• Gerald's attitude towards women is shown to be superficial and sexist, objectifying them based on their appearance.

Highlight: Priestley uses the characters to critique the era's sexist attitudes, particularly through the contrast between the older and younger generations.

The play also touches on the double standards applied to men and women:

• Women are portrayed as needing protection from harsh realities (like Eva's suicide).
• Men's indiscretions (like Gerald's affair) are treated more leniently than women's perceived moral failings.

Example: Gerald's assumption that he can easily rekindle his engagement with Sheila after his infidelity is revealed demonstrates the different expectations for men and women in relationships.

By highlighting these gender inequalities, Priestley encourages his audience to question and challenge the sexist norms of their society.

Page 4: Gender Roles and Inequality

The fourth page examines gender dynamics and sexism in early 20th century Britain.

Quote: "Those hard-eyed dough-faced women" reveals prevalent sexist attitudes.

Highlight: Women's roles are limited to charity work and being "protected" by men.

Example: Sheila's character challenges traditional gender roles by showing women's capability for independent thought.

Page 5: Time and Structure

This page explores the play's complex relationship with time and its narrative structure.

Highlight: The play's timeline becomes ambiguous, suggesting possible supernatural elements.

Example: The characters' memories of Eva Smith are revealed through a series of flashbacks.

Quote: "Between us we killed her" emphasizes collective responsibility.

Page 6: Inspector Goole's Character

This section analyzes Inspector Goole's role and significance in the play.

Highlight: The Inspector maintains control while remaining polite, demonstrating his authority.

Example: His methodical approach to questioning reveals each character's involvement in Eva's death.

Definition: The Inspector serves as a moral compass and possible supernatural entity.

Page 7: Socialist Ideology

The seventh page examines Priestley's socialist beliefs and their influence on the play.

Quote: "But after all it's better to ask for the earth than to take it"

Definition: Socialism is defined as collective ownership of production and wealth.

Highlight: Priestley's war experiences influenced his socialist views and the play's message.

Page 8: Sheila's Character Development

This page focuses on Sheila's transformation throughout the play.

Quote: "And it just suited her" reveals Sheila's initial selfishness.

Example: Sheila's admission of jealousy shows her capacity for honest self-reflection.

Highlight: Her character arc demonstrates the possibility of moral growth and change.

Capitalism in An Inspector Calls

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" provides a scathing critique of capitalism through the character of Mr. Birling, a stereotypical capitalist. The play's stage directions emphasize Birling's wealth through his "portliness," symbolizing the disposable income and luxury associated with the upper classes.

Highlight: Mr. Birling's character embodies the negative aspects of capitalism, including selfishness, greed, and a lack of social responsibility.

The play contrasts capitalist ideologies with socialist ones, using dramatic irony to expose the flaws in capitalist thinking. For instance, Birling's assertion that "nobody wants war" is shown to be foolish, as the audience knows that two world wars would soon follow.

Quote: "I'd give thousands, yes thousands!" - Mr. Birling's attempt to bribe the Inspector reveals his belief that money can solve all problems, a key criticism of capitalist mentality.

Priestley uses Birling's dismissive attitude towards socialism, calling it "some sort of crank," to highlight the resistance of the capitalist class to social change and equality.

Vocabulary: Capitalism - An economic and political system where a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

The play demonstrates how capitalist values can corrupt personal relationships and morality. Even after learning of Eva Smith's suicide and his son's distress, Birling prioritizes his business interests over his family's emotions.