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An Inspector Calls: Social and Historical Context, Dramatic Irony, and Class Divide

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Sophia + Charlotte

01/07/2023

English Literature

An Inspector calls notes

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English Literature

An Inspector Calls: Social and Historical Context, Dramatic Irony, and Class Divide

An Inspector Calls masterfully explores class division and social responsibility in Edwardian England, written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play uses dramatic irony and character development to critique capitalism and social inequality.

Key aspects:

  • Examines the stark social class divide between the wealthy Birling family and working-class Eva Smith
  • Utilizes dramatic irony through Mr. Birling's failed predictions about the Titanic and WWI
  • Contrasts the older vs younger generation perspectives on social responsibility
  • Highlights the exploitation of working-class women in early 20th century Britain
  • Demonstrates the evolution of characters' moral consciousness through Inspector Goole's investigation
...

01/07/2023

5051

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

View

Mr. Birling's Character Analysis

Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist values and class prejudices that Priestley critiques. His character demonstrates the class system in 1912 Inspector Calls through his aspirational social climbing and materialistic values.

Vocabulary: Capitalism - An economic system based on private ownership and profit-making.

Quote: "Give us the port, Edna" - symbolizing class distinction through luxury consumption.

Highlight: Birling's name-dropping of "Finchley" reveals his social insecurity and desire to impress his social superiors.

The character represents the older vs younger generation An Inspector Calls essay grade 9 theme through his rigid, outdated views contrasting with younger characters' more progressive attitudes.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

View

Mrs. Birling and Gender Politics

Mrs. Birling's character illustrates the complexities of gender and class in Edwardian society. Her portrayal demonstrates how social class Inspector Calls quotes intersect with gender dynamics.

Definition: Social superiority - The concept of higher social standing based on birth, wealth, or marriage.

Highlight: Despite being her husband's social superior, Mrs. Birling perpetuates social inequality through her treatment of lower-class women.

Her character represents the entrenched attitudes that Priestley critiques in exploring how is social class presented in An Inspector Calls essay themes.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

View

Eva Smith's Symbolism

Eva Smith represents the voiceless working class in Edwardian society, particularly women. Her character is central to understanding how is social class presented in an inspector calls.

Vocabulary: Onomastic symbolism - the use of names to convey deeper meaning in literature.

Definition: Eva Smith's name combines Biblical references (Eva/Eve) with a common surname (Smith) to represent all working-class women.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

View

Eric Birling's Development

Eric's character arc demonstrates the potential for change in the younger generation, contributing to the theme of older vs younger generation an inspector calls essay grade 9.

Quote: "Half shy, half assertive" - stage directions revealing Eric's complex character.

Highlight: Eric's association with alcohol foreshadows his later revelations and demonstrates social double standards.

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Subjects

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English Literature

An Inspector Calls: Social and Historical Context, Dramatic Irony, and Class Divide

user profile picture

Sophia + Charlotte

@sophia.lily06

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1,858 Followers

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An Inspector Calls masterfully explores class division and social responsibility in Edwardian England, written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play uses dramatic irony and character development to critique capitalism and social inequality.

Key aspects:

  • Examines the stark social class divide between the wealthy Birling family and working-class Eva Smith
  • Utilizes dramatic irony through Mr. Birling's failed predictions about the Titanic and WWI
  • Contrasts the older vs younger generation perspectives on social responsibility
  • Highlights the exploitation of working-class women in early 20th century Britain
  • Demonstrates the evolution of characters' moral consciousness through Inspector Goole's investigation
...

01/07/2023

5051

 

10/11

 

English Literature

151

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

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Mr. Birling's Character Analysis

Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist values and class prejudices that Priestley critiques. His character demonstrates the class system in 1912 Inspector Calls through his aspirational social climbing and materialistic values.

Vocabulary: Capitalism - An economic system based on private ownership and profit-making.

Quote: "Give us the port, Edna" - symbolizing class distinction through luxury consumption.

Highlight: Birling's name-dropping of "Finchley" reveals his social insecurity and desire to impress his social superiors.

The character represents the older vs younger generation An Inspector Calls essay grade 9 theme through his rigid, outdated views contrasting with younger characters' more progressive attitudes.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

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Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Mrs. Birling and Gender Politics

Mrs. Birling's character illustrates the complexities of gender and class in Edwardian society. Her portrayal demonstrates how social class Inspector Calls quotes intersect with gender dynamics.

Definition: Social superiority - The concept of higher social standing based on birth, wealth, or marriage.

Highlight: Despite being her husband's social superior, Mrs. Birling perpetuates social inequality through her treatment of lower-class women.

Her character represents the entrenched attitudes that Priestley critiques in exploring how is social class presented in An Inspector Calls essay themes.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Eva Smith's Symbolism

Eva Smith represents the voiceless working class in Edwardian society, particularly women. Her character is central to understanding how is social class presented in an inspector calls.

Vocabulary: Onomastic symbolism - the use of names to convey deeper meaning in literature.

Definition: Eva Smith's name combines Biblical references (Eva/Eve) with a common surname (Smith) to represent all working-class women.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Eric Birling's Development

Eric's character arc demonstrates the potential for change in the younger generation, contributing to the theme of older vs younger generation an inspector calls essay grade 9.

Quote: "Half shy, half assertive" - stage directions revealing Eric's complex character.

Highlight: Eric's association with alcohol foreshadows his later revelations and demonstrates social double standards.

<p>An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. The play is a scathing critique of the ruling classes, especially the wealthy fa

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Social and Historical Context

The play's dual timeframe serves as a powerful commentary on social change. When was An Inspector Calls written is crucial to understanding its message - written in 1945 but set in 1912, allowing Priestley to use historical hindsight as a dramatic tool.

Highlight: The play's 1912 setting represents a pivotal moment before significant social upheaval, including WW1 and women's suffrage.

Example: Mr. Birling's confident assertion about the Titanic being "unsinkable" serves as dramatic irony in An Inspector Calls Act 1, knowing the ship's fate.

Quote: "The Germans don't want war" - demonstrating dramatic irony in Inspector Calls Mr Birling through his misguided predictions.

The social context reflects a patriarchal society where working-class women were exploited as cheap labor, and class divisions were strictly maintained. This setting provides stark contrast to the post-war audience's experience of social change.

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Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.