An Inspector Calls: Themes and Social Commentary

Priestley uses An Inspector Calls to explore several interconnected themes and critique societal issues.

Social Responsibility:

• Central theme of the play
• Emphasizes the impact of individual actions on others
• Promotes the idea of collective welfare

Quote: "Priestley wanted his audience to be responsible for their own behaviour and responsible for the welfare of others."

Age and Generation Gap:

• Contrasts the attitudes of older and younger characters
• Suggests hope for change lies with the younger generation
• Portrays older characters as more resistant to change

Example: Mr. Birling's stubborn refusal to accept responsibility contrasts with Sheila and Eric's willingness to learn and change.

Class Divide:

• Highlights the stark inequality between rich and poor in Edwardian England
• Critiques the exploitation of working-class individuals by the wealthy

Vocabulary: Capitalism vs. Socialism - The play contrasts capitalist ideals of individual success with socialist principles of collective responsibility and equality.

Gender Roles:

• Explores the limited rights and opportunities for women in early 20th century England
• Challenges traditional gender expectations through characters like Sheila

Historical Context:

• Written in 1945 but set in 1912, allowing for commentary on social progress
• Reflects post-war desire for social reform and equality

Highlight: Priestley uses the play's 1912 setting to critique the social issues that led to two world wars, encouraging audiences to build a more just society.

An Inspector Calls: Author Background and Historical Context

J.B. Priestley, the author of An Inspector Calls, was born into a working-class family in 1894. His experiences shaped his political views and literary works.

Highlight: Priestley's background as a working-class individual greatly influenced his writing and political stance.

Priestley's early life included:

• Deciding against university to gain real-world experience
• Working as a junior clerk at age 16
• Serving in World War I, narrowly escaping death multiple times
• Obtaining a degree from Cambridge University after the war
• Moving to London to pursue a career as a freelance writer

The play was written in 1945, at the end of World War II, but set in 1912 Edwardian England. This period was marked by:

• Significant social and economic inequality
• Strikes, food shortages, and political tension
• 87% of England's wealth concentrated in the hands of just 5% of the population

Definition: Socialism, a key concept in the play, advocates for a more equal distribution of wealth and resources in society.

Priestley used the play to promote socialist ideals, which aligned with the Labour Party's rise to power in 1945. The play contrasts socialist principles with the conservative belief in individual responsibility.

Quote: "This play has a moral message - that we should think of others and work together to ensure a fairer, more equal society."