Gender Inequality and Internalized Misogyny

Priestley examines the disparity between social groups through his exploration of internalized misogyny resulting from patriarchal views in Britain. This is exemplified through Mrs. Birling's treatment of Eva Smith.

Example: Mrs. Birling's statement "as if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money" reveals her distaste for Eva and sense of superiority over lower classes.

The use of the word "girl" to describe Eva connotes immaturity and foolishness, showing Mrs. Birling's attempt to demean her. This reflects how patriarchal viewpoints dominated Edwardian society and seeped into women's mindsets.

Vocabulary: Internalized misogyny - When women subconsciously project sexist ideas onto other women or themselves.

Priestley uses dramatic irony to highlight the audience's knowledge that Eva did in fact refuse money, contrary to Mrs. Birling's assumptions about lower class morality. This stubborn unwillingness to change ultimately contributes to Eva's death.

The Inspector's Warning and Biblical Allusions

Priestley utilizes the character of the Inspector as a mouthpiece to convey his views on how those in power abuse it to widen societal gaps. The Inspector's final speech contains powerful imagery and warnings.

Quote: "If people don't learn their lessons now then they will be taught it in fire blood and anguish."

The use of "fire" has clear Biblical allusions to Hell and eternal punishment. Priestley leverages his 1945 audience's predominantly Christian beliefs about the afterlife to engender change and highlight the long-lasting consequences of perpetuating inequality.

Highlight: Priestley aims to shock his younger audience into recognizing how an unfair capitalist society impacts both the exploited and the exploiters, if not in this life then the next.

Objectification of Women and Critique of Capitalism

Priestley explores gender inequality from a male perspective, particularly through Eric's description of Eva as a "good sport." This phrasing reduces women to objects of sexual desire and entertainment for men.

Vocabulary: Chremamorphism - The attribution of object-like qualities to human beings.

The objectification and exploitation of Eva by every male character she encounters underscores the prevalent sexism. Priestley may be using the "sport" metaphor to imply that, like games, these exploitative relationships all come to an end - in Eva's case, a fatal one.

Priestley intentionally portrays the Birling family as antagonistic and polarizing, using them as a microcosm for capitalism. This narrative choice aims to ensure his audience associates capitalism with inequality and cruelty.

Highlight: Priestley consistently details the exploits of the upper class to agitate for a change in perspective, advocating for a more socialistic society.

Priestley's Critique of Social Inequality

Priestley employs various literary techniques to reveal the tragic consequences of societal inequality in Edwardian Britain through Eva Smith's story. Drawing from his own experiences working at a wool firm as a teenager, Priestley acts as a social commentator exposing the exploitation inherent in capitalist society.

Highlight: Priestley uses the chain of events leading to Eva Smith's death to slowly unravel how capitalism and societal inequality create a "vitiating cesspit" with harrowing effects.

The essay explores how Priestley intentionally constructs characters and situations to provoke his audience and engender social change. His critique spans issues of class divides, gender inequality, and abuse of power by the wealthy.

Quote: "Priestley uses dramatic irony here because us as the audience know that she actually did refuse the money - contrary to popular wealthy belief, being of a lower class didn't strip you of your morals."