Page 1: Wealth and Materialism in the Play

"An Inspector Calls" presents a stark contrast between the wealthy Birling family and the impoverished Eva Smith, highlighting the corrupting influence of wealth and social hierarchy. The characters' initial materialistic attitudes are challenged as the Inspector's investigation unfolds.

Highlight: Priestley suggests that wealth and social hierarchy corrupt people and society as a whole.

The play explores how wealth determines social status, leading to materialism - the belief that physical comfort and possessions are of utmost importance. At the start, characters like Mr. Birling and Sheila are shown to be materialistic, valuing luxury and social standing above all else.

Example: Mr. Birling refuses to give Eva Smith money to help her, demonstrating how the wealthy prioritize their own interests over those in need.

As the play progresses, characters begin to lose interest in material possessions as they confront the human cost of their actions. Priestley uses this transformation to critique a society that values wealth and status over human life and well-being.

Quote: "His wealth is of no use to him" - This line reflects the play's critique of materialism and its ultimate emptiness.

The consequences of materialism and rigid social hierarchies are shown to be dangerous and dehumanizing. The play suggests that relying too heavily on money and status can lead to a loss of empathy and moral compass.

Page 2: The Impact of Wealth on Characters' Actions

The second page delves deeper into how wealth and materialism influence the characters' actions and attitudes towards Eva Smith. Sheila's excitement over her engagement ring symbolizes the emphasis placed on material possessions over genuine human connection.

Example: Sheila's joy over her engagement ring represents how material possessions are valued more than actual relationships.

The wealthy characters in the play often believe that money can solve any problem. This attitude is exemplified in their responses to Eva Smith's situation.

Quote: "I insisted on giving her enough money to keep her going" - This line shows how Eric, like other wealthy characters, believes money can ease his conscience and solve Eva's problems.

However, the play reveals that this approach is fundamentally flawed. The characters' attempts to use money to absolve themselves of responsibility ultimately fail, highlighting the limitations of wealth in addressing deeper social issues.

Highlight: The play critiques the belief that wealth can solve all problems, showing how this attitude leads to a lack of genuine empathy and understanding.

The contrast between the Birlings' luxurious lifestyle and Eva's poverty underscores the vast inequality in their society. This disparity is a key element in the play's exploration of the relationship between wealth and materialism in literature.

Page 3: Social Hierarchy and Character Development

The third page focuses on how social hierarchy shapes the characters' attitudes and behaviors, demonstrating the impact of social hierarchy on character development.

Quote: "Tell the cook from me" - This line from Mr. Birling shows his detachment from the working class and his need to assert his social status.

The play presents Mr. Birling as a character deeply invested in maintaining and improving his social standing. His pursuit of a knighthood and his boastful predictions about the future reveal his priorities.

Highlight: Mr. Birling's character embodies the negative aspects of social climbing and materialism.

The text also explores how social class affects attitudes towards others. The wealthy characters often view working-class individuals as interchangeable and insignificant.

Quote: "Several hundred young girls" - This phrase demonstrates how the upper class dehumanizes and distances themselves from the working class.

Priestley uses dramatic irony to critique the complacency and short-sightedness of the upper class, particularly through Mr. Birling's misguided predictions about the future.

Example: Mr. Birling's claim that the Titanic is "unsinkable" and that there's no chance of war showcases his ignorance and the limitations of his worldview.

Page 4: Class Divisions and Moral Perspectives

This page delves into how class differences shape moral perspectives and behaviors in the play, further exploring how social class affects attitudes and behaviors.

Quote: "The colour of kept her out" - This line highlights how superficial factors like appearance can determine social acceptance.

The play contrasts the older generation's rigid class-based morality with the younger characters' more empathetic responses. Sheila, for instance, shows more sympathy for Eva Smith than her parents do.

Highlight: The generational divide in moral perspectives reflects changing attitudes towards social class and responsibility.

The text also explores how social connections and shared activities, such as golf, can be used to maintain class boundaries and avoid accountability.

Example: The mention of golf with the Chief Constable symbolizes the upper class's ability to manipulate systems of power for their benefit.

Priestley critiques the way in which the upper class often fails to recognize the humanity of those in lower social positions, treating them as disposable or interchangeable.

Quote: "Cheap labour" - This phrase encapsulates the dehumanizing attitude of the upper class towards working-class individuals.

Page 5: Exploitation and Capitalism

The fifth page focuses on the themes of exploitation and capitalism, showing how the upper class takes advantage of the vulnerable for their own benefit.

Highlight: Priestley uses the play to critique capitalist exploitation and the unfair treatment of the working class.

Each member of the Birling family is shown to have exploited Eva Smith in some way, whether through unfair labor practices, abuse of social status, or sexual exploitation.

Example: Mr. Birling exploited Eva by paying her low wages, Sheila used her status to have Eva fired, and Gerald and Eric exploited her sexually.

The play demonstrates how the capitalist system allows the upper class to profit from the vulnerability of the lower class, prioritizing profits over personal well-being.

Quote: "Minimum wage exploits this to be maximum profit" - This line encapsulates the play's critique of exploitative labor practices.

Priestley shows how the upper class often refuses to take responsibility for their actions, even when confronted with the consequences of their exploitation.

Highlight: The play argues that true social progress requires acknowledging and addressing systemic exploitation and inequality.

Overall Summary

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is a scathing critique of wealth and materialism in literature, exploring how social class and privilege can corrupt individuals and society.

Key points:

• The play contrasts the wealthy Birling family with the impoverished Eva Smith
• Characters initially prioritize material comfort and social status over human welfare
• The Inspector's investigation forces them to confront the consequences of their actions
• Priestley suggests that materialism and rigid social hierarchies are dangerous and dehumanizing
• The play advocates for social responsibility and equality, challenging the class system