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8 Jul 2025
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Why Social Class and Gender Roles Matter in 'An Inspector Calls'
gmelonergan
@gmelonergan_pquc
Characterization of the Middle Class in An Inspector Calls
Priestley uses various characters to symbolize the often unpleasant and distasteful behavior of the middle class in early 20th century Britain. The play provides a critical examination of capitalism, greed, and the accumulation of wealth among this social group.
Vocabulary: Characterization - The way an author presents and develops a fictional character's personality and behavior.
Despite his minor role, Alderman Meggarty serves as a potent symbol of middle-class excess and moral corruption. Gerald's vivid descriptions paint a picture of a man whose physical appearance mirrors his inner decay.
Quote: Gerald describes Meggarty as having an "obscene fat carcass" and being "google-eyed", creating a grotesque image that represents the ugliness of unchecked greed and power.
This characterization extends beyond individual characters to represent broader societal issues. The play suggests that the middle class's pursuit of wealth and status often comes at the expense of their humanity and compassion for others.
Highlight: Priestley's social class critique in An Inspector Calls is particularly evident in his portrayal of middle-class characters, whose actions and attitudes reveal the deep-seated problems within the existing social structure.
The play also explores how class divisions affect personal relationships and social interactions. The Birlings' treatment of their maid, Edna, exemplifies the typical middle-class attitude towards servants at the time.
Example: Mrs. Birling's casual command to Edna - "I'll ring from the drawing-room when we want coffee" - demonstrates how servants were often viewed as extensions of the household rather than as individuals with their own needs and feelings.
Gender Roles and Class in An Inspector Calls
Priestley intertwines his critique of social class with an examination of gender roles in early 20th century British society. The play highlights how women, particularly those from the working class, faced multiple layers of oppression and limitation.
Highlight: Gender roles in An Inspector Calls analysis reveals how societal expectations and class divisions intersected to create particularly challenging circumstances for working-class women.
Sheila Birling's character development throughout the play serves as a lens through which to view changing attitudes towards gender and class. Initially, she embodies the typical expectations of a young, upper-middle-class woman of her time.
Quote: Sheila's early comment - "as if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money" - reveals her initial prejudices and lack of understanding about the realities of working-class life.
However, as the play progresses, Sheila begins to question these ingrained attitudes and develops a more nuanced understanding of class and gender issues.
Example: Sheila's growing awareness is evident when she states, "But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." This marks a significant shift in her perspective and challenges the dehumanizing attitudes prevalent in her social circle.
The character of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton embodies the struggles faced by working-class women in early 20th century Britain. Her story highlights the limited options available to women of her class and the exploitation they often faced from those in positions of power.
Definition: Intersectionality - The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as class, race, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
Priestley uses Eva's tragic story to illustrate how class division in Priestley's An Inspector Calls disproportionately affected women, who were often viewed as disposable by those in higher social positions. The play challenges the audience to consider the human cost of maintaining rigid class and gender hierarchies.
Social Class Divisions in An Inspector Calls
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" presents a scathing critique of social class divisions in early 20th century Britain. The play highlights the rampant inequality and problematic behaviors of the upper and middle classes through the flawed, immoral, and prejudiced actions of the Birling family and Gerald Croft.
Highlight: Priestley uses the play to complement his socialist beliefs, inviting the audience to reflect on the suffering of the working class caused by the actions of those in power.
The relationship between the middle/upper classes and the working class is portrayed as deeply unequal. Mr. and Mrs. Birling demonstrate a condescending and dismissive attitude towards those of lower social status.
Quote: Mrs. Birling uses euphemistic and condescending language when referring to "girls of that class" and "these people", perpetuating harmful class divisions.
Mr. Birling's character reveals a preconception of greed and intemperance among the working class. He believes it is his duty to "come down sharply on some of these people" to prevent them from "asking for the earth."
Definition: This paternalistic attitude reflects the belief that the upper classes had the right and responsibility to control and "manage" the lower classes for their own good.
Priestley suggests that Birling's fear of the lower classes rising up may be a projection of his own feelings of desire and ambition that allowed him to climb the social ladder. This fear drives Birling's attempts to assert his superiority and control over the working class.
Example: Birling's demands and expectations of workers, such as his treatment of Eva Smith, demonstrate his need to reinforce class distinctions and maintain his position of power.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Why Social Class and Gender Roles Matter in 'An Inspector Calls'
gmelonergan
@gmelonergan_pquc
An Inspector Calls explores social class and gender roles in early 20th century Britain through the lens of the Birling family's interactions with Eva Smith. Priestley's social class critique in An Inspector Calls highlights inequality and the dehumanization of working-class... Show more
Characterization of the Middle Class in An Inspector Calls
Priestley uses various characters to symbolize the often unpleasant and distasteful behavior of the middle class in early 20th century Britain. The play provides a critical examination of capitalism, greed, and the accumulation of wealth among this social group.
Vocabulary: Characterization - The way an author presents and develops a fictional character's personality and behavior.
Despite his minor role, Alderman Meggarty serves as a potent symbol of middle-class excess and moral corruption. Gerald's vivid descriptions paint a picture of a man whose physical appearance mirrors his inner decay.
Quote: Gerald describes Meggarty as having an "obscene fat carcass" and being "google-eyed", creating a grotesque image that represents the ugliness of unchecked greed and power.
This characterization extends beyond individual characters to represent broader societal issues. The play suggests that the middle class's pursuit of wealth and status often comes at the expense of their humanity and compassion for others.
Highlight: Priestley's social class critique in An Inspector Calls is particularly evident in his portrayal of middle-class characters, whose actions and attitudes reveal the deep-seated problems within the existing social structure.
The play also explores how class divisions affect personal relationships and social interactions. The Birlings' treatment of their maid, Edna, exemplifies the typical middle-class attitude towards servants at the time.
Example: Mrs. Birling's casual command to Edna - "I'll ring from the drawing-room when we want coffee" - demonstrates how servants were often viewed as extensions of the household rather than as individuals with their own needs and feelings.
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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
Gender Roles and Class in An Inspector Calls
Priestley intertwines his critique of social class with an examination of gender roles in early 20th century British society. The play highlights how women, particularly those from the working class, faced multiple layers of oppression and limitation.
Highlight: Gender roles in An Inspector Calls analysis reveals how societal expectations and class divisions intersected to create particularly challenging circumstances for working-class women.
Sheila Birling's character development throughout the play serves as a lens through which to view changing attitudes towards gender and class. Initially, she embodies the typical expectations of a young, upper-middle-class woman of her time.
Quote: Sheila's early comment - "as if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money" - reveals her initial prejudices and lack of understanding about the realities of working-class life.
However, as the play progresses, Sheila begins to question these ingrained attitudes and develops a more nuanced understanding of class and gender issues.
Example: Sheila's growing awareness is evident when she states, "But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." This marks a significant shift in her perspective and challenges the dehumanizing attitudes prevalent in her social circle.
The character of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton embodies the struggles faced by working-class women in early 20th century Britain. Her story highlights the limited options available to women of her class and the exploitation they often faced from those in positions of power.
Definition: Intersectionality - The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as class, race, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
Priestley uses Eva's tragic story to illustrate how class division in Priestley's An Inspector Calls disproportionately affected women, who were often viewed as disposable by those in higher social positions. The play challenges the audience to consider the human cost of maintaining rigid class and gender hierarchies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Social Class Divisions in An Inspector Calls
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" presents a scathing critique of social class divisions in early 20th century Britain. The play highlights the rampant inequality and problematic behaviors of the upper and middle classes through the flawed, immoral, and prejudiced actions of the Birling family and Gerald Croft.
Highlight: Priestley uses the play to complement his socialist beliefs, inviting the audience to reflect on the suffering of the working class caused by the actions of those in power.
The relationship between the middle/upper classes and the working class is portrayed as deeply unequal. Mr. and Mrs. Birling demonstrate a condescending and dismissive attitude towards those of lower social status.
Quote: Mrs. Birling uses euphemistic and condescending language when referring to "girls of that class" and "these people", perpetuating harmful class divisions.
Mr. Birling's character reveals a preconception of greed and intemperance among the working class. He believes it is his duty to "come down sharply on some of these people" to prevent them from "asking for the earth."
Definition: This paternalistic attitude reflects the belief that the upper classes had the right and responsibility to control and "manage" the lower classes for their own good.
Priestley suggests that Birling's fear of the lower classes rising up may be a projection of his own feelings of desire and ambition that allowed him to climb the social ladder. This fear drives Birling's attempts to assert his superiority and control over the working class.
Example: Birling's demands and expectations of workers, such as his treatment of Eva Smith, demonstrate his need to reinforce class distinctions and maintain his position of power.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user