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.