Class Prejudice and Its Consequences

This section of the Grade 9 Inspector Calls essay delves deeper into specific instances of class prejudice and their repercussions within the play. It focuses on two key events: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help a girl in need and Sheila's actions leading to Eva Smith's dismissal from Milwards.

Mrs. Birling's interaction with the charity-seeking girl (presumably Eva Smith) serves as a powerful illustration of how class prejudice can have dire consequences. As a "prominent member" of the charity organization, Mrs. Birling's duty was to assist those in need. However, her deeply ingrained class biases led her to reject the girl's plea for help.

Quote: "I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class-"

This statement from Mrs. Birling encapsulates her dismissive attitude towards working-class individuals. The use of "that class" creates a clear division between her perceived social status and that of the less fortunate, demonstrating the othering effect of class prejudice.

Highlight: Priestley uses Mrs. Birling's character to show how class-based prejudice can override even institutionalized forms of charity, leading to the failure of social support systems.

The incident involving Sheila and Eva Smith at Milwards further exemplifies the power imbalance between social classes. Sheila, using her family's social and economic influence, was able to have Eva fired from her job over a perceived slight.

Example: Sheila's ability to get Eva fired from Milwards demonstrates how members of the upper class could easily abuse their power and influence to the detriment of working-class individuals.

These events highlight Priestley's critique of a society where class divisions allow for the exploitation and mistreatment of the less privileged. The author uses these incidents to illustrate how a lack of social responsibility and empathy, rooted in class prejudice, can lead to tragic outcomes.

Vocabulary: Social responsibility - The idea that individuals and organizations have a duty to act in the best interests of society and the environment.

Through these examples, Priestley challenges his audience to reconsider their own class-based attitudes and behaviors. He suggests that a more equitable society, free from such rigid class distinctions, would be less prone to the kind of tragedy that befalls Eva Smith in the play.

Social Class in An Inspector Calls

Priestley's exploration of social class in "An Inspector Calls" is a central theme that drives the narrative and character development. The author uses the upper-middle-class Birling family to illustrate the stark divisions in Edwardian society and critique the destructive nature of class-based prejudice.

Highlight: Priestley sets the story in 1912, during the Edwardian era, to emphasize the rigid social divisions of the time and contrast them with his 1946 audience's perspective.

The play's structure revolves around the investigation of Eva Smith's death, a working-class woman who falls victim to the actions and attitudes of the more privileged characters. Through this narrative device, Priestley exposes the harmful consequences of social inequality and the lack of responsibility felt by those in positions of power.

Quote: "Girls of that class-" - Mrs. Birling

This quote exemplifies the condescending attitude of the upper classes towards working-class individuals. Mrs. Birling's use of the phrase "girls of that class" demonstrates her prejudice and the way she distances herself from those she considers beneath her social standing.

Vocabulary: Infantilize - To treat someone as if they are much younger than their actual age, often in a way that is patronizing or belittling.

Priestley's critique extends to the performative nature of upper-class charity work. Mrs. Birling's involvement in the "Brumley Women's Charity Organisation" is portrayed as a social obligation rather than a genuine desire to help those in need. This hypocrisy is further highlighted when Mrs. Birling refuses to assist a desperate young woman, likely Eva Smith, due to her class prejudices.

Example: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help a working-class girl who comes to her charity organization demonstrates how class prejudice can override the supposed charitable intentions of the upper classes.

The author's socialist beliefs are evident in his portrayal of these class dynamics. By exposing the flaws in the class system, Priestley aims to encourage his audience to reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors towards those less fortunate.

Definition: Socialism - A political and economic theory advocating for collective ownership and democratic control of the means of production and distribution of goods.