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.
