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AN INSPECTOR CALLS -THEMES
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AN INSPECTOR CALLS -THEMES...
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AN INSPECTOR CALLS -THEMESBritain in 1912 - 1945 - ANSWER In 1912.
1. The government didn't provide support so charities such as Sybil's were
crucial
2. Britain was about to enter WW1
3. Women had fewer rights
4. Only men who were property owners could vote
In 1945.
1. Britain still in classes but men and women over 21 could vote - the weight of
power is spread out more
2. Still conflicts between business owners and workers and the depression
meant that many industries stopped
3. After the war many began to question Britain's social structure and Labour
Party then won the General election in 45.
Family Life - ANSWER Men
1. Work to support their "perfect" family
2. Protect women - wives and daughters
Women
1. Marry into money so they didn't have to work.
2. Planning parties, visiting friends, having children. Didn't do housework
The Birlings seem normal, yet Mrs Birling continues to make the family social
faux pas. Eric is acting suspiciously and also Sheila is taunting Gerald half-
serious
, The definite social hierarchy is destroyed by the Inspector. Without their parents
influence, Sheila and Eric think for themselves.
Sheila is going to decide for herself is she will marry Gerald and both her and
Eric refuse to go on "behaving just as we did"-don't listen to parents
Social Class - ANSWER The characters represent classes and Priestly
challenges their views and behaviour in order to challenge the class hierarchy
Working Class - Eva
Middle Class - Birlings
Upper Classs- Gerald
Priestley indicates that it is the upper classes that have no reason to question the
class system as it works in their favor. This is why they can look over
alcoholism and womanising as it were easier to put out of one's mind
Birlings only care about class. Birling uses Gerald in an attempt to promote his
social class by hinting it to his parents. Sybil is only in the Women's charity to
improve her social status
The play reflects how Priestley viewed society and takes that to render the
working class as victims of the class system.
Class - The way people act is not down to class - Eva is expected to have low
morals but she will not take stolen money and Sheila and Eric change at the end
of the play and turn against the views of their own class. - Class is not all that
matters
Young and Old - ANSWER Older Generation
1. Represent views of ruling class
2. Traditional views - think they know best
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