AN INSPECTOR CALLS Context Guide & Plot Summary GCSE English Literature
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Course
English
Institution
GCSE
3 SIDES OF A4
This resource contains the cultural and historical context of An Inspector Calls, as well as a separate document detailing the entire plot from start to finish, in a succint pdf. It is intended to be a SUMMARY, perfect for saving time during a busy revision period. The context page s...
The General Strike 1926- The General strike was a historic workers strike that The play was set in 1912 but written and performed
took place in Britain on the 3rd of May 1926. Strikers cited dissatisfaction with in 1945. These two dates are notable- 1912 is two
working conditions and the decrease in pay. It was one of the largest industrial years before the start of the first world war, and
disputes in history and is a symbolic reflection of the solidarity amongst working Priestley's audience is watching his play after the
class individuals after WW1, tired of exploitation from the upper class. Again, end of the second world war. Mr Birling notes “you'll
this highlights how the upper class was not 'unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable' hear some people say that war is inevitable. And to
(Mr Birling), as the upper class were losing their oppressive grip on the working that I say – fiddlesticks!” This is a classic technique
class. of dramatic irony from Priestley, perhaps to
highlight the dangers of overconfidence and to
Mr Birling hopes that the Croft's and the Birling's will work together 'for lower undermine Mr Birling by highlighting his naivety.
costs and higher prices', which also seems indicate the use of dramatic irony by
Priestley, as his 1945 audience knows that these 'lower costs and higher prices' Families like the Birling's in 1912 were still thriving
will not come without the retaliation of the working class. from a rigid class structure fuelled by the industrial
revolution. The upper class were used to creating
The Titanic- The most startling use of dramatic irony by Priestley is exemplified businesses and delegating manual labour to lower
when Mr Birling notes that the Titanic is 'unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.' The class workers. This is perhaps why Sheila was not
RMS Titanic was a ship which sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on the 15th April able to see or treat Eva Smith as an equal: Sheila is
1912. It collided with an iceberg as it was on its way from Southampton, aware of her superior social standing and saw no
England to New York City, United States, claiming 1,500+ lives during this reason to pay her any due respect.
collision.
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