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L
Lara Grimshaw
12/18/2025
English Literature
Introduction to ‘An Inspector Calls’
195
•
Dec 18, 2025
•
Exploring 'An Inspector Calls': Context, Characters, and Events
L
Lara Grimshaw
@laragrimshaw_gxhm
1 / 4
The World of 1912
Picture a society where your social class determined everything about your life. In 1912, if you were wealthy like the Croft family, you belonged to the upper class and enjoyed special treatment. Poor people were stuck in the working class, struggling to survive.
J.B. Priestley wrote this play in 1945 during World War Two, but he deliberately set it in 1912 - before disasters like the Titanic sinking and World War One. This clever choice means the audience knows terrible events are coming, even though the characters don't.
Priestley had a powerful message: if society doesn't learn from its mistakes and stop treating people unfairly, more disasters will follow. He wanted his 1945 audience to recognise that their own world still had serious problems with inequality that needed fixing.
Quick Tip: Remember that the play uses dramatic irony - we know things the characters don't, which makes their confident predictions seem foolish.
Priestley's Background and Class Divisions
Priestley lived through both world wars and understood inequality firsthand. Born in Bradford in 1894, he left school early to work, later studied at Cambridge, and became a journalist. His socialist beliefs got him in trouble - the BBC even cancelled his radio show for talking too much about socialism.
In 1912, status and wealth created massive divisions between classes. Middle-class businessmen and professionals like doctors lived comfortably, whilst working class people slaved away in factories for tiny wages. There was no proper support system, so if you couldn't provide for yourself, you were basically stuffed.
This harsh reality meant working-class families constantly faced poverty and hardship. Factory owners got rich whilst their workers struggled to feed their families.
Remember: The lack of social support in 1912 made life extremely precarious for ordinary people - one mistake could ruin everything.
Arthur Birling represents this selfish middle-class attitude perfectly. He's a respected businessman who puts money and status above his own children's happiness.
The Birling Family Characters
Meet the Birling family - they're wealthy, selfish, and about to get a massive reality check. Sybil Birling obsesses over appearances and proper etiquette, caring more about what people think than actual morality. She's the typical upper-class wife who values status above everything.
Eric Birling shows how family pressure can destroy young people. He's secretly an alcoholic (though it's not really secret to anyone except his oblivious parents). As Arthur's heir, he represents the next generation that could either repeat past mistakes or learn from them.
Gerald Croft belongs to the upper class and seems perfect for Sheila. However, he's proved himself untrustworthy by cheating on her with Eva Smith. His betrayal reveals how upper-class men often felt entitled to use working-class women.
Sheila Birling starts as a typical spoilt rich girl, but she's the only family member who genuinely learns and changes. She develops enough backbone to stand up to her parents and call off her engagement when she discovers Gerald's lies.
Character Tip: Watch how Sheila's character development contrasts with her parents' stubborn refusal to change.
The Inspector and Eva Smith
The Inspector is the play's most mysterious and powerful figure. Though he claims to be investigating Eva Smith's death, he's more like a moral judge than a typical police officer. His working-class background doesn't stop him from intimidating the wealthy Birlings - he's got this commanding presence that puts Mr Birling firmly in his place.
Eva Smith (who also used the name Daisy Renton) represents every working-class woman struggling in 1912's harsh society. Though she never appears on stage, her story drives the entire plot. Each family member contributed to her downfall through their selfish actions.
Eva's tragic fate demonstrates how vulnerable working-class people were to the whims of their social superiors. She lost jobs, support, and hope because wealthy people prioritised their own interests over basic human decency.
The parlour maid Edna might seem unimportant, but she introduces the Inspector to the family, giving him immediate credibility and importance in their eyes.
Key Point: Eva Smith isn't just one person - she represents all working-class people who suffered under an unfair social system.
We thought you’d never ask...
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You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring 'An Inspector Calls': Context, Characters, and Events
L
Lara Grimshaw
@laragrimshaw_gxhm
Ever wondered what happens when someone's dark secrets get exposed? J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls' is a gripping drama that reveals how one family's selfish actions led to a young woman's death. Set in 1912 but written in 1945, this... Show more
The World of 1912
Picture a society where your social class determined everything about your life. In 1912, if you were wealthy like the Croft family, you belonged to the upper class and enjoyed special treatment. Poor people were stuck in the working class, struggling to survive.
J.B. Priestley wrote this play in 1945 during World War Two, but he deliberately set it in 1912 - before disasters like the Titanic sinking and World War One. This clever choice means the audience knows terrible events are coming, even though the characters don't.
Priestley had a powerful message: if society doesn't learn from its mistakes and stop treating people unfairly, more disasters will follow. He wanted his 1945 audience to recognise that their own world still had serious problems with inequality that needed fixing.
Quick Tip: Remember that the play uses dramatic irony - we know things the characters don't, which makes their confident predictions seem foolish.
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Priestley's Background and Class Divisions
Priestley lived through both world wars and understood inequality firsthand. Born in Bradford in 1894, he left school early to work, later studied at Cambridge, and became a journalist. His socialist beliefs got him in trouble - the BBC even cancelled his radio show for talking too much about socialism.
In 1912, status and wealth created massive divisions between classes. Middle-class businessmen and professionals like doctors lived comfortably, whilst working class people slaved away in factories for tiny wages. There was no proper support system, so if you couldn't provide for yourself, you were basically stuffed.
This harsh reality meant working-class families constantly faced poverty and hardship. Factory owners got rich whilst their workers struggled to feed their families.
Remember: The lack of social support in 1912 made life extremely precarious for ordinary people - one mistake could ruin everything.
Arthur Birling represents this selfish middle-class attitude perfectly. He's a respected businessman who puts money and status above his own children's happiness.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Birling Family Characters
Meet the Birling family - they're wealthy, selfish, and about to get a massive reality check. Sybil Birling obsesses over appearances and proper etiquette, caring more about what people think than actual morality. She's the typical upper-class wife who values status above everything.
Eric Birling shows how family pressure can destroy young people. He's secretly an alcoholic (though it's not really secret to anyone except his oblivious parents). As Arthur's heir, he represents the next generation that could either repeat past mistakes or learn from them.
Gerald Croft belongs to the upper class and seems perfect for Sheila. However, he's proved himself untrustworthy by cheating on her with Eva Smith. His betrayal reveals how upper-class men often felt entitled to use working-class women.
Sheila Birling starts as a typical spoilt rich girl, but she's the only family member who genuinely learns and changes. She develops enough backbone to stand up to her parents and call off her engagement when she discovers Gerald's lies.
Character Tip: Watch how Sheila's character development contrasts with her parents' stubborn refusal to change.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Inspector and Eva Smith
The Inspector is the play's most mysterious and powerful figure. Though he claims to be investigating Eva Smith's death, he's more like a moral judge than a typical police officer. His working-class background doesn't stop him from intimidating the wealthy Birlings - he's got this commanding presence that puts Mr Birling firmly in his place.
Eva Smith (who also used the name Daisy Renton) represents every working-class woman struggling in 1912's harsh society. Though she never appears on stage, her story drives the entire plot. Each family member contributed to her downfall through their selfish actions.
Eva's tragic fate demonstrates how vulnerable working-class people were to the whims of their social superiors. She lost jobs, support, and hope because wealthy people prioritised their own interests over basic human decency.
The parlour maid Edna might seem unimportant, but she introduces the Inspector to the family, giving him immediate credibility and importance in their eyes.
Key Point: Eva Smith isn't just one person - she represents all working-class people who suffered under an unfair social system.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user