An Inspector Calls: Context and Themes Study Guide
J.B. Priestley's... Show more
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Mar 19, 2023
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An Inspector Calls: Themes, Context, Social Class, and Gender Notes PDF
Francesca🎧
@francescastevens_pgeb
Key Themes in "An Inspector Calls"
"An Inspector Calls" explores several interconnected themes that reflect the societal issues of both 1912 and 1945. Understanding these themes is crucial for analyzing the play's message and character development.
Responsibility
Highlight: Social responsibility in An Inspector Calls is a central theme, reflecting Priestley's belief that people should be accountable for their actions and care for others' welfare.
Priestley emphasizes the importance of social responsibility, particularly in the context of post-World War II Britain. He argues that:
- Individual actions have far-reaching consequences
- Society improves when people consider the welfare of others
- The wealthy have a particular obligation to help those less fortunate
Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector Goole
Age and Generation Gap
Priestley uses the generational divide to illustrate the potential for social change:
- Older characters represent fixed, outdated views
- Younger characters show the capacity to learn and change
- This contrast highlights the hope Priestley placed in the younger generation to create a more equitable society
Gender Roles
Highlight: Gender in An Inspector Calls reflects the changing perceptions of women's roles in society, particularly after World War II.
The play explores evolving gender dynamics:
- Eva Smith represents the emerging independence of working women
- Mr. Birling's attitudes reflect outdated, sexist views
- Sheila's character development shows the potential for women to challenge traditional roles
Example: During World War II, women took on traditionally male jobs, leading to a shift in perceptions of women's capabilities and rights.
Class Divide
Highlight: Social class in An Inspector Calls is a key theme, highlighting the inequality and injustice inherent in the rigid class system of Edwardian England.
Priestley critiques the class system through:
- The contrast between the wealthy Birlings and the working-class Eva Smith
- The characters' differing attitudes towards social responsibility based on their class
- The Inspector's role in exposing the consequences of class-based prejudice and exploitation
Quote: "Girls of that class..." - Mrs. Birling, revealing her class prejudice
These themes interweave throughout the play, challenging the audience to reflect on their own society and personal responsibilities.
Context and Historical Background
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is deeply rooted in its historical context, bridging the gap between Edwardian England and post-World War II Britain. This section explores the key factors that influenced the play's themes and message.
Highlight: J.B. Priestley was a well-known socialist who fought in World War I and supported the Labour Party through his radio broadcasts.
The play is set in 1912, a time characterized by:
- A strong class system with a significant divide between rich and poor
- No welfare state to support the disadvantaged
- A conservative, capitalist, and classist society
- Pre-World War era with looming social unrest
However, Priestley wrote the play in 1945, after both World Wars had brought about substantial social changes:
- Class systems became less divided
- Society shifted towards a more socialist outlook
- The Labour Party won a landslide victory
- Women gained the right to vote
Definition: Social class in this context refers to the division of people based on their social and economic status. The upper class typically held titles like 'lord' or 'sir', the middle class owned businesses or were educated professionals, and the working class worked for others.
Example: The suffragette movement fought for women's voting rights, which were partially granted in 1918 and fully extended to all women in 1928.
These historical elements provide crucial context for understanding the play's themes and Priestley's critique of Edwardian society.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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
An Inspector Calls: Themes, Context, Social Class, and Gender Notes PDF
Francesca🎧
@francescastevens_pgeb
An Inspector Calls: Context and Themes Study Guide
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is a powerful exploration of social class and responsibilityset against the backdrop of Edwardian England. This study guide delves into the play's historical context, key themes,... Show more
Key Themes in "An Inspector Calls"
"An Inspector Calls" explores several interconnected themes that reflect the societal issues of both 1912 and 1945. Understanding these themes is crucial for analyzing the play's message and character development.
Responsibility
Highlight: Social responsibility in An Inspector Calls is a central theme, reflecting Priestley's belief that people should be accountable for their actions and care for others' welfare.
Priestley emphasizes the importance of social responsibility, particularly in the context of post-World War II Britain. He argues that:
- Individual actions have far-reaching consequences
- Society improves when people consider the welfare of others
- The wealthy have a particular obligation to help those less fortunate
Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector Goole
Age and Generation Gap
Priestley uses the generational divide to illustrate the potential for social change:
- Older characters represent fixed, outdated views
- Younger characters show the capacity to learn and change
- This contrast highlights the hope Priestley placed in the younger generation to create a more equitable society
Gender Roles
Highlight: Gender in An Inspector Calls reflects the changing perceptions of women's roles in society, particularly after World War II.
The play explores evolving gender dynamics:
- Eva Smith represents the emerging independence of working women
- Mr. Birling's attitudes reflect outdated, sexist views
- Sheila's character development shows the potential for women to challenge traditional roles
Example: During World War II, women took on traditionally male jobs, leading to a shift in perceptions of women's capabilities and rights.
Class Divide
Highlight: Social class in An Inspector Calls is a key theme, highlighting the inequality and injustice inherent in the rigid class system of Edwardian England.
Priestley critiques the class system through:
- The contrast between the wealthy Birlings and the working-class Eva Smith
- The characters' differing attitudes towards social responsibility based on their class
- The Inspector's role in exposing the consequences of class-based prejudice and exploitation
Quote: "Girls of that class..." - Mrs. Birling, revealing her class prejudice
These themes interweave throughout the play, challenging the audience to reflect on their own society and personal responsibilities.
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
Context and Historical Background
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is deeply rooted in its historical context, bridging the gap between Edwardian England and post-World War II Britain. This section explores the key factors that influenced the play's themes and message.
Highlight: J.B. Priestley was a well-known socialist who fought in World War I and supported the Labour Party through his radio broadcasts.
The play is set in 1912, a time characterized by:
- A strong class system with a significant divide between rich and poor
- No welfare state to support the disadvantaged
- A conservative, capitalist, and classist society
- Pre-World War era with looming social unrest
However, Priestley wrote the play in 1945, after both World Wars had brought about substantial social changes:
- Class systems became less divided
- Society shifted towards a more socialist outlook
- The Labour Party won a landslide victory
- Women gained the right to vote
Definition: Social class in this context refers to the division of people based on their social and economic status. The upper class typically held titles like 'lord' or 'sir', the middle class owned businesses or were educated professionals, and the working class worked for others.
Example: The suffragette movement fought for women's voting rights, which were partially granted in 1918 and fully extended to all women in 1928.
These historical elements provide crucial context for understanding the play's themes and Priestley's critique of Edwardian society.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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