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The role of social class in an inspector calls
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The play ‘An Inspector Calls’ was written by J.B Priestley in 1945, during World War Two. The author of the play, J.B Priestley conveys his concerns about the Edwardian society through the play. His main concerns were that the higher classed families were ignorant towards the poor people and they did not care for the society. J.B Priestley was also concerned about the way people were treating each other, especially the way upper classed people exploited and degraded working classes to benefit themselves. An example of a lower classed person being exploited in the play is Eva Smith, who is central to the play. The main theme of the play is responsibility and the imperative message that as citizens; we should care about others and take responsibility. Although the play was written in 1945, it is set back in time to 1912 so the audience has an advantage of knowing what events have happened since that time. In 1912, it was the Edwardian era, where women were not allowed to vote and they did not have many rights. During that time, the men had first priority and therefore it was very difficult for women to acquire jobs, especially good ones. Also, the minority of people who did have jobs were not paid very well, which meant that there were more destitute people in society. The play is very mysterious as there are many dramatic exists and entrances. Through the play, J.B Priestley conveys to the audience how the older generation did not accept responsibility and did not want to get involved with the society outside their comfortable family life. The play is set in Brumly, an industrial town situated in the East Midlands. It is centred on the Birling family and mainly on Mr Birling, a portentous, pompous and arrogant man who only cares... ... middle of paper ... ...sant, upper class family. By the end of the play, the audience’s opinion on the Birling family change as we unravel their secrets. At the end of the play, the Birlings are thought selfish, unkind and also quite malicious. J.B Priestley’s message to the audience is that whether we acknowledge it or not, we are all part of one community. We should care for one another and have the responsibility to look after each other, regardless of each other’s status in society. Like the Inspector put it, we are all “intertwined” in each others lives. Finally, J.B Priestley’s message is still relevant to our society today. This is because there are still racial issues in our society as well as other issues such as bullying, which is increasing. He is trying to tell us to be more caring for others so that our communities are more compassionate for one another and better to live in.
He was particularly scathing about the class system and the extreme contrasts of wealth and poverty prevalent at that time. He also disapproved of the selfishness within the individual and the fact that many people were only concerned with their own power, profit and gain. Priestley powerfully highlighted the exploitation of women and through the character of Eva Smith, he illustrated the rights that women were beginning to voice in society. Finally, Priestley used the different characters in his play to show the how the sins of greed, pride and selfishness have so corrupted society that the individual has become oblivious to the consequences of their actions, in this case culminating in the death of Eva Smith. Although 'Inspector Calls' is set in 1912, it was first written in 1945 and produced on the lst October 1946, just after World War 11.
How Priestly Uses the Characters to Represent His Own Views on Society The play "An Inspector Calls" is set in 1912 but was written in 1945. Edwardian society at that time (1912) was strictly divided into social classes and over two-thirds of the nation's wealth was in the hands of less than 1% of the population. Below the very rich were the middle classes (doctors and merchants, shop workers and clerks), after that came the craftsmen and skilled workers. At the very bottom of the social ladder was the largest class of all - the ordinary workers and the poor, many of whom lived below the poverty level. The men of industry treated the workers very badly and they were paid pittance.
As the play was meant to be produced on stage, rather than to be written as a book format, 'An Inspector Calls' is very dramatic; to capture the audiences' attention, and to keep them thinking as the play develops. Each of the three acts are very dramatic, but I am choosing to analyse the first half of Act One of 'An Inspector Calls', because in my opinion, this is where J.B. Priestley's use of dramatic devices is most evident. This part of the play is very important, because it is the opening scene. Not only must the opening scene of the play grab the audiences' attention, it must also give impressions and introductions to the main characters. J.B. Priestley has used the scene to capture the audiences' attention and imagination, and gives a good introduction to the characters and their personality.
The Reflection of J. B. Priestley's Political and Philosophical Beliefs in An Inspector Calls In 1945 J. B. Priestley wrote the play "An Inspector Calls". It is a very tense play; the audience are always on the edge of their seats. It is didactic as it conveys a social and moral meaning to the play.
An Inspector Calls' is primarily focused on he attitudes surrounding the higher classes in 1912, and how these attitudes can lead to actions with potentially devastating consequences. The attitudes are particularly aimed at women, especially those of working class status. In the play women are portrayed as second class citizens, after men. However the difference (e.g. in independence) between upper class men and women is greater than that of working class men and women.
Examine Priestley's use of dramatic techniques to create tension in the play. Priestly was a socialist writer, and 'An Inspector Calls' is one of the plays in which he tried to display his socialist ideals in. The play was written in the 1940's, a little after the end of the Second World War, and it was first performed in 1946, in Russia, then later in England. Priestly had served in World War 1, and the terrible scenes he saw lead to him having socialist views. He was inspired by other writers whose views he shared, especially George Orwell and H.G.
Priestley’s Main Aim in An Inspector Calls JB Priestly wrote ‘An Inspector Calls’ to enhance the message that ‘we don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’. This is something Priestly felt strongly about and he succeeded in representing his views through the character of the Inspector in the play itself. He wanted to communicate the message that our actions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, always affect others.
Examine the role of Inspector Goole in the play “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestley.
A morality play is a medieval play designed to teach the audience right from wrong. JB Priestley uses An Inspector call to convey a moral message, which is that you should not judge people on their class i.e. lower working class/higher class. He also expands the views of socialism within the message; this is all made very clear by the use of dramatic devices. Although it is a morality play it is not in the traditional format. Priestley makes it very clear in what he wants the audience to think is moral and immoral. The play also conveys a strong political message. The play encourages the idea of socialism, a society in which responsibility and community are essential, also a place where the community all work together and are responsible for their actions. This is in contrast with capitalism. JB priestly wrote the play in 1945, but it was set in 1912 just before the war, it was later performed in 1946. The play was written after World War I and World War II, Priestley used this to his advantage, it makes the audience feel awful after what has just happened, the majority of the audience would have either lived through one or both of the wars. This helped Priestley promote socialism against capitalism.
In 'An Inspector Calls', by J B Priestley, Mr Arthur Birling is an affluent industrialist in addition to being the father of Eric and Sheila Birling. Mrs Birling, his wife, if of a higher social level than Mr Birling himself, although Mr Birling lives an established socially-distinguished life: “You'll apologize at once ... I'm a public man”, demonstrates Mr Birling attempting to use his social power against the inspector but in futility. The Inspector reminds Mr Birling that Birling is not just responsible for his actions, but for his failure to see that his public position entails a duty of responsibility to other people. Interestingly, this attitude draws on the traditional notion of the upper classes taking responsibility for the welfare of the lower classes, but in the newer, more democratic life of Britain, the "public men" are not necessarily of higher social class even if they have more public privileges; at any rate, their position of power comes with responsibility. Nonetheless, the audience knows little of Birling’s nature or profounder details regarding his habits. Howeve...
Birling is presented as a self-centred capitalist very early on in the play. His pleasure in the marriage of his daughter is purely for his own profit. "Now you've brought us together and perhaps we may look forward to a time when Crofts and Birling are no longer competing but are worki...
In the play “An inspector calls” by J.B priestly, Mr Birling and Shelia Birling have contrasting attitudes to social issues. The author uses this to difference to highlight the diversity between generations and their reaction to situations faced. Arthur Birling is the father to Shelia Birling and is presented as the old fashion generation whereas Shelia is the young generation, who is more aware of the responsibility she has towards other people.The play begins with Mr birling and his family celebrating the engagement of Shelia and Gerald. The atmosphere is happy and light-hearted. Before the inspector arrives, Mr Birling is happy with life and himself “It’s one of the happiest nights of my life.” This shows that Mr Birling is quire selfish because he only thinks that it is one of the happiest nights of his life and not of Shelia and Gerald.
Discuss Priestley's depiction of the Birling household and Gerald Croft, prior to the arrival of Inspector Goole In this submission I hope to fully discuss Priestley's depiction of the Birling household and Gerald Croft, prior to the arrival of Inspector Goole. The play is set in the fictional town of Brumley, an industrial town in the North Midlands. It is evening in the town, in the spring of 1912. At the moment the play starts the characters are celebrating the engagement between Gerald Croft and the Birling family's only daughter Sheila. They are all very pleased with themselves and are enjoying the occasion.
...p; Props such as the bed, the phone, the radio and the newspaper had bold meanings associated with them. The actions of the characters and the struggles they faced with issues of racial discrimination and gender differences symbolize the struggles of society as a whole. The time, the 1950's, the reference to the Ku Klux Klan, and the place Chicago, represent a period of great trials and tribulations for black people overcoming the slavery of their people in America. Throughout the entirety of the play, issues of gender and race play a recurring role. It isn't until Act 2, scene 2 of the novel when hope is sought for these issues. Through the revelation of this section, it is discovered that the Younger's are a family with a lot of pride who struggle and seek hope to better their position in the corruption around them.
... aspect of life and let you appreciate what you have by what these characters had to do without. I feel a since of maturity after reading the play. I want to find myself rather its making good money or just doing something I love to do. I don’t want to live the American dream and be a big wealthy rich person after reading this story because you lose your vision in life. You don’t see things as a clearly as you should instead the main focus is on money and how much you would like to make. I want my life to be much like Biff and focus on the things I need to fix within myself. I want my life to concentrate on family values and raising my children not to lose sight of what is important in life, and that is not being wealthy and a powerful business man. It is enjoying life, loving, and caring for others and yourself. Everyone should do what makes themselves happy.