An Inspector Calls – Episode 1: Context

Summary

This video introduces the social and historical context of J.B. Priestley's *An Inspector Calls*, examining the political, social, and economic changes in early 20th-century Britain. Set in 1912, the play explores class divisions, gender roles, and attitudes toward charity, as well as Priestley’s socialist views. The video delves into the differences between the upper, middle, and working classes, the impact of World War I and II, and how Priestley’s work reflects societal shifts, including women’s evolving roles. Priestley’s choice of 1912 as the setting, just before the First World War, allows characters to reflect on the uncertain future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Priestley's play *An Inspector Calls* was written in 1945 but set in 1912, using historical context to reflect on social issues like class inequality and responsibility.
• 😀 The play explores three primary social classes: the upper class (wealthy and powerful), the middle class (self-made and educated), and the lower class (the working poor, unprivileged and exploited).
• 😀 JB Priestley was a socialist who used his work to critique societal inequalities and advocate for fairness, particularly towards the working class and women.
• 😀 The character of Eva Smith represents the struggles and exploitation faced by the lower class, and her fate serves as a lens through which Priestley critiques social systems.
• 😀 Priestley’s personal political beliefs, including his opposition to nuclear weapons, are reflected in his works and activism, such as his founding of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
• 😀 Social class divisions in 1912 were rigid, with the upper class holding more wealth, power, and education, while the working class faced immense hardship and little opportunity.
• 😀 The play's setting in 1912 allows Priestley to predict future social and political events, like the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the fall of the Titanic, showing the uncertainty of the future.
• 😀 The role of women in society changed significantly during the early 20th century, with the suffragette movement and both world wars challenging traditional gender roles and advancing women's rights.
• 😀 Priestley critiques the upper class for being blind to the struggles of the lower classes, as demonstrated by the characters' dismissive attitudes towards Eva Smith and their responsibility for her death.
• 😀 *An Inspector Calls* encourages the audience to reflect on personal responsibility, moral choices, and how the actions of individuals affect society, especially in terms of class and inequality.
• 😀 The family's indifference to Eva Smith's plight and the Inspector's role in revealing their collective responsibility invite moral debates among the audience about the ethics of social and class divisions.

Q & A

What is the central focus of the first episode in the Clique revision series on 'An Inspector Calls'?

The first episode introduces the social and historical context of 'An Inspector Calls,' discussing the background of JB Priestley, the class system in 1912, and the key themes of the play such as social class, charity, and social responsibility.

How does JB Priestley’s background influence the themes in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Priestley's background, including his experiences in World War I and his political views as a socialist, deeply influenced the play’s themes, especially regarding class inequality, the role of the rich in society, and the need for greater social responsibility.

Why is the setting of 'An Inspector Calls' in 1912 significant, despite the play being written in 1945?

The setting in 1912 allows Priestley to use the perspective of future events, like World War I, the Titanic disaster, and the Russian Revolution, to critique the attitudes of the time and show how the characters' views on social issues were either misguided or naive.

What is the role of social class in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Social class is a central theme in the play, represented by the distinct divisions between the upper class, middle class, and working class. Priestley critiques the privileges of the upper classes and how they contribute to the suffering of those in lower classes, as seen through characters like Eva Smith.

How are the characters in 'An Inspector Calls' used to represent different social classes?

The characters are symbolic of different social classes: Mrs. Birling and Gerald Croft represent the upper class, Arthur Birling represents the self-made middle class, and Eva Smith represents the oppressed working class. The interactions between these characters highlight the social divides of the time.

What does Priestley suggest about the attitudes of the upper class towards charity and social welfare?

Priestley critiques the upper class's lack of genuine concern for those in need, showing through the Birling family's attitudes that their charity is often superficial, driven by self-interest, or non-existent, which exacerbates social inequalities.

Why does Priestley choose not to show Eva Smith on stage?

Priestley deliberately avoids showing Eva Smith on stage to emphasize the social disconnect between the upper and lower classes. Eva’s absence highlights how the wealthy are often unaware or indifferent to the lives of the poor.

What historical events between 1912 and 1945 influenced the social context of 'An Inspector Calls'?

The events that shaped the social context of the play include the Titanic disaster (1912), the First World War (1914-1918), the Russian Revolution (1917), the General Strike (1926), the Great Depression (1929), and the Second World War (1939-1945). These events led to significant social and political changes in Britain.

How did the role of women in society change during the early 20th century, and how is this reflected in the play?

The role of women began to change significantly in the early 20th century, especially due to the wars and the suffrage movement. Women took on more public and economic roles, which is reflected in the play through Sheila's character, who represents this shift, questioning traditional gender roles.

What is the significance of Priestley using the Titanic and the potential for war in the play?

The references to the Titanic and the threat of war serve as symbols of human hubris and the false sense of security held by the upper class. These historical references show how the characters' complacency and their failure to recognize societal issues lead to their eventual downfall, mirroring the tragic outcomes of these events.