An Inspector Calls: Context And Background

Summary

The script of 'An Inspector Calls' delves into the aftermath of a young woman's suicide, confronting the wealthy Birling family with their complicity in her death. Set in 1912, it reflects on the stark class and gender divisions of the time, with industrialists profiting from workers' labor and women struggling for rights. J.B. Priestley, born in an industrial hub, used his platform to advocate for socialism and equality, influencing the post-WWII welfare state. The play, written in 1944 and staged in 1946, critiques societal injustices and champions social responsibility, resonating with contemporary audiences.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ 'An Inspector Calls' is a play by J.B. Priestley that uses suspense and mystery to explore societal issues.
• 🏚️ The play is set in 1912, just before the outbreak of World War I, a time when Britain was prosperous but with stark class divisions.
• 🏭 The Industrial Revolution led to the rise of industrialists and merchants, but also to poor working conditions for the working class.
• 👥 The Burling family represents the affluent class of the time, benefiting from the labor of the working class.
• 👮‍♂️ The inspector's arrival forces the family to confront their role in the death of a young woman, symbolizing societal self-reflection.
• 💡 Priestley uses the play to comment on the need for social change and the consequences of selfishness and greed.
• 👔 The play highlights the gender and class inequalities of the time, including poor working conditions and low wages for women.
• 📊 The legalizing of trade unions in the 19th century began to improve working conditions, but by 1912, laws still favored factory owners.
• 🚫 Women faced significant societal restrictions, including limited employment opportunities and harsh consequences for premarital pregnancy.
• 🌟 J.B. Priestley's personal experiences and beliefs influenced the themes of the play, advocating for socialism and a more equitable society.
• 📖 The play was written during the rise of socialist ideals and the establishment of the welfare state, reflecting Priestley's hopes for a better future.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the play 'An Inspector Calls'?

The main theme of 'An Inspector Calls' is the exploration of the consequences of selfishness, greed, and the social class divisions in British society, particularly around the time of World War I.

Why did JB Priestley set the play 'An Inspector Calls' in 1912?

JB Priestley set the play in 1912 to reflect on the social conditions and class divisions in Britain just before the outbreak of World War I, which was a time when families like the Birling family flourished.

What significant historical event is mentioned as a backdrop in the script?

The script mentions World War II ending in 1945 as a significant historical event that serves as a backdrop, highlighting the changes in British society post-war.

How does the script describe the working conditions in factories around 1912?

The script describes the working conditions in factories around 1912 as harsh, with workers toiling long hours for low pay in small, hot, and dangerous spaces with steam-powered machinery.

What was the living situation like for factory workers in 1912 according to the script?

According to the script, factory workers lived in polluted and overcrowded slums, which contrasts with the comfortable suburbs where families like the Birling family resided.

How did the legalization of trade unions impact working conditions in the 19th century as mentioned in the script?

The script indicates that the legalization of trade unions in the 19th century led to improvements in working conditions, although by 1912, laws still favored factory owners.

What were the gender divisions like in England during the time period depicted in the script?

The script highlights that gender divisions were rigid, with women's wages generally being only one-third to one-half of male workers' wages, and societal norms were harsh towards women who did not conform to domestic roles.

What was JB Priestley's personal background, and how did it influence his views on social inequality?

JB Priestley was born in Bradford, a hub of industry, and worked at a textile mill at age 16, experiencing firsthand the poor working conditions of the lower classes. This background influenced his views on social inequality and his advocacy for socialism and women's rights.

How did Priestley use his platform as a writer and broadcaster to promote his views?

Priestley used his role as a writer of essays, plays, novels, and a broadcaster on the BBC to promote socialist ideals, the concept of a welfare state, and equal opportunity rights and wealth for all citizens.

What were the key ideas that Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls' resonated with during its time?

The play resonated with ideas of social equality, responsibility, and the potential for building a better and more generous society, aligning with the public feeling and the policies introduced by the Socialist labor party after World War II.

Why did the Socialist labor party's victory in 1945 have significance in relation to 'An Inspector Calls'?

The Socialist labor party's victory in 1945 led to the introduction of the welfare state, which was in tune with Priestley's views expressed in 'An Inspector Calls', making the play's message relevant and timely.