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An Inspector Calls: themes and context
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Priestley wrote the play to make audiences think about how society should be run after the Second World War.
Two dates
Set in 1912: a time of big class divisions, before the First World War, when women could not vote in general elections.
Written in 1945: at the end of the Second World War. Britain was about to build the welfare state.
Priestley held socialist views and believed people should look after each other.
Written in 1945: at the end of the Second World War. Britain was about to build the welfare state.
Priestley held socialist views and believed people should look after each other.
Key themes
Social responsibility: we are all connected and responsible for each other.
Class: the wealthy Birlings exploit and look down on working-class Eva.
Age: the young learn; the old do not.
Gender: how women such as Eva and Sheila are treated.
Class: the wealthy Birlings exploit and look down on working-class Eva.
Age: the young learn; the old do not.
Gender: how women such as Eva and Sheila are treated.
Eva as a symbol
Eva Smith has a very common surname. She can stand for the many working-class people whose lives were affected by the choices of the powerful.
Why might Priestley have set the play in 1912 rather than 1945?
- In 1912 class divisions were very sharp.
- The 1945 audience knew the disasters that followed: two world wars.
- Showing the selfish attitudes of 1912 warns the audience not to return to them.
Answer: To show the dangers of the old selfish class system to an audience about to rebuild society.
Set in 1912, written in 1945. Priestley's socialist message is social responsibility. Key themes: responsibility, class, age and gender.
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