An Inspector Calls: Context

Question 1

An inspector calls is written in

Answer 1

1945

Question 2

In 1912: The First World War would start in two years. Birling’s optimistic view that there would not be a war is completely wrong.

Answer 2

In 1945: The Second World War ended in Europe on 8 May 1945. People were recovering from nearly six years of warfare, danger and uncertainty.

Question 3

In 1912: There were strong distinctions between the upper and lower classes.

Answer 3

In 1945: Class distinctions had been greatly reduced as a result of two world wars.

Question 4

In 1912: Women were subservient to men. All a well off women could do was get married; a poor woman was seen as cheap labour.

Answer 4

In 1945: As a result of the wars, women had earned a more valued place in society.

Question 5

In 1912: The ruling classes saw no need to change the status quo.

Answer 5

In 1945: There was a great desire for social change. Immediately after The Second World War, Clement Attlee’s Labour Party won a landslide victory over Winston Churchill and the Conservatives.

Question 6

An Inspector calls is set in

Answer 6

1912