An Inspector Calls - Themes Flashcards
What are the 8 main themes?
Britain in 1912 and 1945
Family Life
Social Class
Young and Old
Men and Women
Judgement
Learning about Life
Social Responsibility
How was 1912 Britain different to now?
Only men with property could vote
Not as much Government help as they have today
What were the expectations for Family Life in 1912?
Family members were supposed to know and be content with their role in the family
What do the Birling’s believe about their family?
It’s perfect
When the Inspector arrives what happens to the Birling family’s hierarchy?
It begins to disassemble
What theme drives the plot and shapes the characters?
Social Class
What did the class system mean for the lower class?
They struggled
What does the Birlings believe about class?
It’s all that matters
What did Priestley think about the class system?
It shouldn’t matter
How would you describe the older generation?
Old-fashioned
How are the younger generation different?
They begin to embrace social responsibility
What stereotype does Eva and Sheila challenge?
Men and Women
By the end what happens to the stereotypes?
They are flipped
What is the important thing in An Inspector Calls?
Learn the lesson
What is the Inspector’s main focus?
Social Responsibility
