Class Flashcards
How is class shown in the play
In An Inspector Calls, Priestley explores the theme of class through the treatment of working-class Eva Smith by the wealthy Birlings and Gerald Croft when she is in the following situations:
when she is a factory worker
when she works in a shop
when she is effectively homeless
when she is potentially a single mother
Mr Birling’s opinion of the working class.
When Mr Birling discusses how he sacked Eva Smith after she had gone on strike.
“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
Mr Birling feels that it is his responsibility to come down ‘sharply’ on ‘these people’. Priestley wanted the audience to realise that this is the wrong attitude to have, we should be looking after ‘these people’ not punishing them.
The behaviour of the Birlings’ friends.
When Gerald tells the Birlings about the behaviour of Joe Meggarty.
“He’s a notorious womaniser as well as being one of the worst sots and rogues in Brumley.”
Joe Meggarty is an ‘Alderman’ or a council member. The rest of the family is shocked to hear that he is a ‘sot’ (another word for a drunk), and a womaniser. Much to the Birlings’ surprise, their upper-class friends can behave badly.
Mrs Birling’s opinion of the working class
When Mrs Birling is discussing the moment when Eva approached her charity.
“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!”
Mrs Birling refers to Eva Smith as a ‘girl of that sort’. She clearly has preconceptions about working-class girls suggesting that they lack morals and will always take money.
