class divide and inequality Flashcards
para 1 - overview
In An Inspector Calls, the theme of class divide and inequality is central to the play’s message. Priestley explores how the upper class is indifferent to the struggles of the working class, highlighting the stark differences in wealth, power, and opportunity between the two. The play critiques the selfish attitudes of the wealthy, who are often blind to the consequences of their actions on the less privileged. Through the interactions of the characters, Priestley shows how class divisions lead to social injustice, urging the audience to reflect on the need for greater equality and social responsibility.
para 2 - “If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
One key moment that highlights class divide is when Mr. Birling says, “If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.” The phrase “these people” is dismissive and dehumanizing, showing how Birling sees the working class as inferior and undeserving of better conditions. The vague determiner “some” suggests that he views them as a faceless group rather than individuals, reinforcing the idea that the upper class lacks empathy. Additionally, the hyperbole “asking for the earth” makes it seem as though workers like Eva Smith are being unreasonable, when in reality, they are simply asking for fair wages. This highlights Birling’s arrogance and capitalist mindset, as he prioritizes profit over people’s well-being. Priestley presents Birling as a symbol of capitalist greed, encouraging the audience—particularly the 1945 audience, who had just experienced the hardships of war—to reject such selfish attitudes and embrace a more equal society.
para 3 - “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
In contrast to Mr. Birling’s dismissive attitude, Sheila begins to show an awareness of social inequality. When she says, “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.” it marks a significant shift in her character. The noun phrase “cheap labour” reflects how the upper class treats workers as commodities rather than individuals, reducing them to their economic value. However, the contrast between “cheap labour” and “people” emphasizes Sheila’s growing understanding of the workers’ humanity. The use of the conjunction “but” signals her disagreement with her father’s capitalist views, foreshadowing the generational divide that becomes more apparent as the play progresses. Sheila’s response suggests that the younger generation is capable of change, reinforcing Priestley’s message that society must move towards greater equality. By presenting her as a character who begins to recognize injustice, Priestley offers hope that attitudes towards class can shift. This aligns with his socialist beliefs, as he encourages the audience to reject the rigid class system and support a fairer, more compassionate society.
para 5 - “I didn’t install her there so I could make love to her. I was sorry for her.”
Another key moment that highlights class inequality is when Gerald admits, “I didn’t install her there so I could make love to her. I was sorry for her.” The verb “install” makes Daisy sound like an object rather than a person, reinforcing how upper-class men viewed working-class women as possessions to be used and discarded. This reflects the wider exploitation of lower-class women, who had little power in a society dominated by wealthy men. Although Gerald tries to justify his actions by saying, “I was sorry for her,” this phrase is patronising, as it suggests he saw her as helpless rather than as an individual with her own agency. His attempt to portray himself as a saviour reflects the way upper-class men often excused their exploitation of working-class women under the guise of charity. Priestley presents Gerald as a character who, while not as openly cruel as the Birlings, still benefits from and upholds the class system. This serves as a warning that even those who believe they are kind can still contribute to social inequality if they fail to challenge the system itself.
para 4 - “I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class—”
One quote that strongly reflects this theme is when Mrs. Birling states, “I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class—” The phrase “girls of that class” is especially revealing, as it shows how Mrs. Birling generalises and dehumanises the working class, viewing them as entirely separate from herself. The dismissive tone in “I don’t suppose for a moment” suggests she has no intention of sympathising with Eva, reinforcing the idea that the upper class see the struggles of the poor as unimportant. The pronoun “we” further emphasises the class divide, implying that people of her status are naturally superior and incapable of understanding the struggles of the lower class. Priestley uses this moment to expose the arrogance and ignorance of the upper class, showing how their lack of empathy allows social inequality to continue. By making Mrs. Birling a symbol of cold-hearted privilege, Priestley critiques the rigid class system and encourages the audience to reconsider their own attitudes toward social responsibility.
para 6 - “I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.”
The first quote that demonstrates class inequality is when Mr. Birling insists, “I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.” This quote shows that despite the terrible consequences of his actions, Mr. Birling remains focused on his social status rather than taking responsibility for Eva Smith’s death. The use of “almost certain” suggests his confidence in receiving a title, showing his sense of entitlement as a wealthy businessman. This highlights the class divide because, while the Birlings are concerned with reputation and status, working-class individuals like Eva Smith struggle for survival. The fact that Mr. Birling mentions his knighthood even after the Inspector has exposed their mistreatment of Eva shows how detached he is from the suffering of the lower class. Priestley presents Mr. Birling as a symbol of capitalist greed, using dramatic irony to make him appear foolish—particularly to a 1945 audience who had just experienced the impact of two world wars and were looking towards a more equal society.
para 7 - “You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can’t. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.”
Another key quote that presents class inequality is Eric’s emotional outburst: “You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can’t. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.” The use of “you lot” separates Eric from his parents, suggesting that he sees their attempts to cover up their actions as wrong. This is important because it shows the generational divide in attitudes towards class inequality. While the older Birlings try to protect themselves and move on as if nothing happened, Eric feels genuine guilt and remorse. The phrase “we did her in” is blunt and direct, emphasizing the devastating impact of the upper class’s selfishness on Eva Smith’s life. The pronoun “we” also forces accountability—he is acknowledging that they all played a role in her downfall, which contrasts sharply with his parents’ refusal to accept responsibility.
para 8 - conclusion
In conclusion, An Inspector Calls shows how deep the class divide and inequality were during that time. Priestley uses characters like Mr. Birling, who ignores the consequences of his actions, and Sheila, who feels guilty and wants change, to highlight the differences between the upper and working classes. The play makes us think about how everyone should take responsibility for their actions and work towards a fairer society where no one is left behind.
