Context

Question 1

when was the play set and written?

Answer 1

set in 1912 but written in 1945

Question 2

what was happening around the time the play was set?

Answer 2

right before WW1, there was significant industrial expansion and rising international tension. People like Mr Birling gained influence and wealth during this period.

Question 3

what does the time the play was set allow Priestley to do?

Answer 3

-explore societal differences
-Capitalism - inevitable abuse and exploitation of the poor
-Socialism - promoting equality and viewing society as a whole
Priestley wants to show Capitalism as morally unacceptable

Question 4

how is gender presented?

Answer 4

upper class women in the 1912 society are shown to be respected and wealthy
lower class women are neglected and abused by the men of higher classes

Question 5

why did perceptions of women in work change?

Answer 5

they had a more prominent role in the work place during WW1 and showed that women were just as capable as men