context

Question 1

what was class system like in 1912?

Answer 1

-rigid class system with little social mobility- this was a continuation of victorian eras fixed social structure
-early 1900s, 25% lived in poverty, 10% lived below subsistence- driving force was underpayment

Question 2

class system in 1912 link to play

Answer 2

-priestley is critical of lack of social mobility
-creates Eva as emblematic of inhumane treatment of lower classes
-constructs Mr B as pompous unlikeable character to vilify individuals who perpetuate rigid system

Question 3

what was class system like in 1945?

Answer 3

-second reform act 1867- property owners could vote
-equal franchise act 1928- all men + women over 21 could vote- lower classes had voice too
-despite enfranchisement still prejudices around working classes

Question 4

class system in 1945 link to play

Answer 4

-increased social mobility can be seen in sheila’s development
-symbolise how women gained political voice
-priestley constructs inspector to speak for eva/ lower classes

Question 5

what was politics like in 1912?

Answer 5

-britain was capitalist + conservative
-some acts to support working classes (1906- free school meals)
-liberal government supported social reform- laissez-faire approach (gave business owners free reign to decide)

Question 6

politics in 1912 link to play

Answer 6

-capitalism is personified through MB - member of society who favoured laissez-faire approach= exploit worker for extra profit

Question 7

what was politics like in 1945?

Answer 7

-biggest electoral swings- 1945 labour party won by landslide victory
-shock to conservative- popular in WW2
-committed to beveridge report- emphasised need for NHS + welfare rights

Question 8

politics in 1945 link to play

Answer 8

-electoral swing from capitalism to socialism is evident with S + E (when introduced to Inspector who promoted welfare rights)
-general need for society to be united is replicated in S + E’s understanding that segregation of classes wasn’t beneficial

Question 9

what was J.B Priestley’s background like?

Answer 9

-surrounded by socialism + socialist ideologies when young
-he was scathing about WW1 which he fought in- made him realise vast inequalities that plague society
-1945- co-founder of common wealth party- favoured equality, morality + common ownership

Question 10

J.B Priestley’s link to play

Answer 10

-priestley’s socialist ideologies are personified through inspector
-inspector acts as a moral compass for B’s- guide them away from dehumanising capitalist worldwide view- introduces to socialism
-thus, priestley vilifies capitalists (MB + MSB) to make socialism seem more favourable societal approach

Question 11

what were women like in 1912?

Answer 11

-they were disenfranchised + stagnant since victorian era
-inferior to husbands + father in patriarchal society
-1867- london society for women’s suffrage created

Question 12

women in 1912 link to play

Answer 12

-S presented as disenfranchised in Act 1- infantile language + short dialogue represents oppressing + silencing women
-E’s animalistic treatment was down to her status as a lower-class women (made her more susceptible to this abuse)

Question 13

what were women like in 1945?

Answer 13

-women’s effort on homefront was a pivotal turning point - valuable
-before WW2, changes still made (1928- women gained equal votes)
-women gained more rights but not equal

Question 14

women in 1945 link to play

Answer 14

-change in 1912 of women being more outspoken in their needs for rights may be used by priestley within S
-uncensored + developed voice emulate politics of women at time
-women weren’t equal in society but there was shift post WW2 in people treating others with humanity + compassion