Context Flashcards
1912 Britain had capitalist policies with a laissez-faire approach, contrasting with the socialist shift following Labour’s 1945 electoral victory.
How does this link to the play itself?
Priestley critiques capitalism and advocates for socialism. The Inspector embodies socialist ideals, urging collective responsibility.
1912 Britain had capitalist policies with a laissez-faire approach, contrasting with the socialist shift following Labour’s 1945 electoral victory.
How does this link to Inspector Goole?
Inspector Goole: His speech about ”fire and blood and anguish” warns against the dangers of capitalism.
1912 Britain had capitalist policies with a laissez-faire approach, contrasting with the socialist shift following Labour’s 1945 electoral victory.
How does this show the play’s message?
The contrast between 1912 and 1945 highlights the play’s message about the need for societal change.
Priestley, a WW1 veteran and socialist advocate, co-founded the Common Wealth Party in 1945.
How does this link to the play itself?
Priestley’s personal experiences shaped his advocacy for socialism, which is central for the play’s themes of collective responsibility and moral accountability.
Priestley, a WW1 veteran and socialist advocate, co-founded the Common Wealth Party in 1945.
How does this link to Sheila?
Sheila: Her transformation from selfishness to moral awareness reflects Priestley’s socialist ideals.
Priestley, a WW1 veteran and socialist advocate, co-founded the Common Wealth Party in 1945.
How does this link to the play’s characters?
Priestley’s role as a public intellectual and advocate for social reform is mirrored in the Inspector’s character.
The Russian Revolution dismantled class hierarchies, promoting equality and workers’ rights.
How does this link to the play itself?
The play critiques the rigid British class system, echoing the revolutionary ideals of equality and fairness seen in Russia.
The Russian Revolution dismantled class hierarchies, promoting equality and workers’ rights.
How does this link to Eric?
Eric: His acknowledgement of his role in Eva’s suffering reflects a shift towards moral accountability, similar to revolutionary ideals.
The Russian Revolution dismantled class hierarchies, promoting equality and workers’ rights.
How does this link to the message of the play?
Priestley uses the play to advocate for systemic change, mirroring the revolutionary spirit of the Russian Revolution.
Women lacked voting rights until gradual reforms in 1918 and 1928 empowered them politically, because previously they were disenfranchised.
How does this link to the play itself?
The play critiques the patriarchal (male-dominated) society of 1912, highlighting the exploitation and marginalisation of women like Eva Smith.
Women lacked voting rights until gradual reforms in 1918 and 1928 empowered them politically, because previously they were disenfranchised.
How does this link to Eva Smith?
Eva Smith: Represents the struggles of working-class women who were exploited and lacked agency.
Women lacked voting rights until gradual reforms in 1918 and 1928 empowered them politically, because previously they were disenfranchised.
How does this link to the message of the play?
The play was first preformed in 1945, when women had gained the right to vote and were becoming more prominent in the workforce, reflecting changing societal roles.
The play is set 2 years before WW1, and is shown at the end of WW2. This was the biggest loss of population through warfare Britain had seen.
How does this link to the play itself?
Priestley uses the Inspector’s warnings to advocate for peace and collective responsibility, drawing on the audience’s recent memories of war.
The play is set 2 years before WW1, and is shown at the end of WW2. This was the biggest loss of population through warfare Britain had seen.
How does this link to the Inspector?
Inspector Goole: His message about ”fire and blood and anguish” directly relates to the devastation of war.
The play is set 2 years before WW1, and is shown at the end of WW2. This was the biggest loss of population through warfare Britain had seen.
How does this link to the message of the play?
Two world wars serve as a backdrop (background) to the play’s moral message about the dangers of ignoring social responsibility.
