Historical context

Question 1

Edwardian social class system:

Answer 1

Aristocracy and upper-class: wealthy , educated and powerful

Middle-class: financially comfortable, educated, employed in leadership or professional roles

Working-class: Living in poverty, both men and women work, poor living conditions, little power

Question 2

Life in 1912 ?

Answer 2

• Life in 1912 meant class divisions and government by the capitalist Conservative Party. Industrial progress meant that Britain was more affluent.
• However, despite this optimism there were whispers of a possible war.

Question 3

First World War ?

Answer 3

The world wars (1914-18, 1939-45) drastically changed society, so by the time AlC was written in 1945, the class system was less rigid and women had more opportunities to work. In 1945 a Labour (socialist) government was voted in and the welfare state established.

Question 4

Titanic ?

Answer 4

• The sinking of the Titanic in April 1912 revealed the shortsightedness of the upper-classes, who depended on technology and money.
• The deaths of many in the third class, and few in the first class, highlighted the unfairness of the class system.

Question 5

Conditions for working class ?

Answer 5

• During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, conditions for the working-classes were poor.
• Health and safety regulations were limited, with many workers being injured, becoming ill or dying as a result of their employment. Pay was low, with employers taking most of the profits.

Question 6

Workers’ strike ?

Answer 6

• Workers’ strikes were not uncommon. Across England many workers went on strike during “The Great Unrest” (1910 and 1914).
• In 1926, the country was brought to a standstill again during the General Strike.

Question 7

Expectations of women in a patriarchal society?

Answer 7

• Middle and upper-class women occupied the domestic sphere - they were expected to marry (preferably a man or equal or higher class), raise children, and run a household.
• Women were considered to be the ‘weaker’ sex - not just physically but emotionally and mentally also.
• It was believed that they should be ‘protected’ from any aspects of life that were ‘distasteful.

Question 8

Parlourmaids

Answer 8

During this era many rich people would have up to 10 servants, by Birling’s having Edna it shows they’re trying to give of the impression of being rich/ wealthy

Question 9

Same setting ? ( not historical )

Answer 9

Everything is done in one room, setting never changes making it seem like they are trapped / unable to escape confrontation