Inspector Calls Flashcards
What was Priestly’s aim when writing inspector calls?
Priestly was a strong advocate for social justice and wanted society to become more equal and balanced with the gap between the rich and poor to be narrowed so more people had a better chance to live a decent life.
He writes An Inspector Calls as a comment on the state of English society and uses various characters to voice his own opinions but also the stances of others. Such as Shelia Birling represents the youth of society and she wishes for equal pay and better treatment of the poor and women.
Why is Gerald Croft having dinner with the Birlings?
Arthur Birling and Gerald’s father are both owners of large companies in Brumley and Arthur wishes to do business with the Crofts and make a good impression on them so he invites Gerald round for dinner.
What does Arthur Birling use to make a good impression on Gerald Croft?
He brings out expensive drinks such as port and posh cigarettes to show the Crofts their wealth as Arthur believes that this will strengthen relations with the croft family.
What is Eva Smith meant to represent in the play?
Eva is meant to represent the lower classes of society who are as Priestly makes out, at the mercy of the upper classes who hold a lot of power and influence over their lives.
“We are members of one body, we are responsible for each other.”
What is Inspector Goole meant to represent in the play?
I think that Goole is the conscious minds of the Birlings and it’s meant to show their realisation of the impact of their choices and how they have come to effect Eva Smith.
It is also showing that the choices the upper classes make affect the lower classes as a whole and not just one woman- Eva Smith.
“She is not the only one, there are many many more Eva Smith’s and John Smith’s out there.” This quote brings to light the reality that Mr Birling and his family are very well off in society and really there are many worse positions they could currently be in than drinking port and smoking expensive cigarettes in their mansion house.
How does the lighting in the play affect the plot and story?
When the lighting is originally “pink and intimate” it shows that the Birlings are comfortable and feel at ease in their home and this allows the audience to feel the same way as the lights affect how they feel.
As the Inspector comes the lights become “brighter and harder” this shows that the lighting may be exposing the truth that is hidden in the darkness by becoming brighter. The harder could be referring to the nature of the Inspector which is tough but fair of a person who is not afraid to offend people to expose the truth.
How does Shelia feel about her involvement in Eva’s death?
She expresses regret and remorse about her “furious temper” directed at Eva while they are in Milwards.
Why does Shelia become angry at Eva in Milwards?
She believes she is laughing at her as Shelia tries on the dress in the mirror. She could also be jealous at how pretty Eva is and wishes herself to look the same way and she vents this anger and envy towards her by getting her fired from her job.
This was evidently a reactionary move from Eva as we can see from the regret she shows later after learning of Eva’s death. Although this could be a way to reduce how grilling and interrogative the Inspector towards her and also decrease the likelihood she will be reported as an accessory to murder.
