Inspector Calls Themes Flashcards
The 4 Main themes
Social responsibility, Age, Gender and Class
How do the characters react to Eva smiths death?
The younger generations were more morally conscious and The older generations were cold, prejudice and Dismissive. This showed how priestley viewed the different generations - He wanted the younger gen. to make a brighter future and this is why shiela and eric both learn a lesson from the inspector.
Social Responsibility
An inspector calls was performed in the UK just after the end of WW2. Many writers were concerned with the welfare of the poor. Priestley wanted to address the inequality in society and felt that if people were more considerate of each other, it would improve quality of life for all.
How does Priestley express the theme of social responsibility?
Priestley explores social responsibility through: How Eva is treated, How each character does/doesnt take responsibility and the inspectors lessons. Sheila and Eric both feel socially responsible - both regret what they did, whereas Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to take any responsibility for Eva’s death.
How is age used in an Inspector Calls?
Age is important in an inspector calls, Priestley wanted to express how the younger generation had the ability to learn and to change. The older characters are stubbornly fixed in their opinions and refuse to change.
How is gender represented in IC?
AIC was written after WW2 where women had proven they were just as capable as men, and many women enjoyed a newfound freedom that working and earning money allowed them. Priestley explores the impact of these new gender roles through the independence of Eva and the sexist attitudes of Mr. Birling.
How is class represented in AIC?
Before WW2 Britain was divided by class, The Wealthy Land and Factory owners and the Poor workers. The war brought everyone closer together and rationing meant that everyone was eating the same. The war effort meant that everyone was mixing together, which was not the case before. Priestley wanted to highlight that inequality between classes still existed and that the upper classes looked down on the lower classes.
