Social Class Flashcards
How is social class presented?
As a vehicle to highlight the distinct division between classes and how it is caused by the upper class’ lack of respect for people below them.
How is this done?
Achieved through Mr & Mrs Birling’s eagerness to protect their status and reputation which contrasts their children who question the class divide and whether it should be fixed for be able to change.
Why did Priestley do this?
Priestley presents the Inspector as the voice for the working class to condemn people in society who, like the elder Birling’s, base judgement predominantly on social class.
In the opening of the play…
“If you don’t come down sharply on these people they’d soon be asking for the earth!”
“it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it”
“these girls aren’t just cheap labour - they’re people too”
“why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?”
As the play progresses…
“I don’t suppose […] we can understand why the girl committed suicidal. Girls of that class”
“you mustn’t try to build up a wall between us and that girl”
“I was sorry for her” (pity rather than sympathy, only willing to help lower classes when it is self-fulfilling, reinforced through “You were the wonderful Fairy Prince”)
At the close of the play…
“wasn’t the usual sort”
“There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did”
“turned out unfortunately, that’s all—“
“they just won’t try to understand our position”
