The Millions and Millions of Whys Flashcards
What does Priestley think about social inequality?
Priestley uses An Inspector Calls as a vehicle to convey his concern with the nature of social inequality and its effects upon the vulnerable or disempowered within society
What does Priestley think about the denigration of women?
Through the silent presence of Edna, and Eva Smith’s inability to give her own account of the events leading to her suicide, Priestley criticises the denigration of the female, working class voice.
Why does Priestley present Eva Smith as an amalgam of women?
Through the dramatic device of the photograph and the doubling of names, Priestley presents Eva Smith as an amalgam of working class women, emphasising that the exploitation and mistreatment of the working class is a common occurrence within Edwardian society.
What is the significance of the time of the setting of the play?
Priestley wrote the play in 1945 with two world wars still weighing heavily in the collective conscious. Knowing just how much had been endured, he was keen to press home that change was essential and that the social mistakes of the past must not be repeated. The cyclical structure of the play hints at the repetitious nature of history lest lessons be learned.
What does Priestley teach about responsibility?
Priestley promotes the view that societal problems can only be solved if people accept collective responsibility and support one another, treating each other as equal irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
What are Priestley’s attitudes towards socialism?
Through the transformation of Sheila Birling, Priestley promotes hope for a more moral, socialist future. He exhorts the post-war audience to follow her example: developing an attuned conscience and standing up for what is right.
What does Priestley teach about atoning for poor behaviour ?
Through the transformation of Eric Birling, Priestley affords hope for the future by suggesting that even individuals who commit morally and criminally atrocious deeds are capable of redemption if they show genuine remorse and atone for their behaviour.
Why does Priestley present Birling in the way he does?
Through the pompous and ignorant characterisation of Mr Birling, Priestley encourages the readers to disassociate with the flawed views and opinions of Arthur Birling.
How did the upper class in the early 20th century address responsibility?
Through the ostensible obliviousness of Mr and Mrs Birling when discussing the actions of Gerald and Eric , Priestley emphasises that ignorance is often a conscious decision to avoid social embarrassment or to justify the decision not to act or accept responsibility.
What does Priestley teach about the consequences of not accepting responsibility?
Through the final speech of the Inspector, Priestley warns the audience of the potential consequences of failing to accept responsibility. He relates this to Christian duty, and reminds the audience that their actions of earth will dictate how they are judged in the afterlife.
What is the importance of the way the inspector is presented?
The Inspector’s ambiguous nature facilitates the creation of an omniscient presence whose authoritative, imperative, moralistic voice cuts across class barriers, ages and genders to strike to the heart of what it is important.
