‘An Inspector Calls’

Background  ‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play about a rich family who are accused of being responsible for the suicide of a young working-class girl.  J.B. Priestley write the play in 1945, but it is set in  In 1912, the rich middle class and upper class had more power than the working class.  Priestley wanted people in 1945 to think about how unfair society was. Soldiers were returning from the war and hoping for a better way life. Priestley wanted his audience to realise that everyone must work together to improve society.

Setting : Historical Context  In 1912 the middle and upper classes were rich and powerful because they had money and good jobs.  The working class had to work hard, often in factories owned by the middle classes. They were poorly paid.  People were expected to look after themselves, so there wasn’t much help for poor people who were struggling.

 Birlings’ dining room.  In 1912 only rich families had a dining room – this makes it a symbol of the middle class. Setting

Characterisation:The Birling Family

 Initially they appear like the perfect family:  Arthur Birling is a successful businessman.  Sybil Birling works hard to keep the family’s reputation intact.  Eric Birling works for Mr. Birling in the family business.  Sheila Birling is engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of another successful businessman.