1. Shakespeare & 19th Century Novel
English Literature Exam
Paper 1:
Shakespeare & 19th Century Novel
Section A: Macbeth
Section B:
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Paper 2:
Modern Texts & Poetry
Section A:
An Inspector Calls
Section B: Conflict & Power Poetry
Section C: Unseen Poetry
Worth 30 marks – 20% of the Literature GCSE

2. An Inspector Calls CONTEXT
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
An Inspector Calls CONTEXT
To investigate the social and historical context of the play.
Hierarchy
Socialism
Capitalism

3. Hierarchy School Family Family Year 10 students Prefects Headteacher
Student Teacher
Family
Pet
Older sibling
Mother
Father
Younger sibling
Family
Pet, Older sibling, Parents, Younger sibling

5. Ideologies
Socialism  a way of organising a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government rather than by individual people and companies. Taking responsibility for others and ensuring equality across classes and genders is acknowledged.
Social: society, interaction of people, community
Capitalism  a belief that the rich should own the wealth, and choose how much to give and how much to keep
Capital: worth, wealth, economic currency
Socialism Does Work vs. Socialism Does NOT Work

8. Socialism vs Capitalism
Equal distribution of wealth
Looking after one another
Staggered tax brackets
Everyone pays the same tax
Individual profit
Free education and health service
‘Laissez-faire’ attitude (let it be)
Production for profit
Social hierarchy and class system
Diminished class system

9. Setting of the Play The play was written in 1946 but is set in 1912.
It was written just after the Second World War and set just before the First World War.
J.B. Priestley had lived through both wars, which had an impact on his political beliefs.
The early 20th Century saw the beginning of a movement away from an elite few controlling everything (capitalism) towards a situation where society tried to be more equal (socialism).
There were an increasing number of strikes during this period and in the time after the play is set.
Women were also becoming more insistent in their demands for equality – the suffragette movement becomes particularly militant at this time in history.

10. Historical & Social Context
What was England’s state in 1912? How was it different or similar to England in 1945?
What was the socialist belief?
What was the capitalist belief?
What were the working and living conditions under the Capitalist government?
What was the role of women in 1912?
What can be learned about the different lifestyles of the poorer working class and the wealthier middle class from their budgets?
How could the living conditions of a working class family be described, based on the two quotes? What are the keywords in the quotes?

11. Synopsis of the Play
The Birling family are spending a happy evening celebrating the engagement of their daughter, Sheila Birling, to Gerald Croft - a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful local businesses. Yet, just when everything seems to be going so well, they receive a surprise visit from an Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl, Eva Smith. It appears that all members of the Birling family were somehow involved in her life, and it is Goole’s job to expose the secrets of the family.

12. GCSEPod Notetaking Watch the GCSEPod on the context of the play
In point-form, write down any of the facts you think are essential to know

13. GCSEPod – Context Notes
Back in 1912, social position was very important, especially due to the social inequality
During WWII, Priestley made radio broadcasts directed at British workers, in which he was critical of the government
Priestley was involved in setting up the Common Wealth Party  Labour Party, and worked in developing the Welfare State (communal responsibility)
Due to industrial growth in the 19th century, factory owners became rich, while the workers had very few rights
Priestley also fought in WWI, and was aware of the poor conditions facing the soldiers, despite promises for a “fit country for heroes to live in.”