Inspector calls - Social and Historical context

Social and Historical context and their reflection

• Strikes

Strikes were common all over the country in summer of 1911: Ex: The miners’ union took action to demand increase in their low wages.

“last month, just because the miners came on strikes, there’s lots of wild talk about passible labour trouble – Mr. Birling

•  future looks Good to Birling, but priestly the writer purposely portrays him as foolish to the two world, world war, social unrest and differences between rich and poor.

Ex:” There is a good deal of silly about these days but ------- when you marry, you’ll be marrying at a very good time   Mr. Birling

• Rich and poor
  

Audiences could understand that everything Birling saying is wrong. 1912 and 1945.The period of Austerity. Income tax was Doubled, less wages for workers 1930 – the great depression, with unemployment 

Ex:” And we’re in far a time of steadily increasing prosperity”

• Two world wars

Greatest loss of life due to the two world wars using planes, bombing

Ex:” Nobody wants war and why

        everything to lose and nothing to gain by war -Mr. Birling

• Ships planes and Auto mobiles

Technological progress was made. But all these progresses were destructive / tragic

Ex:” Look at the progress we’re making unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable - Mr. Birling

• Socialism and capitalism
  

Mr. Birling’s views were capitalistic that is wealth remains in the hands of the few. The rich dominates the poor.

Ex:” a man has to make his own ways, has to look after himself” - Mr. Birling

Eric thought it was not right to sack Eva Smith from her job. Socialists believe that the rich have to take responsibility of the poor.

• The state of the state

Eva Smith finds herself unemployed, pregnant and without money. She could get help from a charity organization. Even than Eva Smith was at the mercy of Mrs. Birling.

“I used my influence to have it(Eva’s case) refused.

• Dramatic Irony

“all these silly little war scares; There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere”

• Role of Women

Women had less rights. They were considered to be inform to men. Rich, middle class women get married in time with rich life. But poor women were cheap labors.

Ex: “nothing to do with you Sheila. Run along”.

• Class hierarchy

We can learn class prejudices in Mr. and Mrs. Birling

Ex:” Mrs. Birling dominates Eva because she is a working class” a girl of that sort.”

• In 1945, people wanted equality between classes.

Ex:” Eva refuses to accept stolen money

• Time

Priestley was influenced Russian philosopher. Time plays a might role in history. Inspector calls is a “Time play”. The play moves according to the work of Time.

Ex:” In the end Mr. Birling

 Have learned nothing but soon they to go through it all over again.

                                                                                                                                                     Next