English: 📚An Inspector Calls Context
English literature GCSE
Historical and Social Context
World War II (1939-1945): The play was written during the closing stages of the war, reflecting on societal lessons from both world wars.
Post-War Reconstruction: Priestley wrote during a time of rebuilding Britain, prompting thoughts about social equality and responsibility.
Labour Party Victory (1945): The political shift towards socialism and the welfare state inspired a focus on collective responsibility.
The Great Depression (1929-1939): Memories of economic hardship shaped Priestley’s views on inequality.
Class Divide: The rigid class system of Edwardian England (when the play is set) contrasted sharply with post-war aspirations for equality.
The Titanic (1912): The ship, seen as a symbol of human hubris, is referenced in the play and represents societal complacency.
Economic and Political Influences
Industrial Revolution Aftermath: The rise of industrial capitalism created stark divides between the working and upper classes.
Trade Union Growth: The emergence of workers' unions highlighted labor exploitation and the need for fairer conditions.
Women's Suffrage Movement: Women's changing roles influenced Eva Smith's character and issues of gender inequality.
Rise of Socialism: Priestley was influenced by socialist ideas, advocating for shared responsibility and criticizing capitalist greed.
Cultural and Philosophical Context
Edwardian Morality: Hypocritical attitudes of the upper class were a target of critique.
Priestley's Personal Experiences: As a WWI soldier, Priestley had firsthand knowledge of the impacts of class on society and war.
Ouspensky’s Theory of Time: This influenced the play’s structure, suggesting a cyclical or recurring concept of time.
Responsibility Philosophy: Priestley explored moral and ethical questions about individuals’ roles in society.
Gender and Social Dynamics
Women's Role in the Workforce: WWII had temporarily broken traditional gender roles, contrasting sharply with Edwardian ideals.
Prostitution and Respectability: The stigmatization of women like Eva Smith reflected harsh social judgments and double standards.
Youth and Change: The younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, symbolizes hope and change against the entrenched views of the older generation.
Literary and Dramatic Influences
Well-Made Play Structure: Priestley followed the traditional Aristotelian unities (time, place, action) to heighten dramatic impact.
Detective Fiction: The play borrows conventions of mystery and suspense but subverts them to focus on morality rather than crime-solving.
Political Theatre: Influences from George Bernard Shaw and other socially conscious playwrights inspired Priestley to craft messages of reform.