GCSE English Literature- Inspector Calls context

Priestley political beliefs

socialist- believed capitalism exploited the poor so governmental measures were needed to curb capitalist greed.

Priestley religious

extremely religious

Priestley alcohol perspective

anti-alcohol

Priestley family beliefs

wanted a family dynamic

Play setting year

1912-  Edwardian era (really unequal society due to class structure)

Play first performed

First performed in Russia- communist country (Priestley may have been a communist)

Priestley war view

Fought in WWI, Suffered a gas-attack causing PTSD.

1945 context

Labour landslide, Attlee becomes PM, NHS, welfare state, trade union friendly laws

First British performance

1948 in London to English audience

collective / social responsibility

individuals accountable for fulfilling their civic duty and taking actions that benefit society

Post-war audience

increase in socialism (esp. youth), greater awareness of socialism, more united due to war

Priestley’s hidden messages

capitalism caused too much focus on individual gain, used the play to persuade people to vote for Labour party, unfairness of class system, criticism of mistreatment of women

7 deadly sins

pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth- each character represents one of the 7 deadly sins