An Inspector Calls Footnotes

What did ‘steady the buffs’ mean?

calm down

What was the Buffs a nickname for?

The Royal East Kent Regiment of the British Army

Who popularised the term ‘Steady the Buffs’?

Rudyard Kipling - the author of the Jungle Book

What does the quote ‘there’s a lot of wild talk about possible labour trouble in the near future. Don’t worry’ link to?

1912 Miners strikes for minimum wage which they were awarded

What does the quote ‘… you’ll hear people say that war’s inevitable’ link to?

WW1

What is Priestley showing by making Mr Birling incorrect about several moments in history?

The bourgeoisies ignorance and inevitable outcome of capitalism as it breaks down after war

Who were H.G. Wells and Bernard Shaw?

Well known socialists, that Priestley referred to as his ‘elders and betters’

Why did Priestley chose to pit Mr Birling against Wells and Shaw?

To make the audience listen to socialist ideas as this follows Mr B’s inaccuracies about major events

Why does Priestley chose for Mr Birling to bring up his knighthood?

Priestley himself was offered a knighthood but rejected it as he felt it went against his socialist principles

Why does Priestley emphasise Mr Birling seeing a knighthood as a reward?

To emphasis the capitalist middle class view that they have made society the way it is so deserve to be rewarded

Where does the name Eva come from?

Eve, who is biblically synonymous with being the first woman

Where does the name Smith come from?

Etymologically Smith is related with working and the working class, and it is the most common surname in England

Why did Priestley chose to name Eva Smith this way?

For Eva to become a symbol of the working class and women in society

What connotations does the name Daisy have?

Innocence and purity

What may the name Renton be relating to?

1912 idea of ‘renting’ which meant hiring a prostitute

What could the name Charlie Brunswick be relating to?

The historic and powerful house of Brunswick-Luneburg which ruled over the Duchy f Brunswick area of Germany

Why might Gerald reference this name?

To show his power and connections and for Priestley to show the aristocratic belief that they can escape consequences using their connections and wealth

What might the quote ‘We are members of one body’ be alluding to?

1 Corinthians 12:27 - ‘you are the body of Christ’

What might the quote ‘they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish’ be alluding to?

Revelations 8:8:9 - ‘burning fire’ and ‘blood’ being referenced as divine punishment