AIC Context

Arrogance of the wealthy

The play illustrates the complacency of the wealthy who are oblivious to the forthcoming political upheavals due to the war in 1914. The sinking of the Titanic, mentioned by Mr Birling, is laden with dramatic irony in order to illustrate his misplaced confidence and arrogance.

Socialism

The Inspector’s interrogation is used to promote Priestley’s Socialist ideals and to convey the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and power: the Birling family is presented as abusing their position of power and status to the detriment of poorer characters, like Eva.

Poor working conditions

Work in industrial factories in 1912 would also have been very difficult and demanding work, often with very poor working conditions: having Eva work in a factory makes her character appear even more sympathetic to the audience. Priestley also illustrates the vulnerability of these workers when Eva is dismissed for her participation in a pay strike and he attempts to convey the importance that all workers should be protected from unfair dismissal.

Treatment of poor women

As a woman, Eva would have been viewed as “cheap labour” and therefore more at risk of being exploited and abused by employers because of her gender.

The lost generation

Priestley uses the play to hold the older generation accountable for social injustices that contributed to suffering.Through the younger characters, particularly Sheila, he suggests hope for change and a break from outdated, selfishattitudes. His purpose is to encourage reflection and reform to prevent future loss.

Social responsibility

By setting the play in 1912, Priestley is able to present Eva’s destitution in a bleaker way. If the play had been set in 1945, Eva would have been afforded much more protection under the Welfare State. This further highlights the play’s message of the importance of government intervention and collective and social responsibility.

Abuse of social status

Priestley shows how Eva is forced to apply to Sybil’s charity for help, which meant that the upper classes could decide who was deserving of their assistance and Priestley uses this to depict the failures of charity in dealing with the problems of poverty. 

Class inequality

Priestley uses the Birlings and Gerald Croft as representations of the upper classes, and Eva as a representation of the working class, to highlight the immense differences between them and the unfairness of the system. The Birlings’ home and lifestyle is sharply contrasted with descriptions of the workers in Arthur’s factory and Eva’s poverty. Both Gerald and Eric abuse their power and status in their relationship with Eva and both men discard her when it suits them. 

Realism

An Inspector Calls is a social drama. Priestley was influenced by the growing shift towards realism in literature and uses this to advocate for a more equitable society: his depictions of the realities of poverty, gender inequalities and the abuse of privilege are made more powerful by the descriptions of Eva. 

World war 1 and World War 2

Priestley, a veteran of WWI, uses the play to warn against selfishness and social division, arguing that these contributed to conflict and suffering. He promotes the idea that a unified society, where people care for one another, is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes. The play’s message is a call for social solidarity in post-war Britain.