Inspector - social class

Key Quote

"“As if she was an animal, a thing , not a person.” "

Technique 1

"Juxtaposition (contrasting ideas) of “animal” vs “person” dehumanises (not treated as human) Eva, reducing her dignity (respect). This symbolises the proletariat (working class) being seen as expendable (easily replaced) by privileged classes."

RAD

This is emblematic (symbolic) of an exploitative (taking advantage) social system, where the proletariat (working class) are treated as subhuman (less than human).

Technique 2

Circumlocution (talking around an idea) in “animal, a thing, not a person” shows Eric’s unscrupulous (immoral) dehumanising (not treating as human) of Eva. By not directly calling her non-human, it implies she’s a disposable commodity (object to be used and discarded)."

Context

"Class System: The quote shows Eva, symbolising the proletariat (working class), being dehumanised (stripped of humanity), exposing the exploitative (taking advantage) class hierarchy. Priestley: As a socialist advocate, Priestley uses this dehumanisation to highlight the powerful’s lack of moral obligation, pushing for social responsibility and dignity (self-respect)."

WOW

"Lehrstück (learning play) makes the audience question their role in societal issues (problems in society) and exploitation. This quote forces the audience to confront dehumanisation (taking away humanity) of the proletariat (working class) and their own complicity (role) in such dynamics."