An Inspector Calls Key Theme: Class (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Written by: James Alsop
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Class mind map
The themes of class in each act of An Inspector Calls:
Act | Quote | Summary |
|---|---|---|
1 | “Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things” – Mrs Birling | Mrs Birling reprimands her husband for the mistake of acknowledging their working class cook |
1 | “We’re respectable citizens and not criminals” – Gerald | Gerald believes that his class places him above the law — something that the Inspector disputes |
1 | “... it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it” – Inspector Goole | The Inspector uses Mr Birling’s own words against him to highlight his selfishness |
2 | “Girls of that class …” – Mrs Birling | Mrs Birling refuses to show empathy or compassion for Eva because of her class |
3 | “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other” – Inspector Goole | The Inspector uses the metaphor of a body to show that people depend on one another |
What are the elements of class in An Inspector Calls?
Priestley presents attitudes towards class in a variety of ways in the play, through symbolic settings, exploited characters and prejudiced attitudes:
Settings: The description of the Birlings’ opulent home is sharply contrasted with descriptions of the workers in Arthur’s factory
Prejudice: Upper-class characters frequently make incorrect assertions about the working classes and view them as morally and socially inferior:
The Birlings, particularly Sybil, and Gerald are entrenched in the views of their class system; they cannot genuinely empathise with Eva’s plight or that of the working classes
Exploitation: Eric and Gerald use their class and status to take advantage of Eva Smith while keeping their relationship with her a secret to avoid reputational damage
The impact of class on characters
Priestley uses the characters in An Inspector Calls to criticise the inequality and unfairness of the British class system and argues that the privilege of class blinds people to their immoral behaviour.
Character | Impact |
|---|---|
The Birlings |
|
The Inspector |
|
Eva Smith |
|
Why does Priestley use the theme of class in his play?
1. Setting and period
Priestley underscores how the wealthiest in society enjoy privileges and lives of excess, but are blind to the effects of their actions on the less fortunate in society
Challenges the outdated values of the upper classes through the Inspector, who speaks for Priestley’s audience when he champions workers’ rights
2. Plot driver
The revelations about how Birling family have abused their class and social status provide a clear dramatic structure
3. Audience appeal
The play’s action is driven by revelations about the immorality of the Edwardian upper classes
Its contemporary 1945 audience were more progressive, responsible and aligned with its socialist values
4. Conflict between characters
Priestley quickly establishes the theme of class conflict in the opening act
Exam-style questions on the themes of class
Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of guilt and responsibility:
Explore how Priestley depicts conflict between social classes in An Inspector Calls.
How does Priestley present Eva Smith in order to address different attitudes towards social class in An Inspector Calls?
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