An inspector calls themes

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  • An inspector calls
    • Britain in 1912 and 1945
      • Britain in 1912
        • firmly divided by class, those with the most money had the most power
          • Only Men who owned property could vote
          • Women could not vote and were controlled by their husbands
        • Labour party formed 1906 to represent the working class
        • There was not as much gov help for people in need as there is today
      • Britain in 1945
        • Still divided by class
          • Still conflict between emplyees and employers
        • all men and women over 21 could vote
    • family life
      • women
        • Plan Parties, visit friends and have children
        • married into money so they did not have to work
      • children
        • obedient and unquestioning
      • The  Birlings
        • want people to think they're perfect
          • But really there is tension.
            • Eric misbehaves
            • Mrs Birling points out families flaws
            • Sheila makes 'Jokes' about Gerald and 'last summer'
        • The roles of Mr and Mrs Birling are clearly defined
          • But Inspector ruins this
            • Sheila and Eric begin to think for themselves
    • Social class
      • drives plot and characters
        • uses '' to convey his views
      • Class structure
        • middle; the Birlings
        • working; little money, hard jobs
        • upper; inherited land and money
      • Lower class struggled
        • Upper class had little social responsibility
          • Untitled
      • Within the play:
        • Mr b; only concern about Eva is that he wont get knighthood
        • thinks class makes him important; tries to use authority against the inspector
        • Uses Gerald for social status
    • young and old
      • old gen: old fashioned
        • mr and mrs b have traditional views
          • they know best
          • children should be seen and not heard
          • represent views of ruling class
            • Priestley challenges their views through inspector
      • younger gen
        • some ambitious and courageous: eva
        • Challenging views of older gen
          • Threatens Mr B, 'they better keep quiet
        • As they are have different views there is a chance for a fairer society in the future
      • Gerald
        • close to sheiila and eric in age but close to mr b in views
          • married to sheila for business reasons
        • doesn't learn anything; no guilty, wants marruage still
          • Priestlys view of upper class; set in thier ways
    • men and women
      • stereotypes
        • men - focus on work and public affairs
        • women - supposed to be obsessed with materialistic things
        • women- protected against unpleasant things

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