Context

?
When was 'An Inspector Calls' set?
1912
1 of 12
When was 'An Inspector Calls' written?
1945
2 of 12
Explain 4 contextual points about 1912
1. The First World War would start in two years 2. There were very strong class distinctions 3. Women were subservient to men 4. The ruling classes saw no need to change the status quo
3 of 12
Explain 4 contextual points about 1945
1. The Second World War ended, people were recovering 2. Class distinctions had been greatly reduced 3. Woman had earned a more valued place in society 4. Great desire for social change
4 of 12
Why did Priestley set his play in 1912? 2 points
1. Because the date represented an era when all was very different from the time he was writing. 1912- rigid class + gender boundaries made it seem that nothing would change. 1945- class + gender divisions breached.
5 of 12
Why did Priestley set his play in 1912? 1 point
Priestley wanted to make the most of these changes. Encourages people to seize the opportunity the war had given them to build a better, more caring society.
6 of 12
Mr Birling: Character Card 1
1. Worked his way up in the world, proud of his achievements 2. Aware of people who are his social superiors 3. Optimistic about the future (if he is wrong about the war, what else will he be wrong about?)
7 of 12
Mr Birling: Character Card 2
4. Selfish, he believes that socialist ideas on community are 'nonsense' 5. He wants to protect his reputation 6. End of play: knows he has lost chance of knighthood but hasn't learnt the lesson of the play (responsibility)
8 of 12
Mrs Sybil Birling: Character Card 1
1. Rather cold woman 2. 'Girls of that class' dismissive, very aware of differences between social classes 3. Least respect for the Inspector 4. Sees Shelia and Eric as 'children' and is patronising 5. Tries to deny things she doesn't want to believe
9 of 12
Mrs Sybil Birling: Character Card 2
6. Narrow sense of morality: dictates that the father of a child should be responsible for its welfare, whatever the consequences 7. End of play: aware her own reputation will be sullied, but like her husband, doesn't accept responsibility
10 of 12
Shelia Birling: Character Card 1
1. Although seems very playful at opening, we know she had suspicions about Gerald, less naive than first appears? 2. Although she has probably never considered the conditions of the workers, she shows compassion immediately.
11 of 12
Shelia Birling: Character Card 2
Already she is starting to change. 3.
12 of 12

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

When was 'An Inspector Calls' written?

Back

1945

Card 3

Front

Explain 4 contextual points about 1912

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Explain 4 contextual points about 1945

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Why did Priestley set his play in 1912? 2 points

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

Context
See all English Literature resources »