Prejean, Helen: *1939

An Inspector Calls, 1945 - Before Reading (AI Created)

Before reading An Inspector Calls, it helps to understand its historical setting, themes, and characters. Although it was first performed in 1945, the story is set in 1912—just before major events changed British society.
- 1. The Author: J. B. Priestley
  J. B. Priestley was a British writer who believed society should care for all its members, not just the wealthy. He wrote An Inspector Calls after World War II, hoping people would support a fairer society.
  Example
  Priestley disliked the idea that rich people should only look after themselves. This belief appears throughout the play when characters are challenged about their treatment of others.
- 2. Why 1912 and 1945 Matter
  1912 (when the play is set)
  Britain in 1912 was:
  - Divided by social class.
  - Dominated by wealthy industrialists.
  - Confident that the future would be prosperous.
  - Before World War I and before women gained voting rights.
  1945 (when the play was written)
  By 1945:
  - Two world wars had occurred.
  - Millions had died.
  - People were discussing creating a welfare state to help everyone.
  - Many believed society needed more cooperation and responsibility.
  Example
  Mr Birling confidently predicts that war will not happen and that the Titanic is unsinkable. Readers know he is wrong because they know what happened after 1912. Priestley uses this dramatic irony to make Birling seem foolish.
- 3. Main Characters
  Arthur Birling
  - Wealthy businessman.
  - Believes in individual success.
  - Represents capitalism and self-interest.
  - Example: He argues that everyone should look after themselves rather than others.
  Sybil Birling
  - Upper-class and proud.
  - Concerned with social status.
  - Example: She judges poorer people harshly.
  Sheila Birling
  - Begins as immature.
  - Learns from her mistakes.
  - Example: She accepts responsibility for her actions.
  Eric Birling
  - Troubled and irresponsible at first.
  - Also learns to accept blame.
  Inspector Goole
  - Mysterious investigator.
  - Challenges each character's actions.
  - Represents social conscience and moral responsibility.
  Eva Smith
  - Never appears on stage.
  - A working-class woman whose life is affected by the Birlings' actions.
- 4. Key Themes
  Social Responsibility
  - The central message is that people should care about how their actions affect others.
  - Example: Each member of the Birling family contributes to Eva Smith's suffering.
  Class Inequality
  - The play contrasts wealthy and poor people.
  - Example: The Birlings have power and money, while Eva Smith struggles to survive.
  Generational Conflict
  - Older and younger characters disagree about responsibility.
  - Older Generation: Resist change, Self-interested
  - Younger Generation: Accept responsibility, More compassionate
  - Example: Sheila and Eric learn from the Inspector, while Mr and Mrs Birling largely refuse to change.
  Gender
  - Women had fewer rights in 1912.
  - Example: Eva Smith has limited opportunities and depends on employers and charities.
- 5. Dramatic Irony
  Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something the characters do not.
  Example
  Mr Birling says:
  - The Titanic is unsinkable.
  - There will be no war.
  The audience knows both statements are incorrect, making him seem overconfident and unreliable.
- 6. Important Symbols
  The Inspector
  - May symbolize: Conscience; Justice. Society's moral voice.
  Eva Smith
  - May symbolize: Ordinary working-class people.Those harmed by inequality.
  The Telephone
  - The final phone call creates a shocking ending and suggests that actions have consequences.
- 7. Quick Pre-Reading Checklist
  Before you start, remember:
  - Set in 1912, written in 1945.
  - Priestley wanted a fairer society.
  - The play focuses on responsibility, class, and social justice.
  - The Inspector challenges selfish attitudes.
  - Dramatic irony is used frequently.
  - Sheila and Eric change; Mr and Mrs Birling resist change.
  - Eva Smith never appears but is central to the story.
  Knowing these ideas will make it much easier to understand the characters, themes, and messages as you read the play.