Social Classes In J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls
An Inspector Calls
An Inspector Calls' remains as popular as the day it was written. This long running popularity is accounted for by the dramatic themes and the direct involvement of the readers. The play challenges us to review our own conscience and the intriguing genre and mysterious person of the Inspector makes this play a popular, entertaining and insightful outlook of social conscience and responsibility.
The crucial fact that leads to the popularity of the play is responsibility. We see the clear difference between the upper' and lower' classes; the upper' social class have power and influence over the lower classes. We are lead to believe that this idea of power should be used with care. An Inspector Calls' involves the reader, we are forced to examine our own conscience of what is right and wrong, "We don't live alone," and if we abuse our power then the result will be "taught in fire and blood". The actual idea of responsibility is the central theme in An Inspector Calls' this idea has lead to the popularity of the play, as our views on responsibility are represented by each character. Mr Birling representing those who only "look after himself [Mr Birling]".
Through this idea Priestly show us that "we are responsible for each other'' Birling is proven wrong, responsibility is …show more content…
proven to be a central part to all our lives. The popularity of the play is emphasised through the idea of how being "responsible for each other" should always play a part in our lives as "we are members of one body", regardless of when An Inspector Calls' was written the idea stays the same and therefore the play continues to stay popular.
The dramatic tension throughout An Inspector Calls' keeps the reader's undivided attention. This tension is sustained throughout the play, reaching its peak with the final telephone call. Predictability is avoided and the audience tends to feels the emotions, of each opposing group. We hear of the relief felt by Mr Birling and the rest of the family. However, as complacency starts to set in again, the telephone rings and the audience feels justice has been served as "a police inspector is on his way " Through the ending of the play the unpredicted telephone call, brings much-needed comeuppance. The readers feel satisfaction through the final ending proves a satisfying climax to the dramatic tension sustained throughout. Due to this the play remains successful.
This clever use of structure and dramatic tension involves the reader. We share the pain and relief of the family and through this direct involvement the play is remains popular.
Women and sex tend to lead the play to popularity.
Although most of the stereotype views of women are now no longer held. There seems to be a clear parallel between the idea of the idealised Victorian and the mentality some people hold today; that an upper' class woman should not work, or do only charitable work eg Mrs Birling, but a girl from a lower' class should work for the rich e.g. Eva smith. Some people still in our society tend to hold this stereotyped view. These pre-judgements are still relevant to our time. Therefore the play relates to every person in the audience and through the confrontation of this stereotype the play remains
popular.
The idea of sex and the Angel Hoare' dichotomy is still prevalent in our society, as much as it was In Priestly's time. This notion of sex and hypocrisy still exists today; that a man can have pre-marital sex but a woman cannot. This makes the play relevant to our generation. The play challenges our own stereotypes; because of this the audience is intrigued and involved in the play. Therefore the play remains popular.
Another theme relating to responsibility in the play is the idea of guilt. Human nature tends to dictate the idea of how some tend to deny an experience, while others accept their mistakes and try to learn from it. This relates to the characters in the play. Eric and Sheila represent those who accept that "we (Eric and Sheila) all helped to kill her." However, Mr Birling represents those who repress guilt, "community" and feeling responsible and guilty for the suicide is "nonsense" in Mr Birling's view. In this way the play becomes successful. The audience's conscience is examined. The audience are forced to think whether they would accept their guilt or deny it.
The theme, that is as true today as when it was written, is that of the conflict between the rich and poor. Mr Birling represents the harsh capitalist view, "who came down sharply on" "these people." The Inspector breaks down these views, as each character is inspected. The audience is entertained by the idea of breaking down of these views and successfully bringing justice to the "cheap labour". This accounts for much of the popularity, as the Inspector converts one character and successfully brings responsibility to all others. This humanitarian' image of a God' like figure bringing comeuppance, to the stereotypical, prejudiced, upper' class is an entertaining thought. The "cheap labour" finally became "people," as the characters are forced to face their "responsibility."
The popularity of the play is also accounted for due to the fact that there is only a single plot (i.e. no sub-plot); along with the events taking place in real time. This involves the reader, as there is no sub-plot to divert the reader's attention. Also the fact that the play takes place in real time makes the play seem more believable, as the actions are taking place at a normal time scale. This also increases the tension, as the dramatic effectiveness is not distributed over a long time scale. We can also relate much more to the characters. We feel what they are going through at that particular time, i.e. distance is not created via various sub-plots and long stretches of time. Due to this close relation between the characters and the audience, the play remains popular.
Timing and the investigation into time, also has a clear impact on the play and its popularity. The added thrill' and excitement added to the play is due to the supernatural timing of the Inspector, who predicts the "girl on her way to the Infirmary." This supernatural note is an adequate closing point for the play and leaves the audience with an air of mystery and intrigue.
Through the idea of timing the message (relating to Priestly's audience and a modern day audience) is reinforced of how "we have a responsibility to others." Through the use of timing, this idea is reflected. The telephone call at the end of the play represents the idea of unavoidable consequence. The audience can take satisfaction in the justice served and the message portrayed.
The language used in An Inspector Calls' adds to the realism and popularity of the play as a whole. We can see the use of colloquialism, and non-poetic prose e.g. "chump" or "squiffy." This is mainly used to show a divide between the adults and the children. The children use period' slang e.g. ass.' Compared with the terse, matter of fact language, which Mr Birling uses "I told the girl to clear out and she did".
The use of this dialogue shows a difference not only in the children and adult status, but also in the acceptance of guilt. We see how Mrs Birling is harder to break down then Sheila and Eric, showing the more open-minded youth, compared with the rigid, social conformity of the adults. This accounts for some of the popularity, as the open-minded nature of youth, tends to relate to our society as well. Seeing the adults' being made to accept being "responsible for each other" is entertaining, as we see the transformation in the adults, as the walls of conformity are broken down. Also through "responsibility," the gap between the children and the adult's moral standing is finally bridged, as each person is equally "responsible."
Along with effective use of language, is the use of imagery. The use of imagery is mainly for dramatic effect. The graphic image of being "Burnt her [Eva] inside out" shocks the audience and the "nasty mess" of Eva's body paints a gruesome picture. This use of imagery for effect attracts and shocks the audience. It brings out an emotion in the audience, so they can relate to the torture faced by Eva. Therefore, the use of imagery can shock and therefore can enlighten. This enlightenment adds to the popularity of the play.
The popularity can be attributed to the amusing use of irony. The satirical comment by the Inspector "very awkward" directed towards Arthur Birling can be made to be amusing, as the comment not only shows agreement between Arthur Birling and the Inspector but also emphasises the idea of how things will get "awkward" for Birling himself. This provides some light relief to the otherwise tense nature of the play and therefore can make the play more entertaining.
The genre in which An Inspector Calls' is written, also accounts for the popularity of the play. The "whodunnit" format may seem a conventional style of writing e.g. an Agatha Christie novel in confining to a predictable storyline; compared with Priestly's play in which everyone was "responsible" rather then a single person. This new and unpredictable adaptation to the "whodunnit" format attracts a large audience. Therefore due to its originality, the play stays successful and popular.
The key character that brings the play to life is Inspector Goole. The Inspector accounts for much of the popularity. His "massiveness, solidity and purposefulness" breaks down the walls of the characters, as he inspects each person. Through this Goole entertains the audience.
The catalytic nature of his investigation opened the audiences' eyes to the "responsible for each other". And the mysterious nature of the almost angel' like questioning, allows the audience to make their own judgement on the Inspector. Goole brings intrigue and excitement into the play. Through this idea the Inspector is one of the main reasons for the popularity of the play. Even the Inspector's name suggests a supernatural being or ghoul'. Goole's moral conscience leads the characters to accept their guilt and therefore brings justice for the "suicide". Therefore he is an important reason for the popularity of the play.
An Inspector Calls' remains a popular play. Its intriguing theme and originality, coupled with dramatic tension, breaking down of social and political stereotypes, allows both an audience today and Priestly's audience to relate to the play. The play forces the audience to examine their own conscience. The thrill' of the ending telephone call emphasis the idea that human nature seeks justice, for those who have been wronged. Truly the popularity of the play is deserved. The message of being "responsible for each other" is received and the play will continue to be popular, not only now but also into the future.
Brodies Notes
Letts Guide to Inpector Calls
An Inspector Calls' remains as popular as the day it was written. This long running popularity is accounted for by the dramatic themes and the direct involvement of the readers. The play challenges us to review our own conscience and the intriguing genre and mysterious person of the Inspector makes this play a popular, entertaining and insightful outlook of social conscience and responsibility.
The crucial fact that leads to the popularity of the play is responsibility. We see the clear difference between the upper' and lower' classes; the upper' social class have power and influence over the lower classes. We are lead to believe that this idea of power should be used with care. An Inspector Calls' involves the reader, we are forced to examine our own conscience of what is right and wrong, "We don't live alone," and if we abuse our power then the result will be "taught in fire and blood". The actual idea of responsibility is the central theme in An Inspector Calls' this idea has lead to the popularity of the play, as our views on responsibility are represented by each character. Mr Birling representing those who only "look after himself [Mr Birling]".
Through this idea Priestly show us that "we are responsible for each other'' Birling is proven wrong, responsibility is …show more content…
proven to be a central part to all our lives. The popularity of the play is emphasised through the idea of how being "responsible for each other" should always play a part in our lives as "we are members of one body", regardless of when An Inspector Calls' was written the idea stays the same and therefore the play continues to stay popular.
The dramatic tension throughout An Inspector Calls' keeps the reader's undivided attention. This tension is sustained throughout the play, reaching its peak with the final telephone call. Predictability is avoided and the audience tends to feels the emotions, of each opposing group. We hear of the relief felt by Mr Birling and the rest of the family. However, as complacency starts to set in again, the telephone rings and the audience feels justice has been served as "a police inspector is on his way " Through the ending of the play the unpredicted telephone call, brings much-needed comeuppance. The readers feel satisfaction through the final ending proves a satisfying climax to the dramatic tension sustained throughout. Due to this the play remains successful.
This clever use of structure and dramatic tension involves the reader. We share the pain and relief of the family and through this direct involvement the play is remains popular.
Women and sex tend to lead the play to popularity.
Although most of the stereotype views of women are now no longer held. There seems to be a clear parallel between the idea of the idealised Victorian and the mentality some people hold today; that an upper' class woman should not work, or do only charitable work eg Mrs Birling, but a girl from a lower' class should work for the rich e.g. Eva smith. Some people still in our society tend to hold this stereotyped view. These pre-judgements are still relevant to our time. Therefore the play relates to every person in the audience and through the confrontation of this stereotype the play remains
popular.
The idea of sex and the Angel Hoare' dichotomy is still prevalent in our society, as much as it was In Priestly's time. This notion of sex and hypocrisy still exists today; that a man can have pre-marital sex but a woman cannot. This makes the play relevant to our generation. The play challenges our own stereotypes; because of this the audience is intrigued and involved in the play. Therefore the play remains popular.
Another theme relating to responsibility in the play is the idea of guilt. Human nature tends to dictate the idea of how some tend to deny an experience, while others accept their mistakes and try to learn from it. This relates to the characters in the play. Eric and Sheila represent those who accept that "we (Eric and Sheila) all helped to kill her." However, Mr Birling represents those who repress guilt, "community" and feeling responsible and guilty for the suicide is "nonsense" in Mr Birling's view. In this way the play becomes successful. The audience's conscience is examined. The audience are forced to think whether they would accept their guilt or deny it.
The theme, that is as true today as when it was written, is that of the conflict between the rich and poor. Mr Birling represents the harsh capitalist view, "who came down sharply on" "these people." The Inspector breaks down these views, as each character is inspected. The audience is entertained by the idea of breaking down of these views and successfully bringing justice to the "cheap labour". This accounts for much of the popularity, as the Inspector converts one character and successfully brings responsibility to all others. This humanitarian' image of a God' like figure bringing comeuppance, to the stereotypical, prejudiced, upper' class is an entertaining thought. The "cheap labour" finally became "people," as the characters are forced to face their "responsibility."
The popularity of the play is also accounted for due to the fact that there is only a single plot (i.e. no sub-plot); along with the events taking place in real time. This involves the reader, as there is no sub-plot to divert the reader's attention. Also the fact that the play takes place in real time makes the play seem more believable, as the actions are taking place at a normal time scale. This also increases the tension, as the dramatic effectiveness is not distributed over a long time scale. We can also relate much more to the characters. We feel what they are going through at that particular time, i.e. distance is not created via various sub-plots and long stretches of time. Due to this close relation between the characters and the audience, the play remains popular.
Timing and the investigation into time, also has a clear impact on the play and its popularity. The added thrill' and excitement added to the play is due to the supernatural timing of the Inspector, who predicts the "girl on her way to the Infirmary." This supernatural note is an adequate closing point for the play and leaves the audience with an air of mystery and intrigue.
Through the idea of timing the message (relating to Priestly's audience and a modern day audience) is reinforced of how "we have a responsibility to others." Through the use of timing, this idea is reflected. The telephone call at the end of the play represents the idea of unavoidable consequence. The audience can take satisfaction in the justice served and the message portrayed.
The language used in An Inspector Calls' adds to the realism and popularity of the play as a whole. We can see the use of colloquialism, and non-poetic prose e.g. "chump" or "squiffy." This is mainly used to show a divide between the adults and the children. The children use period' slang e.g. ass.' Compared with the terse, matter of fact language, which Mr Birling uses "I told the girl to clear out and she did".
The use of this dialogue shows a difference not only in the children and adult status, but also in the acceptance of guilt. We see how Mrs Birling is harder to break down then Sheila and Eric, showing the more open-minded youth, compared with the rigid, social conformity of the adults. This accounts for some of the popularity, as the open-minded nature of youth, tends to relate to our society as well. Seeing the adults' being made to accept being "responsible for each other" is entertaining, as we see the transformation in the adults, as the walls of conformity are broken down. Also through "responsibility," the gap between the children and the adult's moral standing is finally bridged, as each person is equally "responsible."
Along with effective use of language, is the use of imagery. The use of imagery is mainly for dramatic effect. The graphic image of being "Burnt her [Eva] inside out" shocks the audience and the "nasty mess" of Eva's body paints a gruesome picture. This use of imagery for effect attracts and shocks the audience. It brings out an emotion in the audience, so they can relate to the torture faced by Eva. Therefore, the use of imagery can shock and therefore can enlighten. This enlightenment adds to the popularity of the play.
The popularity can be attributed to the amusing use of irony. The satirical comment by the Inspector "very awkward" directed towards Arthur Birling can be made to be amusing, as the comment not only shows agreement between Arthur Birling and the Inspector but also emphasises the idea of how things will get "awkward" for Birling himself. This provides some light relief to the otherwise tense nature of the play and therefore can make the play more entertaining.
The genre in which An Inspector Calls' is written, also accounts for the popularity of the play. The "whodunnit" format may seem a conventional style of writing e.g. an Agatha Christie novel in confining to a predictable storyline; compared with Priestly's play in which everyone was "responsible" rather then a single person. This new and unpredictable adaptation to the "whodunnit" format attracts a large audience. Therefore due to its originality, the play stays successful and popular.
The key character that brings the play to life is Inspector Goole. The Inspector accounts for much of the popularity. His "massiveness, solidity and purposefulness" breaks down the walls of the characters, as he inspects each person. Through this Goole entertains the audience.
The catalytic nature of his investigation opened the audiences' eyes to the "responsible for each other". And the mysterious nature of the almost angel' like questioning, allows the audience to make their own judgement on the Inspector. Goole brings intrigue and excitement into the play. Through this idea the Inspector is one of the main reasons for the popularity of the play. Even the Inspector's name suggests a supernatural being or ghoul'. Goole's moral conscience leads the characters to accept their guilt and therefore brings justice for the "suicide". Therefore he is an important reason for the popularity of the play.
An Inspector Calls' remains a popular play. Its intriguing theme and originality, coupled with dramatic tension, breaking down of social and political stereotypes, allows both an audience today and Priestly's audience to relate to the play. The play forces the audience to examine their own conscience. The thrill' of the ending telephone call emphasis the idea that human nature seeks justice, for those who have been wronged. Truly the popularity of the play is deserved. The message of being "responsible for each other" is received and the play will continue to be popular, not only now but also into the future.
Brodies Notes
Letts Guide to Inpector Calls