GCSE English Literature, An Inspector Calls: Context

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley is deeply connected to the social and historical context of Edwardian society (1901-1914), a period marked by significant social inequality and strict class divisions in Britain. The play is set in 1912, during the later years of the Edwardian era, and understanding this context is crucial for analysing the themes, characters, and messages of the play.

Edwardian society was sharply divided by class. The upper classes, such as the Birling family in the play, were wealthy, privileged, and often disconnected from the struggles of the working class. People like Eva Smith represent the lower working class, who had little access to education, wealth, or social mobility. The gap between the rich and poor was vast, and the upper class often saw the working class as expendable, which is reflected in Mr. Birling’s treatment of Eva, whom he fires without much thought.

Priestley uses the play to criticise this class inequality. The play demonstrates how the upper class exploits and dismisses the needs of the working class, symbolised by the treatment of Eva Smith by each member of the Birling family and Gerald Croft. The Inspector’s message—that “we are all responsible for each other”—is a direct challenge to the selfish, individualistic attitudes that were prevalent in Edwardian society.

The play reflects the capitalist mindset that dominated Edwardian Britain, especially through the character of Mr. Birling. Birling is portrayed as a hard-headed businessman who prioritises profit over people. He dismisses any notions of social responsibility, claiming that “a man has to mind his own business and look after himself.”

In contrast, Inspector Goole embodies the ideals of socialism and social responsibility, challenging Birling’s views. The Inspector argues that everyone has a duty to look out for others, particularly the vulnerable, like Eva Smith. Priestley, who was a socialist, uses this contrast to critique the capitalist values of Edwardian society and to encourage a more equal and compassionate world.

Edwardian society was also highly patriarchal. Women, especially in the upper class, were expected to conform to specific roles—obedient, quiet, and focused on marriage and family. In the play, Sheila Birling initially reflects this traditional view of women, being sheltered and superficial. However, as the play progresses, she undergoes a transformation, becoming more independent and self-aware, which reflects changing attitudes towards women during the early 20th century.

Eva Smith’s treatment also highlights the exploitation of working-class women, who had few rights and were often subjected to the whims of powerful men like Mr. Birling and Gerald. The way she is used and discarded by the men in the play reflects the gender inequalities of the time, where women had little social or economic power.

Priestley sets the play in 1912, just before the sinking of the Titanic and the outbreak of World War I. Mr. Birling’s famous line about the Titanic being “unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” is an example of dramatic irony. The audience, watching the play in 1945 after both the Titanic disaster and two world wars, knows that Birling is completely wrong. This irony serves to highlight Birling’s arrogance and shortsightedness, as well as the fragility of Edwardian society’s confident belief in progress and stability.

Although An Inspector Calls is set in 1912, it was written in 1945, after World War II. By this time, British society had undergone significant changes, with growing demands for social equality and justice. Priestley wanted to encourage further social change and used the play to advocate for greater responsibility and care for others, regardless of class.

Inspector Goole’s final speech reflects this message: “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” This is a direct challenge to the individualism of Edwardian society and a call for a more collective, compassionate approach to social issues. The play was intended to remind post-war audiences of the dangers of returning to the inequalities of the past.

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