GCSE English Literature, An Inspector Calls: Context

The Suffragettes’ movement links to An Inspector Calls through the play’s exploration of women’s rights, gender inequality, and the social changes occurring during the early 20th century. Here’s how the Suffragettes and their cause connect to the themes in the play:

An Inspector Calls is set in 1912, a time when the Suffragette movement was gaining momentum in Britain, fighting for women’s right to vote and challenging traditional gender roles. Women like Eva Smith, though fictional, represent the millions of working-class women who had little power or voice in society, economically and politically. The plight of Eva Smith, who is fired by Mr. Birling and later mistreated by other characters, reflects the broader struggles that women faced during this period.

In the play, Sheila Birling’s journey can be seen as symbolic of the changing role of women. She begins as somewhat passive and compliant but grows in self-awareness and independence throughout the story, especially after the Inspector’s visit. This mirrors the empowerment women began to experience during the Suffragette movement.

The Suffragettes challenged a male-dominated society, and Priestley’s play also critiques the patriarchal attitudes of the time. Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft treat women, particularly working-class women like Eva, as disposable or insignificant. The way women are used and discarded in the play reflects the lack of respect and power they had in society, a central issue that the Suffragettes fought against.

In contrast, the Inspector’s message advocates for equality and fairness, aligning with the Suffragettes’ fight for women’s rights and social justice. Priestley, a known advocate for social reform, uses the play to subtly endorse the values that the Suffragettes stood for—fair treatment, equality, and the need for social responsibility.

Sheila’s transformation throughout the play reflects the progressive ideals of the time. As she becomes more vocal about her family’s responsibility for Eva Smith’s death, she also begins to challenge the status quo, much like the Suffragettes did. Sheila’s growing confidence and moral clarity can be seen as symbolic of women’s fight for recognition, equality, and empowerment, particularly in the early 20th century.

By 1945, when An Inspector Calls was first performed, women had gained the right to vote (in 1918 for women over 30 and in 1928 for women over 21), thanks in large part to the Suffragette movement. Priestley’s play, written just after World War II, looks back to a time before these changes but encourages a more egalitarian and socially responsible society in line with the values the Suffragettes promoted.

The Suffragette movement connects to An Inspector Calls through its emphasis on gender inequality, the changing role of women, and the critique of patriarchal attitudes. The play reflects the social changes sparked by movements like the Suffragettes, particularly in how it portrays women like Sheila and Eva, and how it calls for greater social responsibility and justice for all, regardless of gender or class.

Conclusion:

An Inspector Calls is a powerful critique of Edwardian society, exploring themes of class, gender, capitalism, and social responsibility. Priestley uses the play to highlight the inequality and hypocrisy of the time, while advocating for a fairer, more compassionate society. Understanding the historical context of the Edwardian era helps readers grasp the social commentary Priestley weaves throughout the play, making it an essential part of studying the text for GCSE English Literature.

Understanding these context elements helps uncover the deeper social and political messages in “An Inspector Calls” and allows students to explore themes such as responsibility, class, and morality.

More on An Inspector Calls:

GCSE English Literature- An Inspector Calls Vocabulary

GCSE English Literature- An Inspector Calls: Summary

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