An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley :: Papers

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley Priestley set the play before the First World War because . . . . . . . .  · Wanted to show what life was like with a rigid class system, For example Gerald and Eva would not marry.  · Wanted to show what life was like with no unemployment benefit.  · In 1945 people had mixed much more to help each other during the war.  · There were plans for state support for health and unemployment.  · Priestley wants people to decide which kind of life is better for people 1912 or 1945. Priestley makes sure the audience knows things the characters don't. How does this affect our understanding of the characters? Priestley makes sure the audience knows things the characters do not. This allows us to form an opinion of Mr Birling. For example . . . . . . . .  · Mr Birling says the Titanic will not sink.  · Mr Birling says there will not be a war.  · Mr Birling seems to think he can see into the future.  · This makes Mr Birling seem arrogant and stupid.  · Mr Birling thinks he's very important, but we can see faults in him. Why did he use a family like the Birlings? Priestley used a family like the Birlings because . . . . . . .  · They are rich and self satisfied.  · They only care about money and themselves.  · They use their power to hurt other people, for example, Sheila got the girl sacked  · He wants us to see how unfair life is if people like the Birlings are in charge. Who, or what is the Inspector? The Inspector could be several things. He could be . . . . . . .  · Could be their conscience  · Could be their imagination  · Could be supernatural because he knows such a lot about them When does he appear? Why is this important? How does Priestley make sure we see him as unusual?