What is the background of An Inspector Calls?

An Inspector Calls was written in 1945, however, it is set in 1912 and reflects the Edwardian era. King Edward ruled from 1901 to 1910, but the Edwardian era itself spans from the mid-1890s to 1914, the year when WW1 began.

What is the social and historical context of An Inspector Calls?

The story centralises around a middle/upper class family who are involved in the death of a working class girl. Before WW2, Britain was divided by class. On one side there were wealthy land and factory owners and then there were the poor workers. However, war brought both sides together.

What caused Priestley to write An Inspector Calls?

Priestley deliberately set his play in 1912 because the date represented an era when all was very different from the time he was writing. In 1912, rigid class and gender boundaries seemed to ensure that nothing would change. Priestley wanted to make the most of these changes.

What is the main message of An Inspector Calls?

Priestley’s Main Aim in An Inspector Calls JB Priestly wrote ‘An Inspector Calls’ to enhance the message that ‘we don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’.

What is the significance of Edna in An Inspector Calls?

The Birlings’ maid, Edna, may seem insignificant but she serves as a reminder of the Birlings’ wealth and the presence of the lower classes. She also introduces the Inspector and provides insight into the life of Eva Smith since they come from a similar background.

What are the two important years associated with An Inspector Calls and why?

Daldry’s concept was to reference two eras: the 1945 post-war era, when the play was written, and the ostensible historical setting for the work in pre-war 1912; this emphasised the way the character Goole was observing, and deploring, the Birling family’s behaviour from Priestley’s own cultural viewpoint.

How is the Inspector a ghost?

It can definitely be interpreted that he is a supernatural figure because of his name: Goole. This is generally seen as a homophone for ghoul which is another word for a ghost. One theory is that he is a ghost-like figure, suggested by his name “Goole”, who is sent to make the Birlings aware of their actions.