Historical Context (An Inspector Calls)

This section explains the historical context of the play An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley was written in 1945 and first performed in 1946, but it is set in 1912, two years before the outbreak of World War I. Understanding the historical context of the play is crucial for interpreting its themes and messages. Priestley uses the historical setting to highlight social inequalities and promote his views on social responsibility, which were especially relevant to audiences in the mid-20th century. Below are key points about the historical context of the play.

Setting: 1912

Edwardian Era: The play is set in 1912, during the Edwardian period, a time of stark contrasts between the rich and the poor. British society was rigidly divided by class, with the upper and middle classes enjoying wealth and privilege, while the working classes lived in poverty, with little opportunity for social mobility.

Social inequality: In 1912, there was no welfare state. The poor had few protections, and if they lost their jobs, they often faced destitution. The wealth gap between the classes was vast, and people in the working class, like Eva Smith, had to rely on charity or suffer in silence. The play reflects this inequality and questions the morality of those who benefit from it, like the Birling family.

Women’s rights: Women’s roles in society were very limited in 1912. They were expected to marry, raise children, and maintain the household, with little say in political or economic matters. Working-class women, like Eva Smith, were often exploited in factories or in service roles. The suffragette movement was gaining momentum at this time, but women did not have the right to vote until 1918 (for women over 30) and 1928 (for all women over 21). Priestley highlights the vulnerability of women like Eva, who are dependent on the decisions of powerful men.

The Titanic and "progress": Priestley uses the sinking of the Titanic as a symbol of the hubris and complacency of the upper classes in 1912. Arthur Birling’s confident assertion that the Titanic is "unsinkable" reflects the widespread belief that society was progressing smoothly and that the upper classes were secure in their wealth and status. The sinking of the Titanic in April 1912 was a tragedy that challenged this sense of security and exposed the arrogance of the time. Birling’s misplaced confidence is a form of dramatic irony that Priestley uses to criticise the blindness of the privileged.

Written in 1945, Post-World War II

End of World War II: When Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls in 1945, Britain had just emerged from the devastation of World War II. The country had been through immense hardship, including the loss of millions of lives and widespread destruction. The war led to a greater awareness of social inequalities and fostered a desire for change. People were more conscious of the need for collective responsibility, unity, and rebuilding a fairer society.

The rise of socialism: In 1945, the Labour Party won a landslide victory in the general election, defeating Winston Churchill’s Conservative Party. The Labour government, led by Clement Attlee, was committed to creating a welfare state, which included the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 and the introduction of social reforms aimed at reducing poverty and improving living conditions. Priestley was a strong supporter of these socialist ideas, and An Inspector Calls reflects his belief in social responsibility and the need for the privileged to care for the less fortunate.

Capitalism vs. Socialism: In the play, Arthur Birling represents capitalism and individualism, with his belief in personal responsibility and the survival of the fittest. The Inspector, on the other hand, serves as the voice of socialism, advocating for collective responsibility and the importance of community. Priestley uses the play to critique the selfishness of capitalism and promote socialist values, which were gaining popularity after the war.

Social change: After World War II, Britain was undergoing significant social change. The class system was beginning to break down, and there was a strong push for greater equality. The war had shown that people from all classes could work together for a common cause, and many felt that this sense of unity should extend to peacetime society. Priestley wrote the play to encourage audiences to embrace this change and reject the old hierarchies of class and privilege.

Priestley’s Political Views and Social Criticism

J.B. Priestley as a social commentator: Priestley was not only a playwright but also a political commentator who was deeply concerned with social justice. He was a founding member of the socialist "Common Wealth Party" during the 1940s, and much of his work reflects his desire for a fairer, more equal society. In An Inspector Calls, he uses the character of Inspector Goole to deliver a moral message about the need for social responsibility.

Responsibility and guilt: Priestley’s play is a direct critique of the selfishness and moral blindness of the upper classes. The Birlings represent the wealthy, capitalist elite who benefit from exploiting workers like Eva Smith. Through the Inspector, Priestley suggests that everyone is responsible for each other’s welfare and that society cannot progress unless people acknowledge their role in helping or harming others. The concept of "collective responsibility" is central to the play and reflects Priestley’s socialist ideals.

The Generation Gap

Older vs. younger generation: Priestley contrasts the attitudes of the older and younger characters in the play to highlight the potential for change in post-war society. The older characters, Arthur and Sybil Birling, are resistant to accepting responsibility for their actions. They are stuck in their ways and embody the outdated values of pre-war Britain.

Arthur and Sybil Birling: These characters represent the selfishness and complacency of the upper class. They are portrayed as unwilling to change and dismissive of the Inspector’s moral message. Their lack of empathy for Eva Smith and refusal to accept responsibility for her death reflect the attitudes Priestley criticises.

Sheila and Eric Birling: In contrast, the younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, are more open to change. They recognise their complicity in Eva’s death and show remorse, suggesting that the younger generation has the potential to learn from their mistakes and build a better, fairer society. This reflects Priestley’s hope for post-war Britain, where young people would reject the old hierarchies and embrace social responsibility.

The Play’s Timeless Relevance

Although An Inspector Calls is set in 1912, it remains relevant to contemporary audiences because its themes of social responsibility, inequality, and moral accountability are timeless. Priestley’s critique of selfishness and exploitation resonates in any society where the gap between rich and poor is significant. By setting the play in the past but writing it for a post-war audience, Priestley encourages viewers to reflect on their own society and question whether they are contributing to the betterment of others or simply perpetuating inequality.

Conclusion

The historical context of An Inspector Calls is crucial for understanding its themes and messages. Set in 1912, the play reflects the rigid class structures, social inequalities, and complacency of the Edwardian era. Written in 1945, it speaks to the post-World War II audience’s desire for social change, unity, and the building of a more just society. Priestley uses the play to critique capitalism and advocate for socialism, urging people to take responsibility for each other and work towards a fairer world. By exploring the generation gap and contrasting the attitudes of the older and younger characters, Priestley highlights the potential for change and progress in a society that embraces social responsibility.