Opening Stage Directions
What is the mood described like in the opening stage directions of An Inspector Calls?
The mood is described as warm, relaxed, and celebratory. The family is enjoying a “pleasant” evening together, and the lighting is “pink and intimate,” which suggests comfort and happiness.
Who are the two main younger characters in An Inspector Calls?
The two main younger characters are Sheila Birling and Eric Birling, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Birling.
What does the word “bourgeoisie” mean in the context of An Inspector Calls?
In the play, the bourgeoisie refers to the wealthy middle class, especially those who own businesses and benefit from capitalism. They have money and status but often show little concern for the working class.
What does the term “proletariat” mean in the context of An Inspector Calls?
The proletariat refers to the working-class people who have little power or wealth and often work for the benefit of the upper classes. In the play, they are shown as vulnerable and exploited by those in positions of privilege.
What is capitalism?
Capitalism is an economic system where businesses and industries are privately owned and run for profit. In An Inspector Calls, Mr Birling strongly supports capitalist ideas, such as making money and keeping wages low.
How is the Birling family’s home described in the opening stage directions, and what does this suggest about their social status?
The house is described as “substantial and heavily comfortable, but not cosy and homelike.” This suggests that the Birlings are wealthy and middle or upper class. However, the lack of warmth in the description implies a focus on status and appearance rather than genuine warmth or family closeness.
How does Sheila respond to the Inspector’s questioning compared to her parents?
Sheila is more honest and takes responsibility for her actions. She quickly realises her role in Eva Smith’s downfall and shows regret. In contrast, her parents are defensive and refuse to accept blame.
Which characters in the play represent the bourgeoisie?
Mr Birling and Mrs Birling clearly represent the bourgeoisie. Mr Birling is a wealthy businessman, and Mrs Birling is part of a privileged social class. Gerald Croft also belongs to the upper class and supports their values.
Which character best represents the proletariat in the play?
Eva Smith best represents the proletariat. She is a working-class woman who faces hardship and mistreatment at the hands of wealthier characters. Through her, Priestley shows the struggles of the lower class in a capitalist society.
What is socialism, and how is it presented in the play?
Socialism is the belief that people should work together and share responsibility for one another. In the play, the Inspector represents socialist values, urging characters to care for others and warning about the dangers of selfishness.
What does the description of lighting (“pink and intimate” then “brighter and harder” when the Inspector Arrives) foreshadow about the events of the play?
The “pink and intimate” lighting at the start suggests a rosy, comfortable view of life, possibly showing the Birlings’ self-satisfaction. When the Inspector arrives, the light becomes “brighter and harder,” foreshadowing the exposure of uncomfortable truths and the harsh reality that will be revealed.
What does Eric’s confession reveal about his character and the differences between the generations?
Eric’s confession shows that he is deeply ashamed of his behaviour and feels guilty. Unlike his parents, he accepts responsibility and wants to change. This shows a generational divide: the younger characters are more open to learning from their mistakes.
How does Mr Birling’s attitude at the start of the play reflect bourgeois values?
Mr Birling focuses on profit, social status, and individual success. He dismisses the idea of community responsibility and mocks socialism. His speeches about “lower costs and higher prices” and his concern with his potential knighthood show his selfish, capitalist outlook.
How is Eva Smith treated by different members of the Birling family?
Mr Birling sacks her for asking for better wages. Sheila gets her fired from her next job out of jealousy. Gerald uses her for his own pleasure then leaves her. Mrs Birling refuses her help at a charity. Eric takes advantage of her and makes her pregnant.
How does Mr Birling show capitalist beliefs through his speech at the start of the play?
Mr Birling talks about business, profit, and individual success. He says things like "a man has to mind his own business" and mocks ideas of community or “cranks” like socialists. His speech shows his belief in self-interest over social duty.
How do the stage directions help establish the theme of social appearance versus reality?
The setting appears respectable and luxurious, reflecting how the Birlings want to be seen—successful and proper. However, the lack of warmth (“not cosy and homelike”) hints that this image may be superficial. This contrast sets up the theme that outward appearances can hide deeper moral flaws and hypocrisies.
How do Sheila and Eric represent Priestley’s ideas about social responsibility?
Priestley uses Sheila and Eric to show that the younger generation is capable of change and moral growth. They both admit their faults and feel guilty, showing that they understand their duty to others in society. This supports Priestley’s message that people should care for one another.
How does Priestley use the character of Mrs Birling to criticise bourgeois attitudes towards the working class?
Mrs Birling is portrayed as cold, snobbish, and lacking empathy. She refuses to help Eva Smith when she asks for support from her charity, simply because Eva used the Birling name. This highlights how the bourgeoisie can be cruel and judgemental, caring more about appearances and class than about people.
How does Priestley use the character of Eva Smith to highlight the struggles of the working class?
Eva is never seen on stage and never speaks, symbolising how the working class are often voiceless and ignored. She is passed from one upper-class character to another, each treating her unfairly. Her story shows how difficult life is for those with little money, power, or support, especially women.
How does Priestley use the Inspector to criticise capitalism?
The Inspector challenges the selfish, capitalist attitudes of the Birlings. He argues that everyone has a duty to others, especially the vulnerable. His final warning of “fire and blood and anguish” suggests that failing to care for others will lead to disaster—this is a warning about the dangers of unchecked capitalism.
How do the opening stage directions reflect Priestley’s political message about class and responsibility?
The luxurious setting and formality of the Birlings’ home show their privileged status in society. By making the environment feel stiff and artificial, Priestley critiques the upper classes for caring more about wealth and appearances than about others. This helps introduce his socialist message: that people in power must take responsibility for those who are less fortunate.
In what ways does Priestley use the younger generation to criticise the attitudes of the older generation and promote his socialist message?
Priestley presents Sheila and Eric as more compassionate, honest, and willing to change. They challenge their parents’ selfish and traditional views. Through them, Priestley criticises the rigid, capitalist attitudes of the older generation and promotes the idea that a better, more equal society is possible if people take responsibility and care about others—especially the working class.
In what ways does Priestley use the bourgeoisie to explore the theme of social inequality and promote his socialist message?
Priestley presents the bourgeoisie—especially the Birlings—as morally blind and resistant to change. They represent a system where the rich exploit the poor and avoid responsibility. Through the Inspector’s questioning and the younger generation’s growing awareness, Priestley challenges their values and promotes a socialist message of shared responsibility, equality, and care for others.
In what ways does Priestley use the treatment of the proletariat to criticise capitalism and promote social responsibility?
Priestley uses Eva’s suffering to show the failures of capitalism, where the rich exploit the poor without consequences. The Birlings see themselves as individuals with no duty to others. In contrast, the Inspector argues for collective responsibility, suggesting we are “members of one body.” Through this, Priestley promotes socialist values, warning that if society doesn’t change, it will suffer consequences—“fire and blood and anguish.”
How does Priestley present the conflict between capitalism and socialism through characters and structure in the play?
riestley presents Mr Birling and Mrs Birling as symbols of capitalist selfishness—focused on profit, status, and appearances. In contrast, the Inspector, and eventually Sheila and Eric, represent socialist ideas, like responsibility and equality. Structurally, the play begins with capitalist confidence but ends with doubt, guilt, and a second phone call, showing that the capitalist system must change for society to improve.