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User: What do I need to know about social class in An Inspector Calls for my GCSE English Literature exam?

What do I need to know about social class in An Inspector Calls for my GCSE English Literature exam?

Assistant: For your GCSE English Literature exam, understanding the theme of social class in J.B.

For your GCSE English Literature exam, understanding the theme of social class in J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Overview of Social Class Theme

• Central Theme: Social class is a central theme in the play, highlighting the divisions and inequalities in early 20th-century British society.
• Moral Responsibility: The play critiques the moral responsibilities of the upper classes toward the lower classes, emphasizing social responsibility and interconnectedness.

2. Characters and Social Class

• The Birling Family and Gerald Croft: - Arthur Birling: Represents the prosperous middle class. His business success and capitalist views are contrasted with the play’s socialist messages. - Sybil Birling: Embodies the arrogance and detachment of the upper class. Her lack of empathy for Eva Smith illustrates class prejudice. - Sheila Birling: Begins as naive and complicit but evolves to recognize and reject her family's classist attitudes. - Eric Birling: His irresponsible actions and ultimate remorse highlight the moral failings and potential for change within the upper class. - Gerald Croft: As an aristocrat, his affair with Eva shows both moments of kindness and exploitation, embodying complexities of class interactions.
• Eva Smith/Daisy Renton: Represents the working class, suffering from the neglect and exploitation by the upper classes. She is a symbol of the powerless and voiceless in society.

3. Priestley's Critique of Social Class

• Capitalism vs. Socialism: Through Mr. Birling's speeches and the Inspector's interrogation, Priestley contrasts capitalist self-interest with socialist ideals of community and responsibility.
• Responsibility: The Inspector’s role is to show how each character’s actions have contributed to Eva’s demise, stressing that higher social status should entail greater moral responsibility.

4. Historical Context

• Post-War Britain: Written in 1945, the play reflects post-WWII attitudes where there was a strong push for social change and the creation of a welfare state.
• Edwardian Society: Set in 1912, just before WWI, highlighting the stark class divisions and lack of social mobility of that time.

5. The Inspector’s Role

• Moral Conscience: The Inspector serves as Priestley's mouthpiece, advocating for social equality and collective responsibility.
• Catalyst for Change: He challenges each character to confront their own prejudices and the impacts of their actions on others, especially those of lower social status.

6. Quotations and Analysis

• Arthur Birling: “A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too, of course, when he has one...” This highlights his capitalist and individualistic mindset.
• Inspector Goole: “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” This encapsulates the play’s socialist message.
• Sheila Birling: “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.” Her awakening to the humanity of the working class marks a significant shift in her character.

7. Exam Tips

• Themes and Characters: Be able to discuss how social class affects each character and how Priestley uses them to convey his message.
• Contextual Understanding: Link the play’s themes to its historical context, showing how Priestley’s experiences and contemporary social changes influenced his writing.
• Quotations: Use key quotations to support your analysis, explaining their significance and how they illustrate the theme of social class.
• Essay Structure: Clearly structure your essays with an introduction, several body paragraphs (each focusing on a specific aspect of the theme), and a conclusion.

By understanding these points, you should be well-prepared to discuss the theme of social class in "An Inspector Calls" in your GCSE English Literature exam.