An Inspector Calls Study Report Essay Example

had far more importance then than they do today.

The way in which Priestley has decided to portray the characters of the play also conveys the social period of the setting.The quote "... Edna, the parlour maid.

.. is evidence that the play is set in the Edwardian era, as the term 'parlour maid' was used during that time, instead of 'house keeper' or 'cleaner' which are both used today. This evidence can also be used to illustrate the fact that the Birling family are of middle class, as during this period, only people in the upper and middle classes could afford to have a maid.

The behaviour of the characters can show the reader the social period in which the play is set. When Mr Birling comments on how nice the dinner is and says ""Good dinner too, Sybil. Tell cook for me", his wife replies, "Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things-".This indicates that talking to the cooks and maids was not acceptable, which was normal behaviour in the Edwardian era. In addition to this, division of the sexes is demonstrated through behaviour. During the Edwardian era, there was inequality between men and women; women had lack of equal treatment compared to men.

This is illustrated when Mrs Birling says, "... I think Sheila and I had better go into the drawing-room and leave you men-". This is said as if the men have the right to be left in peace.

This is also demonstrated when Eric says, "Mother says we mustn't stay too long.But I don't think it matters. " This shows that the men had the final decision over the women.

Priestley establishes the historical period in numerous ways. The first being stage directions.

In the introductory of act 1, Priestley states how the family are dressed with the quote, "All five are in the evening dress of the period, the men in tails and white ties, not dinner jackets. " This shows that the play is set in the Edwardian period as this type of dress code was common for upper and middle class people on special occasions. The language used by the characters conveys what period they are living in.Sheila says to Eric, "You're squiffy.

" This term, meaning slightly drunk, is no longer used today but was common in the Edwardian period. Also, the word "chump" is also used by Sheila, meaning 'fool'. Furthermore, Edna the maid addresses Mrs Birling as "Ma'am". Nowadays, this term is no longer used by housekeepers or cleaners addressing their employers, except in British Royal households. There is no direct answer to why Priestley set "An Inspector Calls" in 1912; however there are relevant reasons which could be possible. The play is set in 1912, Edwardian England, just before the war.

This was a very difficult time for England. It was a period when there were many strikes, food shortages and great political tension. In contrast to that, the play was written and published in 1945, just after World War II, when the country was also in disarray. Priestley uses this time difference effectively, showing people that the way forward is socialism.

He implies that in order to move forward and to rebuild the country, people have to work together as a society, instead of reverting back to capitalism.

Therefore, one reason Priestley may have chosen to set the play in 1912, could have been to promote socialism.Another reason for setting the play in the Edwardian period could be political persuasion. Priestley uses his play to try and show people that community in 1912 was non-existent and that the world needs to change rather than return to the self centred society that existed in the Edwardian England. In his play, Priestley's message that he was trying to get across to the audience, was that we could not go on being self obsessed and that we had to change our political views. Moreover, Priestley may have written the play to create dramatic irony.

During the first 10 pages of the play, it is used to mock Mr Birling.In Mr Birling's speech at the beginning of the play, he proudly states that "as a hard-headed businessman" he thinks that "there isn't a chance of war" and that the Titanic is "absolutely unsinkable". With the play being published after two world wars and the sinking of the Titanic, Priestley makes the audience think that Birling is a fool. This allows the audience to get involved with the play, as they know something that Mr Birling doesn't.

Finally, Priestley may have written the play to reflect his own life. Priestley fought in World War One, and was a radio newscaster during World War Two.He witnessed both of these wars that were being fought in order to save society. In "An Inspector Calls" written just after World War Two, J. B.

Priestley seems to be asking the question, "Just what kind of society are we fighting to save? "

In conclusion, there are many ways in which Priestley has effectively established the social and historical period of the play, making it clear for the reader without stating the obvious. What is arguably harder to infer, is why he set the play in 1912. However, there are very relevant suggestions which could be why he decided to do so.