5 Questions
What was the main theme of the play 'An Inspector Calls'?
The class system and societal responsibility
What action did Sheila take against Eva Smith when she felt uncomfortable?
She used her influence to have Eva removed from the store
What organization was Mrs. Birling a prominent member of?
A philanthropic charity organization
What societal movement was gaining momentum in 1913?
The suffragette movement
What ultimately happens to Eva Smith?
She takes her own life
Study Notes
- In Edwardian Britain, the worlds of the rich and poor rarely interacted.
- The speaker, Sheila Burling, had a confrontation with a store manager about an employee who made her feel uncomfortable.
- The employee, Eva Smith, was frequently seen making herself presentable in dress shops.
- Sheila used her influence as a customer and a prominent member of the community to have Eva removed from the store.
- Eva later took her own life due to the lack of social safety net and the pressures of societal expectations.
- The suffragette movement, led by Emily Pankhurst, was gaining momentum in 1913, fighting for women's right to vote.
- Eva might have joined the movement had she not faced personal tragedies.
- Sheila's mother, Mrs. Birling, was a prominent member of a philanthropic charity organization but failed to help Eva when she needed it most.
- The play "An Inspector Calls" critiques the class system and societal responsibility for the actions of individuals.
- Sheila realizes her role in Eva's death and begins to take responsibility for her position in society.
- The play suggests that if people dedicate themselves to communal tasks, society could be richer and more meaningful for everyone.
- The text takes place in 1914, during which Britain was forever changed by the First World War.
- Sheila and Gerald, a character in the play, would contribute to the war effort in different ways.
- Gerald would likely survive the war comfortably while Sheila would work in a factory or hospital.
- The inspector's arrival in the play prompts the audience to question their role in society and responsibilities to others.
Test your knowledge of the themes and characters of the play 'An Inspector Calls' by J.B. Priestley. Explore the societal dynamics, character motivations, and historical context of the play.
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