Equitable Society

Mira, Stephen, Shiavax

In An Inspector Calls

•Equitable;fair and impartial or reasonable; just and right: equitable treatment of all citizens.(Webster’s College Dictionary)

• Classes in Society have a big role to play in equitable society. This is because they are factors that effect the way people treat each other e.g. Mrs. Birling’s attitude towards the lower class, “those kind of girls”, those who are socially inferior

How the theme is present in the play

• Priestly has strong socialist views, the aim from Inspector Calls was to convey his perspective to the audience in hope of raising awareness the social inequality.

• Throughout an Inspector Calls the political views of Priestly are expressed through the characters in their speeches, actions and reactions and the way the characters behave towards each other.

How the theme is reflected in what each character from the Birling family

says or does• The characters represent the points that

Priestley is against which is capitalism and social inequality. E.g “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”-pg10

• In the case of Eric and Sheila he presents the possibility of change as he shows the younger generation divided between the two political groups. He shows the social divide between the older and younger generation in their perspectives of social inequality and what behavior is acceptable.

How the theme is reflected in what each character from the Birling family says or

does

• Mr. and Mrs. Birling find is shocking and rude the way Inspector Goole presented himself as he was not afraid to put them in their place. Inspector Goole was the one in control of the situation and the Birling's had never felt that way before, the way the treat those who are seen as socially inferior so the Inspector gives them a taste of their own medicine.

• Mrs. Birling looks down on Eva in the fact she refuses to offer help to her when Eva went to Mrs. Birling’s charity. She also acts superior just because she is of a higher class.

How the theme is reflected in what each character from the Birling family says or

does• Mrs. Birling takes a long time to acknowledge

the fact that they might be responsible for Eva Smith’s death as she doesn't understand why the Inspector is questioning them about such a matter since she believes that because she is upper class she is entitled to complete innocence. Also she is very proud of her social status which makes her ignorant as a result.

• As Eva Smith is also a lower class girl, they , the Birling family, belittle her and find it shocking to be linked with someone socially inferior to them. “she was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position” –pg46

The role of Inspector Goole in dealing with the theme

• From the beginning the Inspector creates “at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness”, throughout the play Inspector Goole remains confident when all the other characters are breaking down the barrier of classes and experience their realisations.

• The Inspector is used to represent the conscience of the characters but to also show the point and message of what Priestley is trying to convey which is the idea of socialism and that everyone is linked with each other, social responsibility.

The role of Inspector Goole in dealing with the theme

• He becomes the voice of the working class, especially towards the ending of his presence in the play, his final speech; “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”- Inspector Goole in his final speech summarizing the message of the play. (page 56)

How equitable society contributes to Eva Smith’s death

• The Birlings look down on Eva and their workers in society as the Birlings see themselves as upper class and important, and they are not affected / concerned by how their actions may affect others for example Eva Smith or the workers.

• 'She'd a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.' Pg 15.

• Mrs Birling says 'I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl has committed suicide. Girls of that class-'. Pg 30

• People with money in the play act as if they are above the law and do not think about how their actions may affect other people in society. They also feel as though they can spend vast sums of money and people with money such as Mrs Birling come across as arrogant and ignorant in the way she treats other people in society. ““They just wont try to understand our position”- Mr Birling page 45

• Eva Smith however, feels as though she is forced into prostitution in order to support herself after being refused help by Mrs Birling and her charity.

How equitable society contributes to Eva Smith’s death

• Priestly is trying to show that the easy lives the upper class lead rests on the hard work of the lower class. Alderman Meggarty, a local dignitary and a 'pillar' in even went to the palace bar every night.

How equitable society contributes to Eva Smith’s death

Bibliography

• http://www.123helpme.com/role-of-the-inspector-in-an-inspector-calls-view.asp?id=162888

• http://www.shawfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Inspector_Calls_Study_Guide.pdf

• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/equitable• www.bbc.co.uk• www.slideshare.net/sparkly/inspector-callsrevision

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