The Ideas of Social Class and Gender
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How important do you think social class and gender are in Inspector Calls and how does Priestley present the ideas of social class and gender?
Inspector calls, a play written in 1945 and based on the society in 1912, struck many surprises with the content of the book as well as the morals and overall responsibility that was used to portray a simple living experience within the storyline. Priestley was known for believing in equality in society throughout his life experiences and thats exactly what the book is evoking throughout. However, particularly, its the social class and gender that stood out in the script.
Social class was evident from the very beginning. After discussing Sheilas engagement with Gerald, Mr Birling- being the arrogant and dramatically ironic character he is- stated “your father and I have been rivals in business for some time now, now youve bought us together”. This is a typically amusing statement that a father-in-law would say to his son-in-law. Usually, Fathers congratulate the wedded couple and wish them success and luck, however Mr Birling is completely omitting the fact that his daughter will share marriage vows very soon and simply thinks about how beneficial their marriage would be for his business- of course mentioning it in a subtle way. This signifies how important social class is for the upper class. The noun rivals indicates what a harsh relationship Mr Birling and Geralds father must have been in, which immediately creates a negative impression towards the audience of Mr Birling and Geralds past. In addition, rivals is also a plural noun which suggests that both of them had negativity towards each other not just a one sided issue. The phrase “Now youve bought us together” almost sounds like a relief that Mr Birling feels- hoping that his business will increase financially and his social status and reputation will increase gradually too due to the fact that there will be no obstacles or competition for his success. In addition, apart from being relieved that his business may be safe, Mr Birling brags and tries to impress his son in law. The quote “I might find my way into the next Honours List. Just a knighthood of course” emphasises his arrogance. Theres no reason why his son-in-law needs to know such information unless hes involved, so this portrays that Mr Birling informed about his knighthood to Gerald purely to brag. Similarly, the phrase “Just a knighthood of course” portrays that he almost does not care for such significant thing. Almost like its nothing to him and he experienced it before. This emphasises Mr Birlings arrogant character and further portrays how his reputation and class have a big impact on him- big enough for him to brag to his son-in-law about it.
However, Eva Smiths social class is very different to Mr Birlings. She was constantly referred to as “Child” or”Girl” by the Inspector, Sheila, Gerald and Eric. Gerald referred to her as “girl” many times throughout his confession. “I hate those hard-eyed dough faced women. But then I noticed a girl.” Gerald confessed. This statement makes Gerald represent a player. He first mentions negativity about women, however straight after he talks about noticing a “girl”. This immediately gives his view on women. The fact that he noticed a “girl” in the crowd portrays that she must have looked vulnerable enough for him to toy with her. Because even though he helped the “girl” out and shared compassion with her, he still ended up leaving her just like a stereotypical player would have in any century. The noun “girl” also stereotypes Sheila as a helpless and vulnerable being, which further portrays that she could have been easily toyed with. In addition, it represents her social class because stereotypically, higher class women would not give in so easily to other men. Furthermore, Eric did the same thing. Impregnating her and giving her “stolen money” however afterwards he left her too. This clearly states that Eva smith has been portrayed as a nobody, forgetting her own status and self respect and simply taking advantage of her especially after Gerald stated “I did see a good deal of her”. This also links to what Mrs Birling stated. After the inspector revealed the photograph to Mrs Birling and demanded if she recognised her, Mrs Birling simply answered “No. Why should I?”. Not only is the straightforward answer indicating that she shows no sympathy or interest into