Context of Edwardian Times (1901-1914)
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The Birling family represented capitalist views in contrast to the Inspector who argues socialist
views for people in society and the Inspector reflects Priestley’s views and acts as a mouthpiece for
him; Sheila also highlighted the same views at the end of the play.
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The play was written in 1945 but set in 1912, reflecting the lack of change in social attitudes after
the First World War and inability to prevent the Second World War. It was a morality play aiming to
make people change to become morally responsible. Mr Birling’s comments on the titanic being
unsinkable made him appear foolish at the start of the play and there was dramatic irony for the
audience who knew more than characters.
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Edwardian society was male dominated with men have the property rights and monetary rights
above women. There was a switch in roles of the older and younger generation as Sheila became
more responsible and Mr and Mrs Birling were static, stubborn and resistant the idea of change. Mrs
Birling was higher in social class than Mr Birling and he was a social climber. Gerald was from the
Croft family who were even richer still so the marriage was convenient in progressing to even
greater wealth.
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Discrimination against women in the workplace was shown in the play as Eva Smith asked for a pay
rise. People in lower classes were often treated badly like so Eva Smith represented a stereotypical
woman suffering in this era. She was part of the lower social class at the bottom of the hierarchy for
pay and reflected the suffragettes who campaigned for a greater female voice, power and voting
rights.
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Edwardian society were intrigued by the supernatural which was included in the play as Inspector
Goole appeared as a ghostly character. He may also be viewed as a conscience character as he
challenged the Birlings and Gerald to become morally responsible by interrogating them one by one.
Edwardian society were religious so would have been affected by the Inspector’s references to the
hell and judgement for those who committed sin.
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The cyclic structure of the play reflects Ouspensky’s theory of time where the older generation did
not learn from their mistakes and so the inevitable consequences occurred. Priestley’s intention,
after the terrible events of the Second World War, was for the audience to become morally
responsible and the shock in the finale reflected the lack of significant improvements after World
War One. As the younger generation became more responsible this could break the chain in the
future.
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