Context 1945 Priestley WW2 reporter with a regular radio programme

1. Context 1945 • Priestley WW2 reporter with a regular radio programme • WW2 - women had work responsibilities, more class integration in the forces and working in England • WW2 – Churchhill’s effective persuasive speeches that were broadcast to the nation (‘We will fight them…’) • WW2 – the atomic bomb (‘Fire, blood and anguish’) • England needs rebuilding after the devastation caused by German bombing • Opportunity for social change – Priestley (a socialist) hopes for a more egalitarian society (ie equal) • Context 1912 • English society dominated by class structure which has old money at the top, followed by new money (industrialists) and the poor, working class at the bottom • There was no social security for the working class • There was no national health service • Working people had no rights and no trade unions to support them in the work place • Industrialisation was on the increase and with it came capitalism (working for individual riches and power – profit over people)

2. I want to write a play that will persuade people in 1945 (and hopefully for later generations too) that a selfish capitalist attitude leads only to misery and anguish and that the future of England depends on a society in which people take responsibility for each other. We have an opportunity for change now that the war is over and we must use it to make positive change. How can I get my message across?

3. In the red corner: The Voice for social responsibility Strong, powerful, honest, persuasive Where can I create my boxing ring? Who will be my voices? In the blue corner: The Voice of selfish capitalism Vain, selfish, narrow-minded, dishonest, ridiculous

4. Inspector Goole ‘Commanding’ ‘takes control’ All seeing/all knowing - omniscient ‘We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’ ‘taught it in fire, blood and anguish’ Mr Birling A ‘hard-headed man of business’ ‘portentious’ ‘provincial’ ‘There isn’t a change of war’ ‘Titanic is unsinkable’

5. 1912

6. Capitalism Class Lies Dining room Northern industrial town Rich business man and his family Celebrating – life is good (for them) Gender Responsibility Time

7. Plot: Rich (self-made) business man and his family are feeling really great about their successful lives and are celebrating his daughter’s engagement in their dining room full of the trappings of money A stranger – a commanding man with power and influence (who better than a Police Inspector) breaks up their celebration and makes them face the truth of their selfish attitudes HOW? A YOUNG GIRL HAS COMMITED SUICIDE – desperate as she has no job, no money, no family and is pregnant. She is poor, working-class and represents the society that this family stamp on in order to have their luxurious lifestyle. Everyone in the family has played some kind of role in destroying this innocent girl’s live

8. Techniques • Dramatic techniques: • Entrances and exits (timing) • Dramatic irony • Lighting • The photograph Team Red Inspector Goole – social responsibility/change Eva Smith/Daisy Renton – working class Sheila Birling – youth and desire for change Eric Birling – youth and desire for change • Techniques • Inspector Goole’s persuasive voice • Emotive language (a ‘horrible’ death’ etc) • Repetition • Personal address • Anecdote Team Blue Mr Birling – Capitalism/selfishness Mrs Birling- Old money/snobbery Gerald Croft- Capitalism/selfishness

9. Act 3 Eric returns He had forced Eva to have sex with him, got her pregnant and then stolen money from his dad’s business to support her – he is feeling very guilty and ashamed Eric and Sheila have been hugely influenced by the Inspector and want them all to face up to their responsibilities. Inspector gives ‘fire, blood and anguish’ speech and leaves; but Mr B, Mrs B and GC will not accept their roles Stage directions Dim pink lighting Candles Dining room Heavy, rich-looking furniture Act 1 Summary: Birlings celebrating Sheila and Gerald’s engagement. Mr B giving them all a good talking too when party broken up by Inspector arriving(just as Mr B is giving his views on responsibility) GIRL HAS DIED Mr B had sacked her – will not accept responsibility Sheila – had caused her to be sacked from next job – she feels very guilty Play ends with the phone ringing and Mr B being told that a girl has died and an inspector is on his way over Act 2 It seems they are all involved Gerald Croft owns up to having had a relationship with Eva Smith (he knew her as Daisy Renton) (whilst going out with Sheila) He is very upset about her death. Mrs B had persuaded her charity not to help the poor and desperate Eva, but does not feel at all guilty – after all ‘girls of that class’ ! Meanwhile, Eric is getting more drunk and worried all the time – he has to leave the room