AIC Context

Question 2

An_Inspector_Calls_Anki.txt

Question 4

Class System

Question 5

What year is “An Inspector Calls” set in?

Answer 5

1912

Question 6

What year was “An Inspector Calls” written?

Answer 6

1945

Question 7

What does the rigid class system in 1912 provide?

Answer 7

Little social mobility (people cannot move between classes).

Question 8

How does Eva Smith represent the lower class?

Answer 8

She is immortalised by the lower class and tries to escape it, but her attempts lead to her death.

Question 9

What does Mr Birling represent in the play?

Answer 9

The epitome of capitalism, exacerbating class divides.

Question 10

What percentage of the population lived in poverty in 1912?

Answer 10

0.25

Question 11

What percentage of the population lived below subsistence in 1912?

Answer 11

0.1

Question 12

What act increased social mobility in 1928?

Answer 12

The Equal Franchise Act 1928, which allowed all men and women over 21 to vote.

Question 13

What does Priestley want to emphasise about the class divide?

Answer 13

He wants to highlight the progress made since 1912 and warns against regressing to a divided society.

Question 14

How does Mr Birling perpetuate the class divide?

Answer 14

He exploits workers by paying low wages and charging high prices, benefiting from the Laissez-faire approach.

Question 15

What is the significance of Eva Smith’s protest against Mr Birling?

Answer 15

It represents the working class’s struggle against exploitation and poverty.

Question 17

Politics

Question 18

What was the political landscape of Britain in 1912?

Answer 18

Largely capitalist and Conservative.

Question 19

What significant act was passed in 1906?

Answer 19

Free school meals, showing some progress for the working class.

Question 20

What political approach did the Liberals favour in 1905?

Answer 20

A Laissez-faire approach (minimal government intervention in businesses).

Question 21

What was the biggest electoral swing in 1945?

Answer 21

The Labour Party won by a landslide victory, with a 10% swing.

Question 22

What report led to the establishment of the NHS and social security?

Answer 22

The Beveridge Report.

Question 23

What does Priestley use the play to galvanise support for?

Answer 23

Socialism.

Question 24

Why was the Labour Party’s victory in 1945 a shock?

Answer 24

The Conservatives were popular during WWII, but people united for social reform after the war.

Question 25

What does Mr Birling’s capitalist attitude represent?

Answer 25

The parsimonious (stingy) and exploitative nature of capitalism.

Question 27

# Priestley

Question 28

What ideology was Priestley surrounded by?

Answer 28

Socialism.

Question 29

What did Priestley say about the British army in WW1?

Answer 29

The British army specialised in throwing men away for nothing.

Question 30

What party did Priestley co-found in 1945?

Answer 30

The Common Wealth Party, a socialist party.

Question 31

What does Priestley criticise in the play?

Answer 31

Capitalism and the immoral behaviour of the upper class.

Question 32

How does Priestley’s socialist influence show in the play?

Answer 32

He ridicules and mocks capitalists, presenting them as immoral.

Question 33

What is Priestley’s purpose in writing the play?

Answer 33

To provide political and social commentary, advocating for socialism and equality.

Question 35

# Women (1912)

Question 36

What was the status of women in 1912?

Answer 36

They were disenfranchised and seen as property of their fathers or husbands.

Question 37

What act allowed women to keep their own property in 1882?

Answer 37

The Married Women’s Property Act.

Question 38

What movement gained momentum in the 1910s?

Answer 38

The women’s suffrage movement.

Question 39

How is Sheila treated in Act 1?

Answer 39

She is voiceless and oppressed by her father and fiancé.

Question 40

What does Mr Birling use Sheila’s marriage for?

Answer 40

To advance himself politically and socially.

Question 41

What does Sheila’s lack of voice in Act 1 represent?

Answer 41

The lack of political voice women had in 1912.

Question 43

# Women (1945)

Question 44

What changed for women by 1945?

Answer 44

They gained equal voting rights in 1928 and were seen as valuable contributors to society.

Question 45

What does Sheila’s character progression represent?

Answer 45

The empowerment of women and the progress in women’s rights from 1912 to 1945.

Question 46

What did women gain in 1928?

Answer 46

Equal voting rights to men and the ability to stand as MPs.

Question 47

How does Priestley show the progress of women’s rights?

Answer 47

Through Sheila’s transformation from a voiceless woman to one who challenges patriarchy and capitalism.

Question 49

# The Link

Question 50

How do the Birlings represent the class system?

Answer 50

They enforce and support the lack of social mobility, thriving on the fixed social structure.

Question 51

What does Mr Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith represent?

Answer 51

The dehumanising and animalistic treatment of the working class.

Question 52

What political change is symbolised by Eric and Sheila?

Answer 52

The huge political change in 1945, including the Labour Party’s landslide victory.

Question 53

How does Priestley’s socialist influence show in the play?

Answer 53

He ridicules and mocks capitalists, presenting them as immoral.

Question 54

What is the significance of Sheila’s transformation?

Answer 54

It represents the progress in women’s rights and the shift from 1912 to 1945.

Question 55

How does Priestley link the class system and politics?

Answer 55

He shows how capitalism and the Laissez-faire approach perpetuate poverty and exploitation.

Question 56

What is the role of Eva Smith in the play?

Answer 56

She is a microcosm of the working class, representing their struggles and exploitation.