Gender inequality ( done ) Flashcards
(7 cards)
Overview
Priestley uses An Inspector Calls as a vehicle to condemn the gender inequality, exposing how women were objectified and exploited by a patriarchal system. Through characters like Mr Birling, Gerald, and Eric, he highlights how male power often hinges on reducing women to their physical appearance or social status. As a result, the audience is exposed to the harsh realities of the mistreatment of women, in particular Eva Smith whose experiences are worsened by the fact that she is part of the lower class. Priestley may have done this to encourage his younger audience to rebel against the old-fashioned view of their parents and take up a more accepting, socialist approach to life
Beginning quotes
“When you’re married you’ll realise that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on business.”
“I think Sheila and I had better go into the drawing-room and leave you men.”
“I left ‘em talking about clothes again. You’d think a girl had never had any clothes before she gets married.”
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.’”
Middle quotes
“And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?”
“I think Miss Birling ought to be excused any more of this questioning… she’s obviously had about as much as she can stand.”
“I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me”
“Gerald, I think you’d better take this with you. (She hands him the ring)”
Ending quotes
“Well I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty”
“pretty and a good sport”
“I hate these fat old tarts around town.”
“What about this ring?”
Beginning opening
At the beginning of the play, Priestley presents gender inequality as a deeply embedded social norm, where women are expected to be passive, domestic, and superficial, while men are seen as dominant and career-focused.
Middle opening
As the play progresses, Priestley begins to challenge traditional gender roles more explicitly, exposing how men use stereotypes to silence women and maintain control, while women like Sheila start to reject these constraints.
Ending opening
As the play comes to a close, Priestley reveals the darker consequences of gender inequality, particularly how male entitlement can lead to the exploitation and abuse of women. Characters like Eric and Gerald treat Eva as disposable, judging her by her appearance and using her for their own gain.
