Priestley's Intentions Flashcards
(27 cards)
Why does Priestley keep Eva off-stage?
To focus the audience on the morality of the other characters’ actions rather than her personality.
This technique allows for a deeper exploration of the themes of guilt and responsibility in the narrative.
What role does Eva play for the audience?
A blank canvas for projecting guilt, sympathy, and reflection.
This projection highlights the audience’s emotional engagement with the themes of the play.
What does Eva’s anonymity signify?
It emphasizes how faceless and forgotten the working class can be in capitalist systems.
This anonymity reflects broader societal issues regarding class and social responsibility.
Fill in the blank: Eva becomes a _______ for the audience.
blank canvas
True or False: Eva’s character is fully developed and presented on stage.
False
What does Eva changing names suggest about her character?
It suggests her lack of identity and recognition in a capitalist society.
This lack of identity symbolizes the disposability of individuals within such systems.
What is Priestley’s core message regarding social responsibility?
Everyone has a duty to care for others, especially the less fortunate
This is emphasized through the consequences of selfishness and lack of responsibility illustrated by Eva Smith’s death.
How does Priestley critique the class system in An Inspector Calls?
He shows how the upper class abuses power and exploits individuals like Eva Smith
The Birlings’ ignorance of Eva’s existence highlights the invisibility of the working class.
What hypocrisy does Priestley expose in ‘respectable’ society?
The moral hypocrisy of those who appear respectable but act immorally
Mrs Birling’s refusal to help Eva, despite being part of a charity, exemplifies this hypocrisy.
What double standards does Priestley highlight regarding gender inequality?
Men face little criticism for their actions while women like Eva are harshly judged
Sheila’s transformation shows that women can become morally aware and effect change.
What socialist values does Priestley advocate through the Inspector?
Caring for others, equality, and shared responsibility
The Inspector’s warnings about the consequences of selfish nationalism reflect Priestley’s socialist beliefs.
What does Priestley critique about the older generation?
Their stubbornness and refusal to accept responsibility
The younger generation’s willingness to learn shows the potential for progress and change.
How does the Inspector create a sense of guilt and reflection in the audience?
By revealing Eva’s story piece by piece, making the audience feel part of the investigation
Eva’s absence on stage universalizes her experience, prompting personal reflection.
What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?
She represents all the forgotten, voiceless victims of society
Her common surname signifies everyman and everywoman, highlighting systemic injustice.
What warning does the Inspector give about moral complacency?
Ignoring the suffering of others can lead to national and global catastrophe
This is a direct reference to the World Wars following the time the play is set.
What dramatic technique does Priestley use with Mr Birling’s statements?
Dramatic irony to show the audience how the capitalist ruling class is wrong
Birling’s confidence in the unsinkability of the Titanic and absence of war is painfully ironic.
What is meant by ‘performative morality’ in the play?
The appearance of morality without genuine internalization of responsibility
Mr Birling prioritizes reputation over ethical behavior, illustrating this critique.
How does Priestley offer a secular moral framework through the Inspector?
By building a moral argument based on human interconnectedness, not divine judgement
This aligns with Priestley’s humanist beliefs about caring for one another.
What does Priestley encourage the post-war audience to do?
Reject old, selfish ways and embrace solidarity
This aligns with the social reforms emerging in post-war Britain, like the NHS.
How does Priestley redefine tragedy in An Inspector Calls?
By focusing on the life and death of an ordinary working-class girl instead of the elite
This shift highlights the worthiness of the lives of the poor in art and meaning.
What does the term ‘allegorical’ mean in relation to Eva Smith?
Eva Smith functions as an allegorical figure for all victims of social injustice
This underscores the systemic nature of the issues she represents.
What does ‘didactic’ imply about Priestley’s tone?
He aims to teach a moral lesson through the narrative
This is evident in the Inspector’s speeches and the unfolding events.
What is a ‘moral indictment’ in the context of the play?
The play serves as a moral indictment of capitalist, classist society
It critiques the injustices perpetuated by social hierarchies.
What does ‘subversion’ mean in the context of dramatic norms?
Priestley subverts traditional dramatic norms to centre the working class
This shift challenges the conventions of tragedy and heroism.
