An Inspector Calls Social Status

... In 'An Inspector Calls', J. B. Priestley reveals the flaws of society and the darker side of capitalism as well as the bias of class and social status. As a firm believer in the concepts of socialism, he uses this play to expose society's poor attitudes to the working class of the period. This play focuses on the Birlings, a rich, upper class family during the reign of King Edward VII. Their treatment of Eva Smith reflects on how many of the working class may have been treated by their social superiors. Many upper class families of the time were only concerned with individual gain and profit and it is this superfluous materialism which Priestley tries to uncover. Her encounters with each of the members of the family prove that class and society were exceptionally important issues of the time and class mixing was not socially tolerated. The Inspector is

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