Lecture Notes on An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestly

Introduction

• The play is one of the speaker's favorites.
• It usually takes a six-week course to cover, but will be presented in three videos.
• Focus of the lesson: Context and Act One.

Context

• Important to understand politics before reading.
• J.B. Priestly:
  • Supported the Labor Party and was a Socialist.
  • Advocated for a fair and equal society and responsibility for each other.
  • The play promotes socialism and criticizes capitalism.
• Historical Setting: 1912
  • Edwardian era dominated by capitalism and a strong class system.
  • No welfare state or free services; labor reforms introduced later.
  • Significant events: Titanic sank, two years before World War One.
• Writing Period: 1945
  • Post-World War II and societal disillusionment.
  • Play written after two world wars and societal changes.
  • Audience aware of historical outcomes - creates dramatic irony.

Structure of the Play

• Three acts with no scene breaks.
• Begins with the Burling family celebrating Sheila Burling's engagement to Gerald Croft.

Characters and Themes

• Inspector's Arrival:
  • Changes lighting from "pink and intimate" to "brighter and harder."
  • Symbolizes the shift from comfort to exposure of truth and interrogation.
• Eric Burling:
  • Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive.
  • Shows signs of being an alcoholic, unnoticed by family.
• Mr. Burling:
  • Represents capitalism; seeks to impress future son-in-law.
  • Makes absurd statements like Titanic being "unsinkable."
  • Dismisses war warnings with "fiddlesticks," showcasing arrogance.
  • Believes in self-reliance over community.
• Inspector Goole:
  • Antithesis to Mr. Burling - represents social responsibility.
  • Investigates Eva Smith's death, a former factory worker.
  • His graphic language highlights the plight of the working class.
• Sheila Burling:
  • Starts as spoiled and superficial but shows signs of deeper awareness.
  • Realizes inspector knows more than the family reveals.
• Mrs. Burling:
  • Enforces traditional gender roles, hypocritical.
  • Criticizes her husband's social etiquette.

Key Symbolism and Irony

• Lighting Change:
  • Inspector's arrival changes mood, highlights interrogation.
• Capitalism vs. Socialism:
  • Mr. Burling's views mocked; audience intended to reject capitalism.
• Eva Smith's Life:
  • Represents working class struggle.
  • Contrast with Sheila highlights societal inequality based on wealth.

Conclusion

• The first act sets the stage for exposing societal issues and character flaws.
• Key takeaway: Unfairness in societal outcomes based on class and wealth.

Action Points

• Watch the next video for insights into the following acts.
• Reflect on the themes of social responsibility and class disparity.