Priestley's Socialist Views: He criticized the capitalist system of the Edwardian era.
Women's Rights: Highlighted the lack of rights for women across all classes during the Edwardian era, emphasizing the need for marriage for stability and noting the inequality in pay.
Class Divisions: Edwardian England was marked by significant class divisions, with the upper classes exploiting the working class.
The Undeserving Poor: Reflects the attitude of the upper class towards the poor, viewing them as unworthy of aid or charity due to perceived moral failings.
Pre-WWI Setting: Set in 1912, just before the outbreak of World War I, hinting at the social instability that would lead to the conflict.
Themes
Class: Explores deep class divisions and the abuse of power by the upper classes, as illustrated through the Burlings and Gerald.
Age: Contrasts the old generation's resistance to change with the young generation's openness to social equality.
Social Responsibility: Highlights the duty of the wealthy to use their resources to help the poor, emphasizing it as a duty, not a choice.
Gender: Focuses on the maltreatment and lack of power of women, using key female characters to showcase these issues.
Key Quotations by Character
Mr. Burling:
"The Titanic...unsinkable," indicating his ignorance of societal issues.
"It's my duty to keep labour costs down," showing his dehumanization of workers.
Mocks the younger generation's desire for change, illustrating his resistance to it.
Sheila Burling:
**"These girls aren't cheap labour."
Admits her role in Eva's death, showing acknowledgment of social responsibility.
Disgusted by her family's lack of remorse, indicating her desire for change.
Gerald Croft:
"We're respectable citizens and not criminals," showcasing hypocrisy and self-justification.
Admits to enjoying power over Daisy.
Dismissive of Daisy and unremorseful, underlining his hypocrisy.
Mrs. Burling:
"Girls of that class," showing disdain for lower-class women.
Justifies refusing help to Daisy by distancing herself from the working class.
Criticizes the younger generation's desire for change, prioritizing class loyalty.
Eric Burling:
Described as "half shy, half assertive."
Admits to raping Daisy, highlighting selfishness.
Expresses a change of heart by criticizing his family's attitude.
Inspector Goole:
"A young woman died...she was in great agony," serving as a voice for marginalized women.
Emphasizes the social responsibility of public men.
Warns of the widespread need for compassion towards those less fortunate.