Transcript Slide 1
An Inspector Calls Social Class • In the play we see both the upper and lower classes as well as how different their lives are. • The Birlings live in a large comfortable house with lots of expensive possessions. • Eva Smith struggles financially and has very little which leaves her desperate, hungry and without somewhere to live. • Part of the play’s message is about how unfair it is for there to be such a divide between the rich and the poor. • It shows us how the upper classes should be doing more to support and help the lower classes out of poverty. Blood Brothers Superstition • Mrs Johnstone is very superstitious and Mrs Lyons uses this against her in order to keep Edward. • The narrator keeps reminding the audience how important this theme is throughout the play by talking about common superstitions. • Russell wants us to think about whether this or the way we live and our life opportunities affect us more. • ‘And do we blame superstition for what came to pass? Or could it be what we, the English have come to know as class?’ An Inspector Calls Eric • Drinks too much, but manages to hide this from his parents. • Is the father of Eva Smith’s child. • Steals money from the family business to support her. • Devastated by Eva’s death. • Takes some responsibility for his actions and seems to learn from them. Blood Brothers Social Class • Family and friendship for characters from two different social classes form the heart of the play. • Russell shows how wealth brings privilege, even down to the way the Johnstone's and the Lyons are treated differently by the law. • The four main characters can be seen to be social stereotypes, presented dramatically in order to emphasise certain important differences in social class. • Russell does this to show the unfairness that it results in. An Inspector Calls Sheila and Gerald’s engagement • Play opens with the family celebrating Sheila and Gerald’s engagement. • Their marriage will join the two rival companies together. • Mr Birling sees marriage as a way of improving your social and economic status and so is very happy about their engagement. • After the revelations about their parts in Eva’s death, they realise they know little about each other and Sheila returns the ring to Gerald. Blood Brothers The devil’s got your number Narrator • The narrator also involves the audience by asking them directly to judge what they see. • He also helps them remember that this is a ‘story’. • He reveals that the brothers die at the very start of the play and from then on constantly reminds the audience of the twins’ fate. • He presents the themes of fate, destiny and superstition throughout the play, but at the end he asks the audience to consider if it was social forces rather than 'fate' that caused the tragedy. An Inspector Calls Inspector Goole • A mysterious character who seems to have a lot of knowledge. • Questions the characters about their involvement in Eva’s death and wants them all to take responsibility for their actions. • Represents Priestley’s socialist views. • ‘We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.’ • ‘if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.’ Blood Brothers Linda • A kind and compassionate character. She helps Mickey when he is suspended from school and when he is mocked by the other children. • Is quite feisty and humorous, joining Edward and Mickey in their games and often leading the way. • Is strong-willed and very supportive of Mickey. She tries to protect him and keeps pushing him to give up his drugs. • From a poor family like Mickey. Her lack of education and money allows her no real chance of happiness once Mickey becomes a depressed drug addict. • As a last resort, she asks Edward for help before having an affair with him. This is her only chance to escape from the circumstances that have trapped her.