How Does J.B Priestley Establish The Social And Historical Period In The First 10 Pages And Why Did He Set It In 1912?

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How Does J.B Priestley Establish The Social And Historical Period In The First 10 Pages And Why Did He Set It In 1912?

From reading the first 10 pages of “An Inspector Calls” I can infer several different ways in which J.B Priestley shows the reader that the play is set in the Edwardian period. Priestley has established the social period by using numerous techniques such as the way he portrays the characters, their use of language, their behaviour and their actions. These elements combine to create the social division which was present at the time in which the play is set. Priestley has established the historical period with his effective use of stage directions, set and also the language used by the characters. Although it is not known for certain as to why Priestley wrote the play in 1945, yet set it in 1912, there are relevant explanations that may have contributed to his decision to set the play in the Edwardian era. These explanations are as follows; political persuasion, to promote socialism, to create dramatic irony, to allow the audience to be involved or to reflect his own life.

During the introductory of act one in “An Inspector Calls”, Priestley gives a clear view of the sort of lifestyle the Birling family live by describing the type of house they live in and the sort of furniture they have inside. “…a fairly large suburban house.” This indicates that the family are of middle class citizens. Also, other quotes such as, “It has good solid furniture of the period” and “…substantial and heavily comfortable…” also show that the Birling family are considerably well off and the importance of wealth. These quotes show that the play is set in the Edwardian period as social classes had far more importance then than they do today. The way in which Priestley has decided to portray the characters of the play also conveys the social period of the setting.  The quote “…Edna, the parlour maid…” is evidence that the play is set in the Edwardian era, as the term ‘parlour maid’ was used during that time, instead of ‘house keeper’ or ‘cleaner’ which are both used today.  This evidence can also be used to illustrate the fact that the Birling family are of middle class, as during this period, only people in the upper and middle classes could afford to have a maid. The behaviour of the characters can show the reader the social period in which the play is set. When Mr Birling comments on how nice the dinner is and says “”Good dinner too, Sybil. Tell cook for me”, his wife replies, “Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things-“. This indicates that talking to the cooks and maids was not acceptable, which was normal behaviour in the Edwardian era.  In addition to this, division of the sexes is demonstrated through behaviour. During the Edwardian era, there was inequality between men and women; women had lack of equal treatment compared to men.  This is illustrated when Mrs Birling says, “…I think Sheila and I had better go into the drawing-room and leave you men-“. This is said as if the men have the right to be left in peace. This is also demonstrated when Eric says, “Mother says we mustn’t stay too long. But I don’t think it matters.” This shows that the men had the final decision over the women.

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Priestley establishes the historical period in numerous ways. The first being stage directions.  In the introductory of act 1, Priestley states how the family are dressed with the quote, “All five are in the evening dress of the period, the men in tails and white ties, not dinner jackets.” This shows that the play is set in the Edwardian period as this type of dress code was common for upper and middle class people on special occasions. The language used by the characters conveys what period they are living in. Sheila says to Eric, “You’re squiffy.” This term, meaning ...

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