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How is class & inequality presented in An Inspector Calls

Priestley presents class and inequality in An Inspector Calls as unnatural and corrupt. He uses the character of Eva Smith to show that social inequality was present and widespread in society. This theme was important in 1942 and 1945 because women had just happened and the audience would now vote making them more educated. Overall, Priestley encourages the audience to understand that because of the lower class suffered from inequality in society.

Priestley presents the Birlings as a symbol of upper class power and inequality, they use their wealth and status to protect themselves and ignore others. This is shown when Mr. Birling says "unsinkable absolutely unsinkable". This implies that Mr Birling believes the titanic would never sink. This is dramatic irony as the audience knows that the titanic did sink. This makes Mr Birling look idiotic and foolish. Priestley uses his confident tone to show that Mr Birling thought he knew everything, which he didn't. This makes the audience view the upper class as naive and stupid. In 1912, society was divided by strict class boundaries - Priestley criticises the upper class as responsible for rather extreme acts, ignoring the struggles of the working class. This shows that Priestley presents the upper class as responsible for maintaining inequality.

Priestley presents Eva Smith as a victim of class inequality. Her experience with how the working class were treated unfairly. This is shown when the Inspector says "It's better to ask for the earth than to take it." This suggests that Eva represents the lives of working class people being robbed of their lives. Priestley uses her story to show the harsh reality of how working class people had to experience in the gender at the time. Eva's sacrifice makes the audience feel sympathetic towards Eva, a woman who just wanted to survive in a harsh world.

Birling in 1912, exploited by the people had few rights and little protection. Priestley uses Eva Smith to show the need for social change. This is the idea that Priestley portrays inequality as harmful and unfair to ordinary people.

Priestley presents the Inspector as the voice of equality and fairness. He challenges the Birling's attitudes and exposes the consequences of inequality. This is shown when the Inspector says "fire and blood and anguish." This makes the audience respect or believe the Birlings will be punished if they don't change. Priestley uses his powerful language to show how serious class inequality was. This incites the audience to understand that change is needed as innocent people are being hurt as a consequence to rich people's actions. The Inspector represents Priestley's socialist beliefs. In 1945, audiences were ready for a fairer society after the war. This shows that Priestley uses the Inspector to promote equality and challenge class divisions.

In conclusion, Priestley presents class and inequality as unfair and costs working class people their lives. Through the Birlings, Eva Smith and the Inspector, he shows that change is collective and that the younger generation is each used as a hope for equality. Priestley encourages the audience to understand that society must change by understanding we are all one and we should all look out for one another.