Shakespeare & 19th Century Novel English Literature Exam Paper 1: Shakespeare & 19th Century Novel Section A: Macbeth Section B: Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Paper 2: Modern Texts & Poetry Section A: An Inspector Calls Section B: Conflict & Power Poetry Section C: Unseen Poetry Worth 30 marks – 20% of the Literature GCSE
An Inspector Calls CONTEXT Wednesday, 21 November 2018 An Inspector Calls CONTEXT To investigate the social and historical context of the play. Hierarchy Socialism Capitalism
Hierarchy School Family Family Year 10 students Prefects Headteacher Student Teacher Family Pet Older sibling Mother Father Younger sibling Family Pet, Older sibling, Parents, Younger sibling
Ideologies Socialism a way of organising a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government rather than by individual people and companies. Taking responsibility for others and ensuring equality across classes and genders is acknowledged. Social: society, interaction of people, community Capitalism a belief that the rich should own the wealth, and choose how much to give and how much to keep Capital: worth, wealth, economic currency Socialism Does Work vs. Socialism Does NOT Work
Socialism vs Capitalism Equal distribution of wealth Looking after one another Staggered tax brackets Everyone pays the same tax Individual profit Free education and health service ‘Laissez-faire’ attitude (let it be) Production for profit Social hierarchy and class system Diminished class system
Setting of the Play The play was written in 1946 but is set in 1912. It was written just after the Second World War and set just before the First World War. J.B. Priestley had lived through both wars, which had an impact on his political beliefs. The early 20th Century saw the beginning of a movement away from an elite few controlling everything (capitalism) towards a situation where society tried to be more equal (socialism). There were an increasing number of strikes during this period and in the time after the play is set. Women were also becoming more insistent in their demands for equality – the suffragette movement becomes particularly militant at this time in history.
Historical & Social Context What was England’s state in 1912? How was it different or similar to England in 1945? What was the socialist belief? What was the capitalist belief? What were the working and living conditions under the Capitalist government? What was the role of women in 1912? What can be learned about the different lifestyles of the poorer working class and the wealthier middle class from their budgets? How could the living conditions of a working class family be described, based on the two quotes? What are the keywords in the quotes?
Synopsis of the Play The Birling family are spending a happy evening celebrating the engagement of their daughter, Sheila Birling, to Gerald Croft - a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful local businesses. Yet, just when everything seems to be going so well, they receive a surprise visit from an Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl, Eva Smith. It appears that all members of the Birling family were somehow involved in her life, and it is Goole’s job to expose the secrets of the family.
GCSEPod Notetaking Watch the GCSEPod on the context of the play In point-form, write down any of the facts you think are essential to know
GCSEPod – Context Notes Back in 1912, social position was very important, especially due to the social inequality During WWII, Priestley made radio broadcasts directed at British workers, in which he was critical of the government Priestley was involved in setting up the Common Wealth Party Labour Party, and worked in developing the Welfare State (communal responsibility) Due to industrial growth in the 19th century, factory owners became rich, while the workers had very few rights Priestley also fought in WWI, and was aware of the poor conditions facing the soldiers, despite promises for a “fit country for heroes to live in.”