An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls

An inspector calls was first performed in 1945. Priestley wrote the play to express his views through the characters, this makes the play educational. Because the play is set in 1912 the play is filled with dramatic irony, because the Birlings express their views on the future but the audience already know how stupid they are being, this and the drama of the inspector help to keep the audience entertained.

The play was set in 1912, life in 1912 was very different from life today. In 1912 the class system was very prominent and this plays a big part in the play. Women were also treated differently and were often made to stay at home looking after the house and children while the man earned money.

The inspector seems strange throughout the play because of the manner in which he talks to the Birlings, appearing to have no respect for the fact that the Birlings are a rich and upper class family. The first thing that the audience might notice is his na...