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Social Class (Key Quotes ("Girls of that class", "We're…
Social Class
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Priestley's views
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Priestley uses the play to criticize the entirety of society, not just the Birlings
Priestley presents the working class as victims of the class system. Eva is one, but as Priestley tells us, she is one of millions
Eva is expected to have low morals, and Priestley shows that this stereotyping is unfair and wrong
The Birlings believe that class matters, but Priestley suggests that it clouds people's judgements
By showing the change in Eric and Sheila at the end, turning against the views of their class, shows that individuals can break out and act differently
Classes
Upper
Inherited land and money, often Lords and ladies
The Crofts are upper class, an old country family that owned land. They are socially superior to the Birlings
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Middle
The Birlings are upper Middle class. They are a wealthy, own a business, and have a rich comfortable lifestyle
Middle class was businessmen, professionals and factory owners. They had powerful influence
However, Eric is socially superior to Sheila as she is female
Working
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Edna also is working class and is forced into working as a maid. For working class women, jobs would be in factories, as maids,or for the desperate few, prostitution
Importance in the Play
Drives shape of plot
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The message is about Social responsibility, so class is at the centre of it
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Birling obsession
Arthur is obsessed with class. His main concern after Eva's death is a potential crippling blow to his Knighthood and the risk of a "Public Scandal"
Arthur and Sybil use their authority over other lower classes to use it to elevate themselves to greater importance. Arthur believes he is significant as he was Mayor, an Alderman and is currently a magistrate
Arthur supports Sheila's marriage as it will elevate his social status, and he is delighted his daughter is marrying into a higher class
Sybil is the leader of the Brumley Women's charity organisation, and uses her social superiority to elevate herself to the role of God over the women, condemning them to Justice or abandonment
Eva Smith
Eva is used because of her gender and class. Eric uses her "like an animal", and it seems easy for her to be sacked by the Birlings
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