WEB: An Inspector Calls - Political Context and Symbolism
1912 Setting and 1945 Performance
WEB (J. B. Priestley)'s play "An Inspector Calls" is set in 1912 but was written and performed in 1945. Priestley was known for his ability to write quickly, and "An Inspector Calls" was one of his most successful and enduring plays.
Post-World War II Political Climate
By 1945, a left-wing government led by the Labour Party had just been elected. This government advocated for more socialist values and ideals, such as greater social welfare and economic equality.
Symbolism of the Inspectors
In "An Inspector Calls," Priestley uses the character of the inspector to symbolize the Labour government. The inspector's questioning of the Birling family and his insistence on their responsibility for Eva Smith's death represent the government's desire to hold people accountable for their actions and to create a more just and equitable society.
Allusion to Labour Party Manifesto
The line "The people will have won by both wars" in the play is a direct reference to the Labour Party manifesto of 1945. This manifesto promised to build a "new Jerusalem" after the devastation of World War II and to create a fairer and more prosperous society.
Unresolved Questions
The play ends with the inspector disappearing and the Birling family left to wonder whether he was a real inspector or not. This ambiguity reflects the uncertainty and anxiety of the post-war period, a time of both hope and uncertainty.
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