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Social Classes in an Inspector Calls

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Submitted By ClevvaDZN
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In ‘An Inspector Calls’ Priestley explores the different social classes. I am going to have a look at how he manages to do so.
The Higher Class are shown as being very self-conscious especially the older ones who are set in their ways. Even though they are happy about the fact they consider themselves above the majority of people they are obviously wary about the fact there are people more important than they are.
‘It’s a pity Sir George and – er – Lady Croft.’ The way this happens shows that Mr. Birling believes in social importance that’s why he’s trying to be careful with what he says as their son is with them, and any slip up could affect him.
Then in privacy he brings this up with Gerald ‘I have an idea that your mother - Lady Croft… feels you might of done better for yourself socially’ this shows he is rather awkward and how there is a social ladder, and whilst he is Upper Class he is not at the top of this. Shortly after he says ‘I might find my way my way into the next Honours List. Just a knighthood, of course’. This also is as if even though Gerald is about to marry his daughter he still needs to try and prove himself and show he has some weight to throw. This also shows that to him he feels as if he needs a knighthood not just that he wants one, he feels that currently a lot of people would look down on him as he wasn’t born into power, rather he had to work for it.
Mrs Birling Is very different to Mr Birling, she was born into wealth so has learnt how to act, so she constantly conforms with society’s expectation of her. Because of this she looks down on Mr. Birling, and feels she has to try point out when he makes what she considers a mistake by saying things society has said the Upper Classes shouldn’t ‘you shouldn’t say such things’ this also suggests their marriage likely had nothing to do with love and was instead based around he being a good

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