Character Comparison in An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley

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Character Comparison in An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley An inspector calls was written in 1946. However it was set in 1912. I think this tells us that the time of which is was written is very significant. As at this time in particular the emphasis on classes in society was very much more than it was later. The play is set in a fictional industrial town called Brumley. It is a typical town where factory owners where able to offer much needed employment and run things exactly how they wanted. J B Priestly offers us an insight to this and also shows us what the social class difference meant to one particular family. The play is all set in the family dining room. The Birlings are a rich family and very high up in society. The dining room is described as 'substantial and heavily comfortable, but not cosy or homelike' This really shows the richness of the house and the how grand everything is, but how nothing is 'relaxing' like a normal family home is. I think this reflects the families inner tensions, but very outward comforts. In this essay I am aiming to analyse and also compare to very contrasting characters from this play. One of which is in the older generation and the other, a younger member of the family. I have done this as within the family there is also classes, younger adults/children were not allowed as much open opinion as the adults. This will be interesting to compare. Also their opinions on subjects raised will be interesting to analyse according to their generation. Priestley's initial description of Mrs Birling describes her as 'a rather clod woman' this implies that she shows little emotion, and definitely not much love towards others. It sets an impression of a person in your head as mean, or angry inside, which I think is good. And also as I read through the play I agree that 'cold' is the best adjective to describe Mrs Birling. Also it tells us about her social

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