1. How is Power/Injustice/Social Class division evident in Inspector Calls?
2. How is Power/Injustice/Social Class division evident in Australian society? (Include a text: Advertisement/Article/Poem/Song etc.)
These two questions will underpin your assignment so be sure you spend a decent amount of time on each one.
Also, when you are making a statement in question one make sure you include a quote to back up what you have stated. WARNING: this will take time. It will entail you flipping through the play and finding that quote you know exists but cannot recall the exact location. Once you find the quote make sure you also note down the page number.
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| Has anyone read/seen Looking For Alibrandi? Social class divisions carry the story from beginning to end. Jacob Coote is stereotyped as the typical state school kid whereas John Burton-the apple of Josie's eye-is the embodiment of society's generalisations of a private school boy. This text could therefore be used to highlight the class divisions in current Australian society. |
How is Social Class Division evident in the play?
ReplyDeleteSocial Class Divisions is evident in the play when Arthur Birling fired Eva Smith because she was demanding higher paying wages and was disturbing other workers. After coming back from holidays Mr Birling’s company workers went on strike demanding higher pay; after a few weeks when they return from their strike Eva and a few others were still rowdy. Quote “Well, we let them all come back – at the old rates – except the four or five ring leaders, who’d started the trouble. I went down myself and told them to clear out.” (Act 1 Page 15) Mr Birling then fired her instead of talking to her about how they could fix this problem by offering a higher pay or offering longer hours for more pay. This shows the class divisions by how he thought that she was just a worker and he didn’t need her and could find someone else so firing her was the best option.
How is Social Class Division evident in Australia today?
Social Class Divisions are evident today in many ways. Schools have many different social class divisions between students and these are evident in who student’s friendship groups are. There are certain friendship groups that can terrify other students because they think of them as the “Popular Group” or the “Nerd Group”. the reasons some of these students think that they are of a higher class or are more mature is due to the things they wear, the things they do, the academic results or the way they look.
Text:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAfxrnftA1E
How is Social class division evident in An Inspector Calls?
ReplyDeleteSocial class Divisions are evident in the play when Mr Birling is attempting to shift blame for Eva's death, "Have you any idea what happened to her after that? Get into trouble? Go on the streets?" (Act 1 pg. 16) Through this quote Mr Birling displays his opinion of the "lower class", by assuming that anyone in a class lower than himself, gets into trouble, or goes on the streets. He is implying that only lower class people do such things, and all higher class people are above such actions. Instead of considering her circumstances he jumped straight to the conclusion that this lower class girl got into trouble.
How is Social class divisions evident in Australia today?
Social class divisions are evident in society today through many aspects, such as; body shape, clothing, good looks and popularity. Popularity is a major Social class division, particularly in schools. As different cliques are obligated to conform to the Social heirachy. These groups are judged and decided upon, based on, actions and behaviour, clothing and academic success and achievements.
Text:- Movie
Romy and Michelles High-School Reunion
How is Power evident in An Inspector Calls?
ReplyDeletePower is evident in the play when Mr Birling sacks Eva over an argument about wanting higher pay. When sacking Eva, he shows no guilt or sympathy for the woman, giving the reader the impression that he is insensitive and only cares about his business making money. This shows that Arthur thinks of himself as a higher class, powerful, bossy man.
Quote, "Oh well - put like that, there's something in what you say. Still, I can't accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?" (Act 1 Page 14)
In this quote, Mr Birling says he can't accept any responsibility, even though throughout the book, we found out that each member of the family has some sort of responsibility for Eva's death.
How is Power evident in Australia today?
Power is evident in today's society in many ways. Such as, A-listers, wealthy people, celebrities, power at school (Heirarchys, school groups), the Government, etc.
Text - Movie - Mean Girls
In Mean Girls, it shows Power and also Social Class Divisions. This movie shows Power when Regina George, head of "The Plastics" has power over everyone at the school. The Plastics are known as the "It" group and everyone wants to be them. They have power because the group can boss people around especially Regina and they all come from wealthy families.
Girls, remember that your audience will be Australian youth. Be sure you select texts/evidence that are Australian in nature. Films from the US, although interesting to watch do not reflect Australian society directly.
ReplyDeleteHow is social class division evident in the play?
ReplyDeleteSocial classes are economic or cultural arrangements of groups in society. Demonstrated throughout the play, J.B Priestly has highlighted the unjust behaviour of many towards the lower class. Priestly shows this division by having two complete opposite groups in the story, having The Birling’s (very rich and posh) and Eva (a hard working girl, eager to find money). In ACT ONE, pages 14- 15 one can see of the extreme contrasts in wealth between Mr Birling and Eva Smith and the effects that this wealth can have. By this, we can conclude on that Social Class divisions plays a huge role in ‘An Inspector Calls’.
How is social division evident in society today?
The story ‘An Inspector calls’ can be related to modern day society very easily. Demonstrating the unjust attitudes towards lower class, Priestly has established the unnecessary behaviour of thousands. We see social class division everywhere! Schooling is just one example of social class division in Australia. People in Australian society are separated by state and private/ independent education. Shouldn’t everyone have an equal opportunity to a higher education? Besides the fact if you have money or not, EVERYONE should have equal opportunities. The song ‘The sea is rising” sung by an Australian hip hop group, Bliss n Eso, explains of the lack of attention towards many world issues. In the song, the lyrics ‘we are here together in this country as one’ should promote that no matter what you look like, or how much money you have everyone is equal. Unfortunately, although this songs shouts out to encourage people to unite, it has not happened as of yet. But if we continue promoting this major issue our world might just become a better and equal place.
How is injustice evident in the play?
ReplyDeleteInjustice is evident in the play ‘When an Inspector calls’. This can be seen when both Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to admit that they have taken part in Eva Smith’s death. Mr Arthur Birling claims that he was only doing what any average businessman would do, while Mrs Birling claims that it was Eva Smith’s fault that she lied to her in the first place, and she could not accept Eva Smith into her committee if she was going to lie about her past, Mrs Birling believed that if Eva Smith lied about her name, then there was no doubt in her mind that Eva Smith was lying about everything else as well. However, although Mr and Mrs Birling were denying that they had any involvement in the suicide event, Sheila, Eric and Gerald, who were the children of the family, faced the truth and took responsibility for their actions. Over all, I believe that Shelia was the one in the family who took notice of what her family had done to an innocent girl. As well as this, Eric also realised that they had made a mistake, and he blamed himself, because of his irresponsible actions, and he good the women pregnant, and stole from his own father. Mr and Mrs Birling displayed injustice towards Eva Smith, by denying her a new beginning. All Eva Smith asked for from Mr Birling was a little more money, and from Mrs Birling, a chance to start over, to have help with her life. But they both denied her these simple things. They both claimed that they did what they had to for their job, but if they were doing what they had to, they would of helped Eva Smith, Mrs Birling’s job is to help people who are in desperate need and Mr Birling’s job was to employee people and to take care of his staff. But they only thought of themselves at this time, and still after the Inspector came down on them, they did not see what they had done.
How is injustice evident in society today?
It can be seen that injustice is evident in today’s society when we see that people are being treated differently because of their race, religion and way of life. We still see today that people judge others by the colour of their skin, by their religion, but is this fair? We walk past a man wearing a turban, and we cannot help but look, we walk past an average Australian man, and take no notice of him. Is it fair that we stare at someone because of what they look like? We judge people because they believe in many gods, not just one. But why? Why do we judge someone when we are all the same, we are all human beings. I think television is a big influence on why still today we judge people for being different to us. We are influenced by programs that show us what other religions are and how other people are. We are shown on some programs that it is ok to make fun of others because they are different, to judge others because they are unlike us. I also believe that we are influenced by our parents and grandparents, because we are brought up the way our family decides to bring us up, and we follow in their footsteps. If we see our father making fun of a Muslim, we are being shown that it is ok. There are many things that influence injustice today, but we still do not see how we can stop it.
Text – Movie – The Secret Life of Bees
In the movie ‘The Secret Life of Bees’, it is evident that injustice takes place in today’s society. In this movie it is clearly stating that they believe that black people are ‘different’. It is not illegal to beat a black woman, but you go to jail if you hit a white woman. The black people are treated as outcasts. If they speak back to a white man, the black man/woman would be beaten repetitively, without being able to charge the person for abuse. Although, today the black people are not being treated as badly, they are still being judged for the colour skin they were born with.
How is Injustice evident in the play?
ReplyDeleteInjustice is evident in the play 'When a Inspector calls' because a helpless, young girl was pushed to the edge where she ended up commiting suicid, which many people were involved in the leading up to her suicid and were the causes of her death.
How is Injustice evident in society?
For example,the war in which many of our australian soldiers are dying in and for what. Is this reason more important than the lives being lost and the family and friends who are left with one less family member or friend.
Text- Pray By Justin Beieber-
This song shows the effect on what injustice has on our society today.
1. How is Social Class division evident in Inspector Calls?
ReplyDeleteMr. Birling is most noteworthy for being a high-class man who behaves bitter towards lower-class men/women; a man with little community value.
As an example,
Quote: Mr Birling: But the way some of these cranks talk and write now, you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense.
These quotes continue throughout the play, which result in one describing him as an arrogant, ignorant and posh A-class man.
However, Eva is portrayed as the hardworking lower-class, who is intimidated with the power of the higher classes.
2. How is Social Class division evident in Australian society? (I wanna try answering this question at a different angle.)
In the Australian entertainment, cinemas for an example, the movies that make it big are often American movies. Australia's entertainment is strongly influenced by American entertainment. Even Australian teenagers would preferably follow American celebrities more closely than Australian celebrities. This is an example of the strength of America's Entertainment-it is so strong, other nation's try to follow their example.
(another perspective of social class: A-listers providing the example others would follow.)
How is Injustice evident in An Inspector Calls?
ReplyDeleteInjustice is very well shown in An Inspector Calls and has been acted upon on some of the characters in this play. An example was when Mrs. Birling was prejudiced against Eva as she did not help her because she didn't like Eva's manner and she said her name was ‘Mrs. Birling', Mrs. Birling said to the inspector, “Yes, I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence -quite deliberate- and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.” (Act2 Pg44). Another example was when Mr. Birling was treating Eva unfairly by sacking her only for the reason that she was asking for more pay. These are only some examples of how Injustice is evident in An Inspector Calls.
How is Injustice evident in Australia’s society?
Injustice are still unfortunately shown in Australia’s society, many judge and discriminate people who are a different race as well as people with disabilities. People who judge should remember this famous saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, it means that it’s not the looks that count but it’s their personalities that do. An example of how Injustice is evident in Australia’s society is an article called ‘The World Today’; it is about an Aboriginal woman who was suffering a stroke at a busy bus stop, no one tried to help or even ask if she was ok, this is only one example that the Australian society is injustice to Aborigines.
How is social class division evident in the play?
ReplyDeletei think that social class division is shown when Sheila Birling gets Eva Smith fired just because she was in a bad mood. She did this by using her social power that her father gave her from being Lord Mayor of Brumley and threatened them. Quote "I went to the manager at Milwards and I told him that if they didn't get rid of that girl, I'd never go near that place again and I'd persuade mother to close our account with them." Act 1 page 23. Eva then had to leave without knowing what she did wrong.
How is Social Class division evident in Australian society?
Social class division is evident in modern Australian society mainly through schools and their hierarchy's. This usually comes in when some groups are thought of as higher or better than other groups in the school. The "higher" groups can make other groups feel smaller by the things that they wear or the things that they say and do.
Text - Movie - Wild child
How is Power evident in An Inspector Calls?
ReplyDeleteIn ‘An Inspector Calls’ Mr Birling had complete power over the family until the inspector arrived. When he did arrive Mr Birling was bothered from the fact that the inspector took over and started to ask questions. At one point in the story Arthur Birling told the inspector off. Mr Birling said "I don't like that tone." However, the inspector was quite quick to come back and say, "I’m sorry. But you asked me a question." (Act 1 pg.15) These quotes show how Arthur Birling and Inspector Goole had a few disagreements. It also shows that The Inspector and Mr Birling were fighting over who had 'power' in the house. Another example of power in the play is when Arthur Birling fired Eva Smith just for wanting a higher pay. This shows that Arthur had power over the lower class people in his work force. When Eric accuses Arthur of being too harsh, Mr Birling responds: "Rubbish! If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth." (Act 1 Pg. 15) This quote just shows how stubborn and arrogant Mr Birling is and how he had complete power over Eva Smith getting fired.
How is Power evident in Australia today?
Power is evident in today in many aspects but in particular with politicians. They make the main decisions in Australia’s society from local issues governed by local politicians, then to state parliament through to federal decision makers.
Power is also evident throughout our school system. There is a chain of command that is common in all schools. The students are at the bottom, followed by teachers, then usually on to the vice principal and then to the principal.
Schools are also a place where sometimes students are divided into different social groups. For example, there is the so called ‘popular’ group who some people aspire to be like and would love to be included in their crowd. These groups appear in schools all around the world.
Text:- The move ‘The Clique’
Url:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYk80K4FzkM
who is tee oh are eye?
ReplyDeleteHow is social class division provident in “The Inspector Calls”?
ReplyDeleteSocial class division is one of if not the most important themes in the play. Social class division is the main reason behind the chain of events in which led to the death of Eva Smith. Both power and injustice can both be branched out from social class division- Power comes from being the high social class, Injustice can be caused by people of the higher social ranking oppressing people of a lower social status. In “An Inspector Calls”, The Birling’s social status gives them influence and power, allowing them to oppress others because of it. The Birling’s see social status as being very important and he obtains his power from it, he was able to fire Eva because of his power that was derived from his social status. Sheila gets power from her social status in order to get Eva fired, “ And so you used the power you had, as a daughter of a good customer and also of a man well known in the town, to punish the girl just because she made you feel like that?”- The Inspector. That quote shows how because of Sheila’s social class and influence she could manipulate people to get what she wanted.
How is social class division provident in Australian Society?
Social class division is very provident in our society as we are faced with it each day. Things such as what school you got to, where you live, your race, background, religion, the amount of money, places to shop at, eat at… all combine to show your social class division. In schools there are hierarchy (eg. the popular vs. the dorks), cliques and groups. Certain groups have higher social status which gives them power to control others and make people feel inferior. In society, People who live in the ‘wealthy areas’ are considered ‘better’ and of higher social class compared those who live in working class areas. This division is very unfair as people should be treated fairly regardless of their social status.
Text:
My text is popular TV series ‘Glee’. In the TV show Glee, the school has very defined social class divisions. There are the popular Cheerleaders and football players who have all the social power in the school, they control people and use their power (that they got from being in certain cliques and activities) to ‘rule’ the school. Then there is the Glee members who are seen as the ‘losers’, the ‘dorks’ and the ‘unpopular’. They are frequently belittled and oppressed by the more ‘popular’ students because of their social rank.
stion 1:
ReplyDeleteSo, how are Social Class Divisions prevalent in ‘an Inspector Calls’ you ask? Well, there are many aspects of the script that indicate a strong emphasis on class divisions within society. The Birling family is seen to be a very affluent bunch within the social scene. Their mannerisms, material possessions and overall thought processes reveal this also. However, the Birling’s social superiority was used to undermine and diminish people’s self worth, who were of a lower socio economic level. Their actions towards one particular individual (Eva Smith) were unjustified and could not be vindicated. One particular quote that stands out to me, demonstrates clearly, the heirs these individual had about themselves; “Giving us the port, Edna? That’s right.” To me, this quote is a perfect model of the way members of this family spoke down to, and almost patronized those of a lower class. No manners and no thought, pure ignorance emanates from this string of condescending words. To me, this is the unspoken social class division of that time. They are as plain as day, almost comparable to segregation, minus the physical barriers. It really is quite unbelievable to witness the lure materialism and power, and how it can lead to such injustice.
Question 2:
Hmm, how are Social Class Divisions evident in Australian Society today, particularly among youth? Well, I could go on and on and on about the prevalence and prominence of these divisions among Australian youth, but today, I will focus on SOCIAL HEIRACHY. They are there, and we are all apart of them. Have you ever noticed how; as you have gotten older, you care more and more about personal appearance, materialistic possessions, social interaction, etc.? I know I most definitely have. This is because we all want to conform to a particular Social Ranking. As society continues to evolve, we continue to become more and more consumed in the race to ‘fit’ in one of these rankings. We see it one those hyped up US ‘chick flicks’ and teen sitcoms, but they are not just confined to the sets of movies, they are in schools EVERYWHERE- As Janice Ian once said:
‘You got your freshmen, ROTC guys, preps, JV jocks, Asian nerds, cool Asians, varsity jocks, unfriendly black hotties, girls who eat their feelings, girls who don't eat anything, desperate wannabes,burnouts,sexually active band geeks, the greatest people you will ever meet and the worst.
Beware of The Plastics.
And despite the stereotyping, she was right- we are ranked in groups such as these. There are the Queen Bees, as my mum likes to call them. They gain power by chipping away at one individuals self worth. There are the wannabes, those who aspire to be ‘there’, to be at the top of the social ladder, even if it means turning against their morals. The ‘geeks’, people who are actually individuals and care about their future, but happen to be misunderstood. The ‘jocks’, labeled as sporty and supposedly good looking, they are powerful because of their gender, size etc. The culturally diverse groups, freshman (‘Grade 8’s), they are all present in modern society but they are happen unspoken. Like I stated before; we as students/ Australian youth are segregated by invisible barriers, based on our on a daily basis.
Oh and as an ‘Australian Example’- I would have to say Ja’mie is a perfect demonstration of judgment based on culture/ race, materialism, appearance and wealth.
“Yes I come from one of the most expensive private girls schools in the state, but I’m actually really cool. Please don’t be intimidated by me.” Ja’mie King
1. How is injustice evident in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
ReplyDeleteInjustice is shown throughout “An Inspector Calls”. A very relevant example is when Mr Birling fires Eva because she was asking for an extra three shillings. Since he could not spare another three shillings he decided she had to go. He didn’t even give her a second chance. The only things Mr Birling cares about are money and gaining a higher position in society. If he had given his employees an extra three shillings he would have made less of a profit from sales that Birling and company made. Mr Birling wasn’t worried about helping people. If raising the pay would have given him more profits he probably would have done it. Another example is Mrs Birling refusing to give Eva any support because she lied at first. Instead of using her power to assist Eva she used it to influence the other members of the committee to refuse her aid. Eva would only have come to the organisation if she was desperate and Mrs Birling knew that women who needed help quite badly would come. However, her injured sense of pride would not let her have compassion and sympathy for Eva who obviously needed the comfort and support at that time.
2. How is injustice evident in Australian society?
Injustice will probably always exist in our society. It is most commonly seen in discriminations against people of different races and with disabilities. For some people it doesn’t matter who you are as a person if your skin is a different colour they immediately assume that they are better than you. This also happens a lot with disabled people who are sometimes shunned simply because they were unfortunate enough to be born that way. No matter if people are deformed or simply of a different race everyone should be treated equally. This problem will probably never go away but now more people are starting to realise that everyone is equal even if they are a bit different. This is because some people in society are taking the time to show the younger generation that we can all come together as a community while still being ourselves.
1. How is Injustice evident in Inspector Calls?
ReplyDeleteThroughout the play, injustice is seen from every aspect. The complexity of identifying injustice with anything however, is that unlike social class divisions or power, injustice is so vague that it can be more of an opinion as opposed to fact. I believe injustice to be a concept that is primarily subjective; one character’s perception of it could be completely different to another’s. In saying that, I could (and I did- but deleted it) write from Mr Birling, Sheila or Eric’s perception of injustice; explaining why they could feel that way, but I don’t see this question as something you should be told to ‘think outside the box’ of. A girl committed suicide; I think that’s enough injustice for one play.
The injustice Eva Smith/Daisy Renton went through is unexplainable. Making excuses for any of the other characters seems foolish when you’re comparing it to an innocent girl who felt the need to end her life because of these people. In fact, the more I think about it, the more inadequate the word ‘injustice’ feels in this topic. She was fired twice, left by a potential lover, treated like an animal, and rejected after requesting help. Why? Because then, and even more so now, people are selfish. Why did each and every person treat this girl that way? Because hurting her, didn’t inconvenient themselves in any way- and that’s just the way people are.
2. How is injustice evident in Australian society?
Before I begin, I’d just like to state how HARD this question is to answer in depth. I believe there can never be a satisfying response- how is it possible? Whether it is something minor, like someone deciding to place their rubbish on the ground instead of the bin, or innocent children starving in 3rd world countries- injustice can be seen, heard, felt, smelt, and even tasted. (I don’t particularly think it was fair that my sister told me to taste her “mild” Thai food the other night when it definitely was not mild!)
Nonetheless, seeing as though the play is related to suicide, I thought it would be appropriate to link this question to that topic. The trouble with depression, (that can lead to suicide) is that for most cases, not even the person that has it, is aware that they do. I think of it as a disease; an underrated disease that gets looked past in today’s society. And the reason that it gets looked past, is because it’s such an enclosed subject that no one really wants to talk about. Not only that, but unlike racism or any other prejudice, it’s not something that people can empathise with. Stereotypically, we as society, are led to believe that only people who wear in certain clothes or are perhaps a bit ‘strange’ can be depressed- when in reality, it’s something that NONE of us can be immune to. Most of us may think that we have a rather good indication of what depression is, but unless we’ve been through it ourselves, we really don’t. I think the most mature thing someone could say, is admitting that they don’t know or can’t imagine what someone feels like when they do have depression. (Just a heads up- I don’t know either). For someone to be in that state of mind to seriously feel like there is no further reason for their existence or purpose, to feel like leaving this world wouldn’t affect anyone, to feel as though nothing anyone can do or say will help them, to feel completely isolated from everyone and everything- is absolutely unexplainable.
There are two texts I want to show. The first one is a song called ‘hold on – Good Charlotte’, and the second is a short clip from the movie ‘Looking for Alibrandi’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj31k1SsaZg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdCaIGE3U6w
Social class division is evident throughout society and is present in our everyday lives. It is the division between groups of people within society who possess different socioeconomic status. Social class is mainly distinguished by wealth, property, occupation, status and many other contributing factors.
ReplyDeleteHow is Social Class Division evident in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Social class divisions were very prevalent throughout the early twentieth century. The most basic distinction of social class division is between the powerful and powerless. Those who possessed more power or were of a higher socioeconomic status had a greater influence in society. Every member of the Birling family including Gerald abused their power and social status for their own selfish purposes. Mrs Birling in particular uses her status and power to influence other members of the ‘Women’s Charity Organization’ to refuse Eva help. Mrs Birling takes advantage of her social status to get what she wanted.
The social class division between Mrs Birling and Eva Smith was clearly distinct in “An Inspector Calls.” Mrs Birling regards herself as her husband’s social superior. Both Mr and Mrs Birling have a high social status and position in Brumley and are well respected amongst their community. Eva Smith on the other-hand comes from an almost entirely different background and class; she is (now) unemployed, has little or no money, does not have a proper place to live, not in very good health and she is also pregnant (later in the book), therefore it is clear that her place in the community would be of a lower class.
How is Social Class Division evident in Australian society today?
Social class division is evident in many aspects of our society and community today. Social class division is clearly evident in schools and can sometimes be viewed as a hierarchy between particular social groups. This so called ‘hierarchy’ can often be determined by the wealth of the student; the school they attend; the clothes they choose to wear; their extra-curriculum activities; their physical appearance; the people they choose to be around; the friends they make and even their academic grades can determine their position in the school social ladder.
Text: The Devil Wears Prada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zicgut4gpwU
In this text a young woman, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is hired and given a job as an assistant at one of New York’s biggest magazine company’s(Runway). In this movie there are many social class divisions evident. Miranda Priestly, the editor is of a higher social status then her fellow employees due to her ranking in the workplace. She constantly uses this power and social standing to her advantage and for her personal gains…
How is injustice evident in the play?
ReplyDeleteWithin the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ lies a world rife with superfluous injustices. Injustices such as sexual exploitation, gender inequality, social class superiority, social exclusion, victimization and crime engulf the pages of this 20th century play, yet many continue to linger in society today. The prevalence of sexual exploitation in the Victorian English society was customary, with women disparaged, demeaned and mistreated by their ‘superior’ male counterparts. In the unsteady hands of Eric Birling, Eva Smith is sexually exploited and abused. Consequently, this exposes the gender inequality which pervaded the entire era. Eva Smith constituted a vulnerable young woman which in turn characterized her as a victim of such injustice, thus leading to her subsequent utilisation by Eric as an object for his unscrupulous pleasure. Ultimately, women were subjected to injustices based on their gender which included them being crowned as weak, subservient and habitants of only the domestic sphere.
Similarly, obvious social injustices were existent within the same society as they were a direct derivative of the rigid class system that defined the Victorian period. The working class were poverty stricken whilst the upper class enjoyed a life of ignorance and selfish disdain. As such, the dangerous and oppressive circumstances of many Victorian factories saw a rise in the formation of trade unions fighting for improved working conditions and fair wages. Eva Smith, a vulnerable working-class female, fought valiantly for her working rights and instead ended up forfeiting her employment. Also, Mr. Birling took advantage of his social status, ‘superior’ gender, and the fact that he was her employer to pay her unfairly. As an employer Mr. Birling exploited his employees, as they were either too submissive or in such desperate circumstances that complaining about their unfair wages and workplace conditions was literally unaffordable. It can therefore be said that An Inspector Calls is abundantly filled with injustices from the past, but are still somewhat evident in society today.
How is injustice evident in society today?
Many of the injustices foregrounded in An Inspector Calls continue to plague contemporary society today, although perhaps not to the same extent. With the establishment of generally well formed governmental bodies, injustices have been significantly lessened but not wholly eradicated. Perhaps the most prevalent injustice in today’s world is the fact that there is a vast and ever increasing financial gap between the wealthy and those who exist in poverty. Similar to the class system of the Victorian era, the unfortunate circumstances of the third world correlate to the working class sphere as portrayed in An Inspector Calls. However, today the economic division is generally lacking snobbery of the class system, a system which soured society in the time of the Birling’s.
Text: Rabbit Proof Fence (movie)
A story of persistence, faith and above all, of hope, three little indigenous girls trek the barren landscape of Australia to find their way back home, after being ‘stolen’ by the superior white inhabitants. An accurate retelling of what Indigenous Australians endured during the period of the Stolen Generation and of the injustice and corruption thrust upon their people.
INJUSTICE
ReplyDeleteInjustice and prejudice is evidently prevalent throughout J.B. Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’, predominantly through its infliction upon Eva Smith through the Birlings’ egotistical comportments. The Birlings’ generally, utilised their power, attained from their high socio-economic status, for their own self-regarding purposes, and in the process, significantly interfered with the life, ambitions and self-esteem of Eva Smith. As Hazel stated, throughout Priestley’s play, this took the form of ‘sexual exploitation, gender inequality, social class superiority, social exclusion, victimization and various crime’. Arthur Birling discharged Eva, an employee at his factory, ‘Birling and Company’, due to the fact that she led in a declaration of a minimal rise in wages. Although she stood as one of the hardest and most efficient workers of her section, she was immediately, without the slightest hesitancy, sacked with Mr Birling claiming ‘She’d had a lot to say- far too much- so she had to go.’ (p15) As a capitalist he prioritised his wealth, power and position and, consequently, intended to maximise his personal profit as opposed to reduce it to allow for his employees’ wages. Similarly, Sheila Birling, unjustifiably, resolved to get Eva fired from her second job, her final secure source of income. She used the power she possessed as a good customer and a wealthy Edwardian to satisfy her need for vengeance on Eva, which had arisen as a result of her immense jealousy. ‘I couldn’t be sorry for her.’ (p24) –regarding her emotional thoughts related to her treatment of Eva Smith. Mrs Birling also inflicted a significant amount of injustice upon Eva through her refusal to provide assistance and the utilisation of her power to prevent others on her committee from helping. Through her proclamation ‘Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.’ (p45) her rejection of help can be seen in addition to her lack of responsibility. Eric Birling and Gerald Croft also inflicted various injustices upon Eva although more so Eric for sexually exploiting her. Although Gerald was, in many ways, taking advantage of Eva and left her when it was most convenient, this appeared to negatively impact more on Sheila as opposed to Eva Smith. All in all, injustice is dominant throughout the play in various different and horrifying forms. Many of the Birlings’ committed crimes and exploitations remain manifested in our contemporary Australian society.
Although injustice can be observed within our society in many ways some with particular resemblance to the exploitations in ‘An Inspector Calls’, bullying is a divisive issue in society which is of particular significance and is a growing concern for our own generation. Bulling is a broad term which covers all forms of intimidation and abuse. In our contemporary technological society, which the presence of instant messaging and indirect communication through such equipment as phones and computers, we constantly open ourselves to the possibility of cyber bullying and prolonged assault. Bulling usually draws on marginal differences in such things as appearance, faith, ethnicity…etc; distinguishable characteristics of our personal identity.
15 year old Phoebe Prince was a victim of an extreme case of bullying. She suffered excessive victimisation through the actions of nine boys at her school who were committed of stalking, verbal, physical and sexual harassment and statutory rape. On January 14 2010, Phoebe walked home from school and hung herself, later to be discovered by her sister. Phoebe enrolled in 2009 at the high school in idyllic South Hadley after immigrating from County Clare in Ireland. Her family now suffer her tragic loss which resulted from these prolonged exploitations of injustice.
Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/bullies-revenge-ends-in-tragedy-as-teenage-victim-phoebe-prince-dies/story-e6frf7lf-1225847957664
How is social class divisions evident in this play?
ReplyDeleteThe play An Inspector Calls has examples of social class divisions bursting at the seams!In the early 20th century, society consisted of different social classes. There were the rich and powerful. And the poor and powerless. The rich and powerful treated the poor and powerless like they were filth or vermin. It is evident in this play when the Inspector recalls what Mrs Birling did to Eva: 'She needed not only money but advice, sympathy, friendliness. You’ve had children. You must have known what she was feeling. And you slammed the door in her face'(Act 3) When Mrs Birling did this she thought of Eva as vermin not understanding her actions pushed Eva to such an emotinal state that she killed herself.
How is Social Class divisions evident in Australian society?
Social Class divisions are evident in Australian society in Schools and businesses. In schools, There can be social groups that are all labelled as popular or the dorks or the rich kids and poor kids. In businesses people in higher positions may treat people who are new to the workplace or unexperienced along the same lines as they did in the early 20th century.
Text: Mean Girls, Movie
In Mean Girls Northshore is all about social classes. The populars are the plastics who put down anyone who is different and make their life hell.
How is power evident in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
ReplyDeleteThroughout the play power starts to manifest through the characters. Each of them either uses their power to help themselves or to create social destruction for others. Mr Birling uses his power mainly to benefit themselves. Being the owner of a company gives him power over all of his employees, this power used against Eva Smith. Mr Birling uses his power to fire her, just because she demanded better pay. As well as being the owner of a company, Mr Birling is a parent. He has power over both of his children, Eric and Sheila and uses his power to make sure they stay into his line. Both Mr and Mrs Birling tell their children what to do and say, so that their social reputation is not ruined. Also by being a husband back in 1912 the man ran the house, so this meant he had control over Mr Birling. His power can be seen in this quote (Sorry I don't have my book so I am using one of Lauren's quotes)
When Eric accuses Arthur of being too harsh on Eva Smith, Mr Birling responds: "Rubbish! If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth." (Act 1 Pg. 15)
This quote shows us how he used his power to fire Eva Smith.
Sheila also uses her power to get "Eva Smith" sacked. She was jealous that she didn't look good in the dress and that Eva would, so through her anger and power she complained to the owners. Even though this was a thought of the moment and seemed like a good idea it had grave affects on Eva Smith.
However, the Inspector Goole took a different approach when it came to his power. He used his "authority" to question people as to why they used their power to gain something for themselves or to hurt others. This allowed other characters to rethink the situation and start to feel guilty for what they did.
Throughout the entire play someone always had power over another character.
How is power evident in society today?
Throughout today's society there can be found massive amounts of power. Governments make decisions about what happen to our country and although we have the power to vote them in they have the power to raise our taxes. Schools, you have the class room bully and the 'popular group' each making an impact on the other students. Being in the popular group, you tell people what is 'cool' to wear, what is 'cool' to say and what is 'cool' to do. You have power over those who aspire to be you as they would almost do anything to get into your position. However classroom bullies uses their power over those who are frightened of them.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/death-of-girl-13-linked-to-friends-cyber-bully-parents/story-e6frf7lx-1111114907322
This newspaper article demonstrates how power is used. Even the PARENTS get involve and use their power as being older and being a parent!In the end the girl killed herself when the parents 'played' on their daughters feelings. Her parents will now live with the fact that their power over her helped her commit suicide.
Got it Tori, thanks for posting again!
ReplyDeleteHow are social class divisions evident in 'An Inspector Calls'?
ReplyDeleteThere are a few social class divisions in An Inspector Calls. Eric and the Birling family are in what is called the 'higher social class' and Eva is in the 'lower social class'. Social classes are formed by the amount of money that a person may have or their popularity. In this book the Birling family are in the high social class mainly because they are wealthy and also because Mr Birling was lord mayor. Eva is in the low social class for the reason that she is quite poor because she always gets fired from her jobs and has no one to support her. One example of social class divisions in this book is when Eva is working for the Birling family business but gets fired after asking for a pay rise. I think the reason that she gets fired from her job was because she is in the lower social class and Mr Birling did not think she was good enough for the job and it also could possibly be that Mr Birling was sexist and no longer wanted a lady working for him, especially not on a high salary.
How are Social Class Divisions evident in Australian Society?
There are also many social class divisions in today's Australian Society. Mainly in places such as schools and work places. This is because of the popularity of people and again, their wealth (or in some cases their parents wealth). At school, everyone always has to have the 'new things' such as shoes or clothes, etc.
My text for this is the TV show, Glee. It has many social class divisions in the school and is a great example for what I am talking about.
Hmmm I seem to have stumbled accross this blog by accident, however got hooked by the reference to 'Looking for Alibrandi' as I read this book in high school and as an Aussie with a European background I could relate quite well to this brilliant book... anyway... to the question of social class divisions in Australian society... I agree they are rife! It is the Aussie way to give everyone a 'fair go'... we hear sayings like 'never judge a book by it's cover'... 'it's the inside that counts' but is it easier for us to uphold these words of wisdom when a situation does not directly involve us? As a school girl I was taught these good ways and genuinely tried to uphold these as best I could, however when I entered the dating game my pefect man 'checklist' was full of social prejudice - he had to be university educated, from an unbroken family, preferably of a certain ethnicity, a white collar worker... and the list goes on (funnily enough though I married the perfect guy who did not measure up to my ridiculous checklist)! So it seems an episode of the heart can conquer even the most well planned judgements and divisions. Enough of the rantings of a stranger... I wish you bright young ladies all the best... hold onto the values you are taught at school - challenge and conquer the social divisions society thrusts upon us and those that we thrust upon ourselves long after your school days are over.
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