The shadow of war hovers over JB Priestley's play about the suicide of a young working-class woman. It was written in 1945, after World War Two, and the action takes place two years before World War One begins. An upper-class family's celebration of an engagement is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious police inspector, who interviews each of them about their connection to the dead girl, Eva Smith. "We don't live alone," the inspector concludes. "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguishSevere suffering, often mental. ."
An Inspector Calls
Glossary
Anguish - Severe suffering, often mental.
Culpability - Blame.
Capitalist - Related to an economic system based on private ownership of businesses and goods.
Patriarchy - A system of society where men hold power and women are excluded.
Philanthropist - Someone who donates generously to good causes. American philanthropy has been very important in creating a positive image of the US around the world.
Destitute - Extremely poor. Having no food, money or shelter.
Parable - A story told with a moral or spiritual purpose.
Naturalism - In literature, a style based on accurately showing detail.
Retribution - A punishment given to somebody who is perceived to have done something wrong.