Are the Crofts Upper Class?
An Inspector Calls, a play written by J.B. Priestley, is set in the early 20th century and explores themes of social class, morality, and responsibility. Two characters, Gerald Croft and Sheila Birling, are members of the upper class, and their interactions with each other and others in the play reveal significant insights into their social standing. In this article, we will examine the class status of the Crofts and analyze their relationships and behaviors in the context of the play.
Upper Class vs. Lower Class
To understand the Crofts’ social class, it is essential to understand the distinctions between the upper and lower classes in British society during the early 20th century. The upper class is characterized by wealth, title, and social prestige. They have a high status and enjoy privileges such as access to education, careers, and social events. In contrast, the lower class is composed of individuals who are impoverished, often lacking education, job opportunities, and social connections.
Gerald Croft: A Typical Upper-Class Character
Gerald Croft, Sheila’s fiancé, embodies the characteristics of an upper-class individual. He is a wealthy, well-connected, and well-educated gentleman who enjoys the privileges that come with his social standing. His family has a long history of wealth and influence, and he has inherited their estates and business ventures. Gerald’s dress sense, mannerisms, and language reflect his upper-class background. He is well-spoken, dressed impeccably, and carries himself with confidence and poise.
Sheila Birling: A Young Lady of Good Family
Sheila Birling, Gerald’s fiancée, is a member of the upper middle class. Her family has a good social standing, and her father, Arthur Birling, is a successful businessman. Sheila has been raised with the values of her class: she is well-educated, well-mannered, and socially aware. However, she is also influenced by the morality and ethics of the upper class, which prioritize social status and reputation.
Their Relationships and Behavior
Gerald and Sheila’s relationships with each other and others in the play reveal their social class status. Their engagement, for instance, is seen as a union between two families of good social standing. They share a love of luxury, fine arts, and social events. Their language and communication style also reflect their upper-class background, with conversations focused on social events, fashion, and family business.
In contrast, Gerald and Sheila’s interactions with Eva Smith, a working-class woman, expose their class biases and privileged upbringing. They are both shocked and appalled by Eva’s poverty and desperate circumstances, demonstrating a lack of empathy and understanding for the struggles of those below them in the social hierarchy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Crofts, Gerald and Sheila, are indeed members of the upper class. Their social status is reflected in their dress sense, language, behavior, and relationships. Their engagement is seen as a union between two families of good social standing, and their interactions with others in the play expose their class biases and privileged upbringing. The play An Inspector Calls provides a critical commentary on the social class system of the time, highlighting the moral responsibility of the upper class towards those below them in the social hierarchy.
Tables and Bullet Points
The following tables and bullet points summarize the key points:
Table: Upper and Lower Class Characteristics
| Upper Class | Lower Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Access to quality education | Limited educational opportunities |
| Career | Access to high-paying job opportunities | Limited job prospects |
| Social Status | High social status | Low social status |
| Relationships | Interacts with equals and those above | Interacts with those below in the social hierarchy |
| Language and Communication | Well-spoken, formal communication | Simple, informal language |
Bullet Points: Gerald and Sheila’s Behavior
• Dress sense and mannerisms reflect their upper-class background
• Language is well-spoken, formal, and focused on social events and family business
• Relationships with others in the play reveal their class biases and privileged upbringing
• Lack of empathy and understanding for the struggles of those below them in the social hierarchy
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