Robot Says…

Vaudeville and Music Hall were popular forms of entertainment in the early 20th century, which is the period in which "An Inspector Calls" is set. Understanding this context highlights the play’s reflection on the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
The Music Hall tradition emphasised class distinctions, as it often catered to working-class audiences while offering a form of escapism from their harsh realities. This mirrors the class critique found in the play, particularly through the treatment of Eva Smith, a working-class woman.
J. B. Priestley uses the setting of the play, taking place in 1912, to contrast the frivolity and distraction of entertainment culture with the stark inequalities and social issues of the time. For example, Inspector Goole says: "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." This serves as a moral wake-up call, contrasting with the superficial distractions of Music Hall entertainment.
The Birling family’s privilege reflects the sharp division between those who could afford luxury and leisure, such as attending high-class performances, and those like Eva Smith, who struggled to make a living. This disparity is central to Priestley’s critique of Edwardian society.
The Music Hall’s focus on individual performers and acts also contrasts with the collective responsibility and interconnectedness that Priestley advocates for in the play. Inspector Goole’s message of shared accountability directly challenges the self-centred attitudes that could be associated with the ethos of such entertainment venues.
Priestley’s own experiences as a playwright and social commentator may have influenced his awareness of popular culture like Music Hall. By juxtaposing the escapism of this entertainment form with the serious moral questions posed in the play, he underscores the importance of addressing real-world issues rather than ignoring them.
Finally, the recurring theme of appearance versus reality in the play, as seen in Mrs Birling’s denial of responsibility and Gerald’s affair with Daisy Renton, can also be linked to the performative nature of Music Hall. Both highlight the façades people maintain, whether in personal lives or in theatrical performances. </aside>

<aside> 🔑

Resources

<aside> 🎨

Remarkable Revision

©️ Leo Sirmulevicius, 2024-2026

</aside>

<aside> 📺

YouTube

⏱️ Coming soon…

</aside>