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Post by hollis on Aug 27, 2008 19:05:54 GMT
For those of you wanting some background history, here's some things about Priestley and the play that we've been reading.
- The play was written in between 1944-45. Think about Mr. B's comments in act one. He claims there won't be a FIRST World War. This play was written during the SECOND. What are we meant to think about B?
- Priestley was a socialist - he believed that production services(ie - Mr B and Croft's) should be owned by the many, and that capitalism (Mr. B OWNS his company and he works for profit) was evil. So, think about how strongly he wants us to identify with Sheila. Sheila represents THE AUTHOR'S beliefs. That's why she's so wise to Goole's game!
- This being said, the play is still about taking responsibility for your actions - Priestley believed in shared responsibility through Socialism, and voluntary support. Think how our two essay characters (Sheila and Mr. B) have responded to their 'guilt' so far. You should now be seeing Sheila almost becoming the author's mouthpiece! She's written as the one we sympathise with because Priestley believes the same as her!
- We'll come back to this idea of responsibility when we hear about the others! More to come!
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Post by hollis on Aug 28, 2008 9:02:13 GMT
Okay guys, despite ANNOYING LAWNMOWER problems, we discovered a little bit more of the puzzle for you to ponder over the weekend.
So, our Eva Smith timeline looks a little like this -
(B.I = Before Inspector, naturally.)
2yrs B.I = Eva Smith begins working at Mr. B's factory.
1 1/2 yr B.I = Workers are complaining about pay. Eva leads part of the strike movement. Mr. B sacks her to make an example of her.
(approx) 14 months B.I = Eva Smith manages to get a job working for Milwards department store.
(approx) 1 yr B.I = Shopping one day (in a bad mood), Sheila takes offense to Eva's beuaty and apparently 'laughing' at her whilst shopping. In her anger, Sheila uses her (and her father's) name to have Eva fired.
Eva Smith changes her name to Daisy Renton.
Gerald Croft meets her in a theatre bar and takes pity on her. He gives her a friend's place to stay, and some money. Eventually she becomes his mistress.
6-7months B.I = Croft senses the affair is coming to an end, and splits with Daisy.
2 weeks B.I = Mrs. B, while chairing a meeting of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation, hears the case of Daisy, now going by the name Mrs. Birling. The real Mrs. B takes serious offense to the name being used, and throws out the case, and any chance of support for Daisy/Mrs. Birling.
But why did she need support?
And where's Eric?
And has anyone spotted something with the Inpector, or his full title?
Lots to debate - DON'T SPOIL IT FOR YOURSELVES, the twists will be revealed in time. It's more fun in class than looking it up.
Anyway, use this thread to debate the case.
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Post by hollis on Aug 28, 2008 9:07:34 GMT
Finally, in case you want a reminder of the essay question, here it is -
Write about the development of two contrasting characters in 'An Inspector Calls'. One should be a character that learns something from the Inspector's visit and the other should be somebody who does not (Sheila and Mr. B). Explain how each character illustrates the themes of the play and comment on which character J.B Priestley makes you feel more sympathy for, and how he achieves this.
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Post by beckieeeeeeeeeeeee on Aug 28, 2008 18:10:19 GMT
mr hollis you are very cool haha despite our lawnmower problems ;D read this thing very goood help i told you id make one haa beckie doust
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Post by beckieeee on Aug 28, 2008 18:15:37 GMT
never thought youd se me here did you ;D this is prettty cool (H) you totally wrote this today haha 'depite our lawnmower problems' ha love it tbh. i shall refer to this, if/when i get stuck cos im cool like that you know haa
beckie doustx
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Post by beckieeeee again on Aug 28, 2008 18:18:48 GMT
didnt mean to write like three now :L but ohh well, i thought the first one didnt work
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Post by Firrhill Admin on Aug 28, 2008 18:34:50 GMT
The Inspector's the evil one - making that poor innocent family suffer and feel guilty for what - for who?!
Personally, I'm with Arthur and his free market!
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Post by craigd27 on Aug 28, 2008 18:51:11 GMT
I personaly think that they are all to blame for this suicide, mayby some have alot more blame than others. The end will more than likely be good, but we will just have to wait and see.
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Jamie
Demon Headmaster
Posts: 6
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Post by Jamie on Aug 28, 2008 19:02:12 GMT
Well, I Dropped The Book, And It Skipped A Bit Further On So I Know A Bit More
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Post by Firrhill Admin on Aug 28, 2008 19:08:32 GMT
The only society that works today is also one founded on mutual respect, on a recognition that we have a responsibility collectively and individually, to help each other on the basis of each other's equal worth. A selfish society is a contradiction in terms. Tony Blair - Responsibility
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. Aldous Huxley - Decisions - Responsibility
I'm not perfect, I'm not an angel, but I try to live a certain way because it brings honour and respect to my mother. I tell people that when they look at me, they're looking at nothing but a big, overgrown, tough mama's boy. That's who I am. Mr T (THE ONE FROM THE A-TEAM!!!) - Values - Responsibility
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Post by hollis on Aug 28, 2008 22:31:13 GMT
Mr. T may have a bit of right here.
Think - do we have collective responsibiltiy - just because the Inspector says so , does that make it so? (well it might... wait till we finish the book)
Some issues -
We still don't know what ULTIMATELY drove her to the end. And yes, I do believe it was one factor. But, where did it originate. Who was the first one responsible?
And, more importantly, who STARTED IT?
Things to discuss.
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Post by hollis on Aug 28, 2008 22:32:03 GMT
I personaly think that they are all to blame for this suicide, mayby some have alot more blame than others. The end will more than likely be good, but we will just have to wait and see. I like your ideas. We'll come back to them.
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jdizzle
Of Mice and Men
Friends, Romans, Countrymen
Posts: 143
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Post by jdizzle on Aug 30, 2008 23:31:17 GMT
Having not read the book i had to think outside the box My Poirot like skills led me to believe it was sybil for one simple reason....her name is the most evil. Arthur: Sounds like the knight who may save this play Eric: Sounds pretty boring... Sheila: Throughout she would have been far to busy selling car insurance Gerald Croft: In some way related to lara and anyone that is related to lara is good in my book
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Post by Firrhill Admin on Aug 31, 2008 9:28:23 GMT
Jdizzle - ye be the first to be smited!
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Post by hollis on Sept 1, 2008 11:36:03 GMT
Well, not the best turnout for the piece of homework. Three of my pupils and an Advanced Higher.
I'll be expecting a lot of discussion after we find out about Eric today...
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