Class Conflict and Inequality:
* "Exposure" by Wilfred Owen: This poem vividly portrays the horrors of trench warfare and the unjust suffering endured by soldiers from lower social classes, similar to the way "An Inspector Calls" exposes the stark realities of poverty and the exploitation faced by the working class.
* "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson: While celebrating bravery, the poem also highlights the absurdity of a battle fought by the British elite, highlighting the disconnect between the ruling class and the soldiers they send into battle. This echoes the Birling family's disregard for the working class in "An Inspector Calls."
* "The Wipers Times" by various authors: This collection of satirical poems, written by soldiers during World War I, showcases the absurdity and tragedy of war, reflecting the disillusionment and frustration felt by those directly affected by conflict, which can be compared to the social commentary in "An Inspector Calls."
Responsibility and Guilt:
* "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley: This poem explores the theme of the fleeting nature of power and the inevitability of consequences for actions, similar to the Inspector's message in "An Inspector Calls" that everyone has a role to play in creating a just society.
* "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot: Prufrock's paralysis and fear of responsibility are mirrored in the Birling family's initial attempts to deny responsibility for Eva Smith's death.
* "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats: This poem evokes a sense of impending doom and societal breakdown, mirroring the Inspector's warnings about the consequences of unchecked social injustices.
Power and Control:
* "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning: The Duke's control over his wife and his desire to maintain his power reflect the Birling family's controlling nature and their desire to maintain their social status.
* "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas: This poem's defiance against death and surrender reflects the Inspector's insistence that the Birlings must take responsibility for their actions and fight for a better future, highlighting the importance of taking control and making a difference.
Exploring further:
* Consider how the poems you choose relate to specific characters or themes in "An Inspector Calls."
* Analyze the use of language, imagery, and structure in both the play and the poems to see how they contribute to the overall meaning.
* Discuss the historical context of both the play and the poems and how it influences their themes and messages.
By comparing "An Inspector Calls" with other poetry from the "Power and Conflict" cluster, you can gain a deeper understanding of the play's themes and the wider social and political issues it addresses.