An Inspector Calls -- Themes

An Inspector Calls -- Themes

1. Responsibilty

   • Birling
     • Birling is the least 'responsible' for his actions
       • His inability to admit to his part in the whole drama is a reflection of Priestlys judgement on capitalists
         • He finds Eva Smiths situation below him and 'awkward'
           • From the word 'awkward' its evident that Birling shows a lack of responsibility because of his social status. His position in the hierarchy paints life as a perfect picture instead of revealing reality
             • He calls Eva Smith a 'wretched girl', which highlights his ignorance about people who don't share the same luxurious lifestyle
               • Its clear that Birling is the centre mouthpiece to emphasise how oblivious capitalists are to the audience.
   • Sheila
     • In contrast to her father, Sheila feels the most responsible and guilty for her take in Eva Smiths death
       • As per the stage directions wish, Sheila looks 'miserably'.
         • This implies that she shows remorse for her part in Eva Smiths death and is willing to take responsibility for her actions
           • She asks 'So I'm really responsible?' which clearly says that she is thinking deeply about what she did. Priestly uses this question on purpose, so the audience question themselves about social responsibility
             • By taking social responsibility , she builds a strong relationship with the Inspector
               • Priestly tries to imply that the younger audience should follow in Sheila's footsteps by taking social responsibility, as children are the future.
   • Inspector
     • The Inspector is a personal body for Priestly to speak to the audience about his views
       • He is introduced as someone who 'at once creates an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness'
         • This suggests that the Inspector is omniscient, as he knows how to interrogate each and every family member
           • Its obvious from the list of three that he is very wise and has a strong sense of responsibility
             • Later on he is offered a glass of whiskey, but he replies with 'I'm on duty'. This suggests that he knows his responsibility to Eva Smith and he cannot be distracted
               • He finds each family members part unethical and an abuse of their social authority
                 • In his final speech he talks about being 'members of one body' which is biblical language. Its something Jesus Christ would have said and He is commonly known to have a very strong sense of responsibility
                   • Consequently, the Inspector is believed to be the most responsible character and morally opinionated so is chosen to be the mouthpiece of Priestly's views

2. Class

   • Mrs Birling

3. HOW PRIESTLY PRESENTS IDEAS ABOUT THESE THEMES IN 'AN INSPECTOR CALLS'