An Inspector Calls: Themes - English

Context of social reponsibility

After World War Two, many writer were concerned for the welfare of the poor. There was no support. for those who couldn’t be financially independent. Priestley thought that the quality of life would be improved if people were more considerate of one another, he also wanted his audience to be responsible for their own behaviour and the welfare of others.

Examples of when Priestley explores the theme of social responsibility

• The treatment of Eva Smith

• How each character does or doesn’t take responsibility for their behaviour

• The inspector’s lessons

How Sheila feels socially responsible for Eva Smith’s treatment

Sheila is appalled when she discovers that she contributed to Eva’s death.

Evidence: “All right, Gerald, you needn’t look at me like that. At least I’m trying to tell the truth. I expect that you’ve done thing's you’re ashamed of too.“

Analysis: Sheila takes responsibility of her actions and tells the truth. Gerald is being judgemental of her even though he has not yet taken responsibility of his own actions.

How Mr. Birling does not socially responsible for Eva Smith’s treatment

Mr. Birling refusdes to take responsibility for his actions at all

Evidence: “If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody, we’d had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?”

Analysis: Mr. Birling suggests that being responsible for one another would be ‘awkward’ and dismeiies the idea that we should be responsible for each other.

How Eric feels socially responsible for Eva Smith’s treatment

Eric shows that he takes social responsibility in the final act of the play.

Evidence: "I don't see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.”

Analysis: Eric, in the quote takes the matter of Eva Smith’s death very seriously. He is brave enough to tell his mother that she should feel responsible too.

How Mrs. Birling does not feel socially responsible for Eva Smith’s treatment

Sybil will not take any responsibility for the death of Eva Smith even after being questioned by Inspector Goole.

Evidence: "I should think not. Eric, I'm absolutely ashamed of you."

Analysis: Sybil is shown to have not learned anything from the inspector’s investigation. The audience would know that she has no right to be questioning the behaviour of other people given her own treatment of Eva Smith and lack of social responsibility.

Inspector Goole’s lessons on social responsibility

Quote: "It's better to ask for the earth than to take it."

Analysis; Goole suggests that it is socially irresponsible to be greedy and to only take things without permission. It’s an action that the Birlings, as privileged as they are, would be used to.