An Inspector Calls - Key theme (Social Responsibility)

A key theme needed to revise for An Inspector Calls including their purpose/relevance and quotes!

Why is social responsibility a core theme within the play?

Social responsibility is the most important theme in An Inspector Calls. Written in 1945 but set in 1912, Priestley used the play to advocate for the welfare state and collective responsibility. Each of the Birlings contributed to Eva Smith's death through selfish actions. Priestley shows that ignoring social responsibility has consequences. The play asks: will we learn from our mistakes?

Most of the quotes in this section contrast with Birling's "a man has to mind his own business."

“We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” - Inspector Goole

(Said in final speech Act 3)

Language Techniques: Biblical allusion, Repetition, Tricolon, Direct address

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Community and Socialism

This quote emphasises the association of society and the moral obligation of affiliated individuals to support one another. Through the Inspector’s assertion, Priestley highlights the need for collective responsibility to prevent social injustices. The biblical allusion to "one body" (1 Corinthians 12) gives the message religious authority. The simple sentences and repetition of "we" creates a moralising quality. This encapsulates the play's central message. It underlines that social harmony relies on mutual care and accountability, aligning with Priestley's call for social change.

Link to post-war context - the play advocates for the welfare state. Compare to Birling's capitalist individualism.

“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish” - Inspector Goole

(Said in final speech Act 3 as a final warning/prophecy before departure)

Language Techniques: Prophecy, Tricolon, Biblical language, Dramatic irony

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Consequences and War

The prophecy references both World Wars (the play is set in 1912 but written in 1945). The listing creates a sense of inevitable, escalating horror. "Fire and blood and anguish" evokes biblical apocalypse. Priestley warns that ignoring social responsibility leads to destruction.

The 1945 audience knew the prophecy had come true. Link to Priestley's belief that society must change. Can pair this with the quote before.

“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” - Inspector Goole

(In Act 2 he directly challenges Mr Birling after he tries to intimidate the Inspector with status and local influence)

Language Techniques: Direct address, Balanced structure, Challenge to authority

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Class and Power

The Inspector directly challenges upper-class entitlement. The balance of "responsibilities" and "privileges" suggests they should be equal. "Public men" implies those with power are accountable to society. This undermines Birling's self-serving philosophy.

Contrasts with Birling's "a man has to mind his own business." Shows conflicting ideologies.

“We are all interlinked as one community” - Inspector Goole

(Said in Act 3 when he gives the major climax finishing speech)

Language Techniques: Organic imagery, Inclusive pronoun "we"

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Community and Interconnection

The organic metaphor of being "interlinked" suggests society is a living organism where each part affects the whole. "Community" emphasises shared responsibility. This directly opposes Birling's individualist capitalism.

Link to Priestley's socialism. The family literally is "interlinked" to Eva through their actions.

“One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us”- Inspector Goole

(In one of his final dialogues in Act 3 presenting a didactic message by universalising Eva's story in his final speech.)

Language Techniques: Repetition, Symbolism, Universal application

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Class and Universal message

The repetition of "millions" emphasises the vast scale of social injustice. Eva becomes a symbol for all exploited working-class people. The common name "Smith" makes her a representative of ordinary people. The Inspector challenges the Birlings to see beyond their individual case.

Eva represents the entire working class. Priestley wants the audience to see their own responsibility to "millions" of people.

“It's my duty to keep labour costs down” - Mr Birling

(In Act 1 Birling justifies refusing Eva's pay rise.)

Language Techniques: Euphemism, Dehumanisation, Self-justification

Relating themes: Capitalism, Exploitation, Responsibility

"Duty" frames exploitation as moral obligation - a perversion of responsibility. He sees workers as "costs" to be minimised, not people. This dehumanising language enables his cruel decision. Priestley shows how capitalist thinking erases human dignity.

Birling uses the language of duty to avoid moral responsibility. Contrast with the Inspector's version of duty.

“I can't accept any responsibility” - Mr Birling

(In Act 1, Birling refuses to acknowledge his role in Eva's death.)

Language Techniques: Negation, Denial, Modal verb

Relating themes: Denial , Moral Blindness, Responsibility

The negation "can't" suggests inability rather than unwillingness - Birling genuinely cannot see his fault. "Any responsibility" shows complete denial. This refusal to accept blame contrasts with Sheila and Eric's guilt. Birling represents moral inflexibility.

Birling never changes. His inability to accept responsibility is his defining flaw.

“But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people” - Sheila

(In Act 1 Sheila challenges her father's attitude towards workers.)

Language Techniques: Antithesis, Emphatic dash, Direct statement

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Class, Morality, Change

The dash creates emphasis on "they're people," revealing her moral awakening. She recognises workers as human beings, not commodities. This simple statement carries enormous weight as it challenges the dehumanising language of capitalism. Sheila represents hope for generational change.

Shows Sheila's growth - she moves from shallow privilege to social awareness. She represents Priestley's hope.

“I'll never, never do it again to anybody” - Sheila

(In Act 2 Sheila's remorseful response after learning of her role in Eva's death.)

Language Techniques: Repetition, First person, Promise

Relating themes: Guilt, Responsibility, Change, Morality

The repetition of "never" shows genuine remorse and determination to change. Unlike her parents, Sheila accepts responsibility. Her promise to change behaviour is the response Priestley wants from his audience. She becomes morally superior to the older generation.

Contrast with Mrs Birling who refuses to accept blame. Sheila embodies the possibility of moral growth.

“I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty” - Eric

(In Act 3 Eric explains how he forced himself on Eva when heavily drunk)

Language Techniques: Euphemism, Self-justification

Relating themes: Alcohol, Violence, Responsibility

Eric attempts to excuse his behaviour through drunkenness while acknowledging his violence. "State" and "easily" suggest he sees it as almost inevitable, a concerning attitude. "Nasty" is a euphemism for sexual assault. Eric shows some guilt but also deflects responsibility.

Eric accepts some responsibility but also makes excuses. His honesty contrasts with his parents' denial.

“She didn't blame me at all. I wish to God she had now. Perhaps I'd feel better about it.” - Gerald

(In Act 3 Gerald personally reflects on the ending of his and Eva’s relationship.)

Language Techniques: Negation, Denial, Modal verb

Relating themes: Religious language, Conditional, Regret

Gerald shows genuine remorse for how he treated Eva. His wish for blame suggests guilt seeking punishment. Unlike the Birlings, he doesn't try to justify himself completely. However, this guilt doesn't lead to lasting change.

Gerald feels guilt but doesn't change. His remorse is temporary, unlike Sheila and Eric's.