guilt and responsibility

what does mr Birling say in act one about responsibility

“if we were all responsible for everything that happened got everybody…it would be very awkward wouldn’t it”

Mr birling refuses to accept his part In Eva smiths death

what does sheila say in act one about responsibility?

“at least i’m trying to tell the truth. I expect you’ve done things pure ashamed of too”

Sheila begins to understand her responsibility , even when Gerald and her parents won’t.

What does the inspector say about responsibility in Act 2

• “public men , Mr Birling have responsibilities as well as privileges “

• he suggest that the rich should help the poor

what does the inspector say about responsibility in Act 3

• “We are members of one body.We are responsible for each other”

• He uses the metaphor of a “body” to show the physical connection between people in society

how does the inspector show elements of responsibility

• The Inspector: He embodies social responsibility, holding each character to account for their role in the “chain of events” that led to Eva Smith’s death

how do Mr and Mrs Birling show elements of responsibility

• Mr and Mrs Birling: Representing a selfish older generation, they occupy an important position in society, but fail in their duty of care towards others

how do sheila and Eric show elements of responsibility

• Sheila and Eric: Through their guilt for their behaviour towards Eva, these characters represent the potential for a more progressive younger generation to show greater collective responsibility

the impact of the inspector

Priestley uses the Inspector as a mouthpiece for his socialist ideology, emphasising personal and collective responsibility:  He argues that the wealthy and privileged have a responsibility to support the most vulnerable in society His message has a lasting, transformative effect on the younger members of the Birling family, but other characters refuse to admit guilt for their abuses of power

impact on Mr and Mrs B

• Arthur and Sybil Birling use the words “responsibility” and “duty” to describe their selfish behaviours but begin the “chain of events”: 

• Mr Birling fires Eva Smith and Mrs Birling abuses her power (in the Brumley Women’s Charity) by refusing to support her; this cruelty leads to Eva killing herself and her unborn child 

impact on Gerald

• Gerald appears contrite when the Inspector reveals his responsibility for the suicide of “Daisy Renton”, but he later calls the Inspector a ”hoax”: 

• When he tries to give Sheila back the engagement ring, it symbolises that he has not learnt anything

impact on sheila

• Sheila feels deep guilt and regret for getting Eva Smith fired: 

• She represents the younger generation’s acceptance of their responsibility to others

impact on Eric

• Eric is revealed to have raped Eva Smith, before stealing from Mr Birling to support her during her pregnancy

• Priestley shocks the audience by revealing this after Mrs Birling’s actions led to the unborn baby’s death 

• He demonstrates a capacity to change and an acceptance of his social responsibility, like Sheila, by refusing to accept Gerald’s “hoax” claim