an inspector calls

Eric’s role in the play

Eric represents the younger generation’s ability to change, accept guilt, and break away from the selfishness of the older generation. Priestley uses him as a symbol of hope for a more socially responsible future.

“The fact remains that I did what I did”

Eric accepts full responsibility without excuses. The phrase shows maturity and contrasts sharply with his parents’ denial, reinforcing Priestley’s message that change comes from the young.

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

Euphemistic language hides the seriousness of his behaviour, exposing how upper‑class men normalised exploitation. Priestley criticises toxic masculinity and entitlement.

“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to”

Reveals emotional distance in the Birling family. Priestley exposes how capitalist families prioritise reputation over genuine care, contributing to Eric’s reckless behaviour.

Eric’s development

Eric moves from immaturity to remorse. Priestley uses him to show that progress is possible when people confront their wrongdoing honestly.

Sheila’s role in the play

Sheila symbolises the younger generation’s moral awakening. Priestley uses her to show how self‑reflection leads to empathy, responsibility, and social progress.

“But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people”

Sheila immediately challenges capitalist exploitation. The contrast between “labour” and “people” shows her empathy and moral clarity.

“I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry”

Sheila accepts guilt early. The adverb “desperately” shows genuine remorse. Priestley contrasts her emotional honesty with her parents’ stubbornness.

“You began to learn something. And now you’ve stopped.”

Sheila criticises her parents for refusing to change. Priestley uses her to represent hope for a more socially responsible future.

Sheila’s development

She transforms from naïve and materialistic to morally aware and socially conscious, embodying Priestley’s message that change begins with self‑awareness.

Mr Birling’s role in the play

He represents capitalism, selfishness, and the older generation’s refusal to accept responsibility. Priestley uses him as a symbol of everything wrong with Edwardian society.

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself”

Summarises Birling’s capitalist ideology. Priestley presents it as morally bankrupt and socially destructive.

“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”

Dramatic irony makes Birling look foolish and undermines his authority. If he’s wrong about the Titanic, he’s wrong about society too.

“I can’t accept any responsibility”

Birling refuses to acknowledge his role in Eva’s death. Priestley uses him to show how the upper classes avoid accountability.

Mr Birling’s development

He does not change. His stubbornness reinforces Priestley’s warning that society cannot progress if people like Birling remain in power.

Mrs Birling’s role in the play

She represents upper‑class hypocrisy, coldness, and moral superiority. Priestley uses her to criticise class prejudice and lack of empathy.

“I did nothing I’m ashamed of”

Shows complete denial and moral blindness. Priestley exposes how the upper classes justify cruelty by hiding behind social status.

“Girls of that class”

Snobbish, dismissive language. Mrs Birling sees working‑class women as inferior. Priestley attacks classism and prejudice.

“I blame the young man who was the father of the child”

Dramatic irony — she unknowingly condemns her own son. Priestley exposes her hypocrisy and lack of self‑awareness.

Mrs Birling’s development

She refuses to change. Priestley uses her as a warning about the dangers of entrenched privilege.

Inspector’s role in the play

He is Priestley’s mouthpiece for socialism, morality, and collective responsibility. He exposes guilt and forces the characters to confront the consequences of their actions.

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

The core message of the play. The Inspector speaks like a moral teacher or prophet, promoting social responsibility.

“He creates at once an impression of massiveness”

His authority is moral, not social. Priestley uses him to challenge the power of the upper classes.

“It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it”

A critique of capitalist greed. The Inspector argues that the poor asking for help is not the problem — the rich exploiting them is.

Inspector’s function

He exposes truth, forces confession, and delivers Priestley’s socialist message. His mysterious nature reinforces the idea that morality is inescapable.

Eva’s role in the play

She represents the entire working class — voiceless, exploited, and mistreated by the wealthy. Priestley uses her as a symbol of social injustice.

“A lively good‑looking girl”

Shows she had potential and humanity. Priestley emphasises that she was a real person, not just a case study.

“She had a lot to say – far too much”

Birling’s complaint reveals how the working class are punished for speaking up. Priestley criticises capitalist power structures.

“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!”

Mrs Birling’s prejudice is exposed. She assumes working‑class women are immoral. Priestley attacks class stereotypes.

Eva as a symbol

She represents all victims of inequality. Her death is a moral indictment of the entire Birling family — and society.