inspector calls

  1. Social Responsibility

Theme: Priestley’s central message is that everyone has a duty to care for others in society.

"We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." – Inspector Goole
This directly conveys Priestley’s socialist message of collective responsibility.

"It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it." – Inspector Goole
A critique of capitalist exploitation, especially by people like Mr. Birling.

  1. Class

Theme: The play critiques the rigid British class system and the way the upper classes look down on the working class.

"Girls of that class—" – Mrs. Birling
Dismissive and prejudiced; reveals her sense of superiority.

"She was a lively good-looking girl… a good worker too." – Mr. Birling
Even while acknowledging her value, Birling feels entitled to dismiss her without consequence.

  1. Gender

Theme: Women are treated unequally, often as fragile or as objects; Priestley challenges this.

"Is it the one you wanted me to have?" – Sheila
Suggests a lack of agency, as Gerald picks out her engagement ring.

"She was young and pretty and warm-hearted—and intensely grateful." – Gerald
Shows how he uses and pities Eva, reflecting gender and power imbalance.

  1. Generational Divide

Theme: The younger generation is more open to change and accepting responsibility; the older generation resists it.

"You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all." – Eric
Eric (and Sheila) understand the moral implications, unlike their parents.

"The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke—" – Mr. Birling
Shows his stubbornness and failure to learn.

  1. Guilt and Responsibility

Theme: Different characters show varying levels of guilt for their role in Eva’s death.

"I behaved badly too. I know I did. I’m ashamed of it." – Sheila
She accepts blame early and changes as a result.

"I accept no blame for it at all." – Mrs. Birling
Her refusal to take responsibility highlights Priestley’s critique of the upper class.

  1. Capitalism vs Socialism

Theme: Priest