An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

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An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

The play entitled An Inspector Calls was written by J.B. Priestley in

1946, just after the 2nd World War. Although it was set in the spring

of 1912; just before the 1st World War, it was almost immediately

recognized as a grand work. J.B. Priestley was writing the play for a

middle class audience and was trying to speak up for the working class

by showing how the Birlings and Gerald Croft were all involved in

making a young working class girl's life a misery. Priestleywants to

show us that we have a responsibility to others to act fairly and

without prejudice and that we do not live in isolation. Our actions

affect others. This is the concept of collective responsibility.

Priestleysays, 'things could really improve if only people were to

become more socially responsible for the welfare of others'. We have

to confront our mistakes and learn from them. This Socialist message

is delivered through the mouth of the inspector, who takes on the role

of a teacher to the Birling family. He hopes to teach them moral

values and respect for everyone, no matter how poor. Whilst the older

members of the family, Arthur and Sybil Birlingand Gerald Croft,

remain as pompous and superior as ever, the younger generation,

Ericand Sheila Birling, realize and accept their part in the death of

Eva Smith. "I know I'm to blame and I'm desperately sorry" SheilaAct 2

"I've told you all I know and it doesn't seem to me very important."

Mr. Birling Act1 This is Priestley's way of saying that it is up to

the younger generation of society to change because older people are a

lot more resistant and attached to their lifestyle.

...

... middle of paper ...

...ession. This time around, Priestley says, things could really

improve if only people were to become more socially responsible for

the welfare of others. We have to confront our mistakes and learn from

them. The fact that his use of time sometimes makes it seem as if

events have not yet happened and the characters might have a chance to

change their actions, reflects this - there was a Second World War and

people have a second chance to change things. The older Birlings

represent those who failed to learn from the First World War, while

Sheila and Eric are the younger generation who still have a chance to

learn and change. In conclusion, this play is a comment on the society

of the Edwardian age, as well as being a play about relationships as a

whole. Priestley sets out to show the failings of that society and

succeeds.

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