Analyzing J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'

Overview of 'An Inspector Calls'

J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls' is a British classic that explores social responsibility and moral consequences through the lens of a bourgeois family in 1912. The play centers around the sudden arrival of a mysterious Inspector who interrogates the prosperous Birling family and their involvement in the death of a young working-class woman named Eva Smith.

Social and Political Themes

• Class Divide: The play highlights the stark contrast between the privileged upper class and the struggling lower class, represented by the Birlings' cavalier attitudes towards Eva Smith's plight.
• Social Responsibility: Priestley promotes the idea that all members of society, regardless of class or status, have a shared responsibility towards one another. The Inspector serves as a moral voice, holding each character accountable for their actions.
• Socialism vs. Capitalism: The play critiques the rampant capitalism and greed of the early 20th century, advocating for a more equitable and compassionate society.

Dramatic Techniques

• Dramatic Irony: Priestley employs dramatic irony by having the audience privy to information that the characters are unaware of, such as the family's ignorance of Eva Smith's death and their involvement in it.
• Use of a Symbolic Inspector: The Inspector serves as a symbolic figure representing truth, justice, and moral accountability. His sudden appearance and disappearance add an element of mystery and ambiguity.
• Cliffhangers and Suspense: The play builds tension and suspense through the Inspector's methodical interrogation, with each revelation bringing the family closer to realizing their culpability.

Worked Example: Analyzing the Inspector's Role

Consider the following excerpt:

"It's better to ask for the earth than to take it."

This quote from the Inspector highlights his role as a moral voice advocating for social change. By challenging the Birlings' complacency, he encourages them to strive for a more just and equitable society, rather than simply accepting the status quo.

Through its exploration of class divides, social responsibility, and dramatic techniques, 'An Inspector Calls' remains a thought-provoking and relevant commentary on the consequences of human actions and the need for societal reform.