An Inspector Calls: Themes

Key themes

1. Social responsibility
2. Age
3. Gender
4. Social class

Social Responsibility

The play's central message is about the importance of social responsibility—the idea that we are all interconnected and that our actions have a direct impact on the lives of others. Through the character of Inspector Goole, J.B. Priestley advocates for a collective moral conscience, emphasising that individuals must care for the well-being of others in society, particularly those who are less privileged.

Key examples:

5. Inspector Goole's Speech: The Inspector's final speech encapsulates this theme when he warns the Birlings that "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." This statement reflects Priestley's Socialist views, urging society to shift away from selfishness and towards a more communal approach to living.
6. The Birlings' Lack of Responsibility: The older Birlings (Mr and Mrs Birling) reject any notion of responsibility for Eva Smith's death, symbolising the failure of the upper class to acknowledge their impact on the lives of the working class. Their refusal to accept responsibility contrasts sharply with the Inspector's message, illustrating the moral blindness that comes from privilege and power.

Age

The theme of age highlights the generational divide in attitudes toward social responsibility and moral values. The younger characters, Sheila and Eric, show a capacity for change and a sense of guilt, while the older characters, Mr. and Mrs. Birling, remain stubbornly resistant to accepting responsibility.

Key examples:

7. Sheila and Eric: Both characters undergo significant development throughout the play. Sheila, in particular, becomes more aware of the consequences of her actions and expresses genuine remorse. Eric, though initially weak and irresponsible, eventually acknowledges his faults and seems ready to accept the need for change.
8. Mr. and Mrs. Birling: The older generation is portrayed as fixed in their ways. They are dismissive of the Inspector's message and quick to return to their comfortable lives once they believe they are no longer under scrutiny. This reflects Priestley's criticism of the older generation's reluctance to change and their inability to adapt to new moral standards.

Gender

Gender roles and the treatment of women are significant themes in the play. Priestley critiques the patriarchal society of the early 20th century, where women were often judged and valued based on their relationship to men, and where their actions were heavily policed by societal expectations.

Key examples:

9. Sheila Birling: Sheila's character represents the struggle of women to find their own voice in a male-dominated society. Initially, she is portrayed as somewhat superficial and compliant, but as the play progresses, she becomes more assertive and morally aware. Her refusal to accept Gerald's ring again symbolises her rejection of traditional gender roles and the expectations placed on her as a woman.
10. Eva Smith: Eva's story is a stark example of the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. She is exploited by several men (Birling, Gerald, and Eric) and is harshly judged by Mrs. Birling, another woman who upholds the oppressive social norms. Eva's plight highlights the limited opportunities and harsh judgments women faced, especially those from the working class.

Social Class

Class is a central theme in An Inspector Calls, with the play serving as a critique of the rigid class system in early 20th-century Britain. Priestley illustrates how class affects the characters' attitudes, behaviours, and sense of responsibility toward others.

Key examples:

11. The Birling Family: The Birlings are portrayed as a wealthy, upper-class family who are disconnected from the struggles of the working class. Mr. Birling's attitudes reflect capitalist values, where profit and social status are prioritised over the welfare of workers. He dismisses Eva Smith and her demands for fair wages, illustrating the lack of empathy the upper class has for those beneath them.
12. Eva Smith: Eva represents the working class, who are vulnerable to exploitation and lack the power to defend their rights. Her multiple dismissals by the Birlings and Gerald reflect the wider social issue of class inequality, where the wealthy maintain their status at the expense of the poor.