A play, which has a very important message to tell the reader, is "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestly. The message of social responsibility is clearly repeated throughout the play.

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Elaine Weir        An Inspector Calls Critical Essay        Page

        A play, which has a very important message to tell the reader, is “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestly.  The message of social responsibility is clearly repeated throughout the play.

        Social responsibility is the responsibility that people have to each other.  A person’s actions can have a direct effect on another person’s life and the play is about people needing to realise this and admit that they hold this influence and understand the responsibility it carries.  Priestly uses many effective techniques to convey this theme.

        One of the effective methods Priestly uses is the plot, and the characters acceptance or dismissal of their responsibility.  In the play there are continual revelations and confessions about each of the Birlings’ role in the suicide of Eva Smith.  Each member of the Birling family pushed Eva Smith just that bit further, causing a domino effect on her life. Every time a Birling was involved in Eva Smith’s life, they seemed to make it worse.  Arthur Birling fired her, Sheila got her fired from her next job, Gerald Croft used her as his mistress, Eric got her pregnant and the final push came from Sybil Birling, who, refused Eva Smith’s cry for help.  It was a roll on effect, once one of the family members had caused permanent damage to Eva Smith, they would move on and another would enter into her life.

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                “Between us we drove that girl to suicide”

The Birlings’ ability to take responsibility is split within the family but ultimately it was their fault, and the Inspector tries to push them into their acceptance.  Within the play the discoveries of the characters roles is carefully controlled which creates maximum effect on the reader.

        Another way Priestly brings attention to the theme of the play is through the role of Inspector Goole.  From the moment the Inspector enters the play he establishes an authority over the Birlings.  His entrance is of significance to the theme as he rings the bell ...

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