An Inspector Calls

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An Inspector Calls

Introduction

"An Inspector Calls" is a play written by J.B Priestley in 1946. It is set in 1912. It is about a Family celebrating an engagement party. The Inspector makes an unexpectedly arrival to the house. He starts to investigate about an alleged suicide. The main theme (or one of the main theme) about this play is 'Social Responsibility' which means to care for others in the community.

I will discuss the main points about each character in the play. My first character I will discuss about is Mr Birling.

Mr Birling

Mr Birling was a rich self-made man he was rich because of his company called 'Birling & Co'. He was snobbish about the business because he would give more money to his family than to his employees. He thinks the 'Cranks' by which he means the socialists tells you to look after others in the community. He is a Capitalist which, is every man for himself.

"Capital versus Labour agitation's and all those silly war scares"

When the Inspector questions Mr Birling, he was calm and patient. As soon as the Inspector told the family about the alleged suicide of Eva Smith, the family was shocked. Mr Birling answers the Inspector's questions, he shows no emotion, but when the Inspector tells Mr Birling how he was involved with Eva Smith he slightly changes his attitude.

"Yes, She was out of work for the next two months"

The Inspector shows the picture of Eva Smith & Mr Birling tells the Inspector how he was involved.

"Yes, I do. She was one of employees & then I discharged her"
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Mr Birling shows no emotion and didn't care what happened to Eva. Then Eric starts to blame his father for the alleged suicide of Eva. Mr Birling believes what he done was right and does not feel guilty about Eva Smith.

" Yes. The girl had been causing trouble in the works"

Sheila

Sheila the daughter of Mr Birling is a woman who may take some of the blame, in this play. Sheila is rather distressed after hearing what had happened to the girl. Sheila wants to know about Eva Smith. Such as how old ...

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