Mr. Birling is displayed as a prosperous factory owner, a ‘self made man’. Economically and politically he is a strong believer of the capitalist system. ‘We employers at last are coming together to see that our interests – and the interests of Capital – are properly protected.’ Despite his position in society, ‘I was Lord Mayor’, Priestley portrays Mr. Birling as pompous and verbose, as he is continually corrected and ridiculed by the Inspector. ‘Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges’. The Inspector’s sharp, cutting comments contrast to Mr. Birling’s long monologues, giving the Inspector a higher dramatic stance as his shrewdness rises above the insecure blather of Mr. Birling. This displays the dysfunction of capitalist society in relation to a socialist society. In addition to this, Mr. Birling never successfully defends himself and his beliefs as his narrow mindedness prevents him from understanding the Inspectors main purpose; to educate. This also allows the Inspector to gain the moral high ground, as there is no dramatic voice to argue the ideals of the Inspector.
The Inspector uses religious references, particularly from the book of revelations such as ‘fire and brimstone’, and ‘blood and anguish’. This adds another dimension to the Inspector as he appears to be not only omniscient, but omnipotent too, giving him a god like persona. This also evokes fear within the audience as they inevitably judge themselves, and worry about their scruples and their consequence. ‘And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.’ As audiences question themselves, Priestley is given a gateway into the conscience of the audience, and a chance to educate them. Much like Eric and Sheila, the audiences are educated through guilt.
In the play only the younger members of the family, Eric and Sheila Birling appear to be successfully educated ‘I behaved badly too. I know I did. I’m ashamed of it.’ The older members of the family, Mr. and Mrs. Birling, go back to their old ways after the Inspector leaves. ‘He was prejudiced from the start. Probably a socialist or some sort of crank.’ This suggest that only the younger generation of society is open to reform, and is therefore more wise and open minded. This is ironic, as one would usually expect wisdom and understanding to come with age. Eric and Sheila symbolize the future, the correct way of the new, whilst Mr. and Mrs. Birling symbolize the old, ignorant ways of society.
In conclusion I feel that the Priestley conveyed his message successfully, as the Inspector was very blunt and direct in his preaching. By condemning characters the audience could easily relate to, the audience becomes educated through their own judgment of the characters and ultimately themselves. However, the exaggerated characters distance the audience enough from the play to prevent offence, still allowing the play to serve its other purpose; to entertain.
