How does Priestley explore the theme of social responsibility in his play An Inspector Calls?

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How does Priestley explore the theme of social responsibility in his play

“An Inspector Calls”?

        The play “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestley is set in the midst of the turbulent class struggles of pre-First World War Britain. Specifically, it chronicles the events of a single night in the lives of the prosperous Birling family, a major manufacturing employer in a position of power within society. During the play, the writer ruthlessly unveils how the individual actions of each of the Birlings culminated in the death of an innocent girl called Eva Smith. Throughout the play, the writer conveys his compelling message of how we should be socially responsible as the lives of others may be affected by even our smallest actions.

        The play commences with the Birlings in a celebratory mood. The writer uses stage directions and character interactions to tell us that they are important people and hold much social responsibility. This is done so that later on we realise that Eva Smith’s tragic demise was because of the Birlings’ lack of compassion towards others when taking advantage of their privileged position in society. For example, early in the play Mr. Birling states: “I speak as a hard headed businessman…for lower costs and higher prices…” This shows he is willing to put his business profits before the welfare of other people. The opening section of the play is a starting point for Priestley’s exploration as he uses Mr. Birling as a generic paradigm of the senseless and corrupt bourgeoisie everywhere. This is because the writer’s message is also his socialist ideal - we should use our powers in society in a sensible manner as even the most seemingly insignificant actions can lead to the suffering of others. In the subsequent sections Priestley reiterates his theme by showing us how ignorant the Birlings are.

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        Priestley starts the merciless demolition of the Birlings’ arrogance with the arrival of the Inspector and the news of Eva Smith’s death. The writer chooses Mr. Birling as the first person to answer the Inspector’s questions. The reason may be because of the intended audience of the play. Most theatre patrons at Priestley’s time would have been upper class people, much like the Birlings. Some of them might even have agreed with Mr. Birling’s statements. However, it becomes apparent to us that Mr. Birling is influential but actually quite ignorant as he ironically states:”…the Titanic…unsinkable…” On the other hand, other ...

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This is a very well written essay, with excellent expression and concise comments. I would like to see further textual references and as it is a play that is being analysed consideration of the stage directions should be present. 4 Stars