English Essay – J. B. Priestley said, “My plays are to be acted not read.” Discuss the ways in which Priestley conveys his ideas about social responsibility to the audience.
The historical context of the play
An Inspector calls was written by J. B. Priestley at the end of World War II. However, the play is set at the beginning of World War I! The play was first produced in Moscow, due to the fact that there were no theatres in London because of the Blitz.
During World War II, there was some integration of social classes in the force, medical services, work and air raid bunkers.
J. B. Priestley was a famous writer and broadcaster. His speeches used to sustain British people during the war. He was concerned about a possible return to a divided Britain, as is shown quite comprehensively in the play. His puts this idea forward by showing that the very rich are comfortable on one side whereas the many poor working people are having a very hard time and are sustaining the rich in their favoured circumstances.
The play shows the division between the classes most blatantly. Also, just before World War I, Britain was at it’s most economically successful. The exceedingly rich were in the most beneficial position as opposed to the working class in 1912, which had low wage (possibly even minimum wage or lower), no employment rights, no welfare benefits, and no representation by the Trade Unions. This would have meant that if you lost your job/ were sacked, like Eva Smith, then you would have a very difficult time indeed.
The message of the drama
One quote, on page 56, made by Inspector Goole, explains how we should care for one another as if we are all related in one way or another:
“One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions and millions of other Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do. We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
This shows that for every reaction there is an opposite and equal reaction, and whether it turns out to be a good or bad reaction is down to fate and fate alone.
Creation of suspense
During the play, there are many points where the suspense is created and rises. To put more of a point to them, I shall explain each point in detail.
A certain unease is hinted at prior to the Inspector’s arrival – There isn’t a substantial amount of tension here because nobody is aware that there has been/is something wrong, or that anyone is being accused of anything, yet.
The Inspector’s arrival – Tension starts to build here because we are beginning to wonder why the Inspector is there, if not with a warrant. I feel that this is ironic because he does not search the Birling’s house, he searches some things are much more deeply felt than possessions (their house and social positioning); he searches their hearts and souls.
Interrogation of Birling – We are starting to wonder how Mr Birling is involved with the murder of Eva Smith. We also begin to presume that he could have committed manslaughter.
