J B Priestley uses the Inspector and the other characters to put across a clear message about the responsibility those in privileged positions have towards less fortunate members of society. How does he achieve he purpose?

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J B Priestley uses the Inspector and the other characters to put across a clear message about the responsibility those in privileged positions have towards less fortunate members of society.

How does he achieve he purpose?

This play was written in 1945 and is set in 1912.  During the play J B Priestley uses the characters to put across a message about the fact that everybody has responsibility for others, particularly those in privileged positions, who have responsibility towards those less fortunate members of society, but tend not to do anything about it.

The point in the play where the idea of people having responsibility for others is most prominent is in my opinion is the Inspector’s valedictory speech, his parting shot.  This is a dramatic device: J B Priestley is using the Inspector as his mouthpiece.  He is putting across his message through the inspector’s didactic words.  He basically says that when you gain a privilege you also by default gain responsibility.  At this point the plot just stops, no-one is doing anything except the inspector, and this causes the audience also to stop and fall silent.  It also has an ethical and moral dimension to it which shows that it is the personal opinion of someone; Priestley is putting across his side of the argument.  He uses this dramatic device because it makes everyone concentrate on what is happening

Mr Birling’s character and ideas are established very early on when he makes his speech, and throughout he shows contempt for responsibility.  This is shown on page 41, when Birling resents the idea that the inspector has come to his house to talk about responsibility.

“Possibly.  But you weren’t asked to come here to talk to me about my responsibilities.”

In his speech, on page 6, he talks about the War:

“And I say there isn’t a chance of war…it’ll make war impossible.”

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Then on page 7, he talks about the Titanic being unsinkable:

“…New York in five days - and every luxury – and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”

                

And the future in general:

“in 1940……and I tell you, by that time you will have forgotten all this Capital versus Labour agitations and all these silly little war scares.  There’ll be peace and prosperity…”

His refusal to consider that in fact he might be wrong when he doesn’t let Eric interrupt.

                “Yes, I know – but still -”

 These all show his arrogance ...

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