The Inspector Says "We're all responsible for each other". Mr Birling Says "A man has to make his own way"Show How Priestly Develops the Theme of Responsibility Through the Characters In The Play.

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The Inspector Says "We're all responsible for each other". Mr Birling Says "A man has to make his own way"

Show How Priestly Develops the Theme of Responsibility Through the Characters In The Play.

"A very good time - and soon it'll be an even better time." - the ironic words of Mr Birling in J.B. Priestley's classic 1944 play; 'An Inspector Calls'. He utters these words minutes before inspector Goole shatters the tranquil, pleasant mood. This play is based on responsibility, and how many lack this important quality.

It all began one evening; the Birlings were having a celebration of Gerald's engagement to their daughter, Sheila. When the ladies have left the room Mr Birling gives a little speech to his son, Eric, and Gerald. He is interrupted by the doorbell. It is Inspector Goole who brings news of a girl's suicide. This girl is Eva Smith. One by one the family are made to admit how they knew or were involved with this girl, and the Inspector manages to shift at least a little bit of blame onto them all.

I believe to clearly understand the other characters I must first examine the inspector - as he truly tests them. He is an odd person. His manner considered "rude" by Mr Birling ("Did you say why inspector?") and he is quite abrupt and aggressive. Another peculiar aspect of the inspector's enquiries is that he doesn't tell them anything they don’t already know. For example when the inspector leaves Gerald and Sheila to simmer, he returns - after a mini-argument between Gerald and his fiancée - and simply accusingly says "well?” At that point the scene ends and the audience left in awe. It is important at this point to indicate Priestley's commendable use of suspense and 'cliff hanger' effect.

There was something strange about the inspector from the start, but in the end – it is proved that the inspector is not the genuine figure they first believed him to be. The inspector's remarkable knowledge of Eva and techniques in putting the characters under pressure - making them shatter under the spotlight, make him and his reason for being there inhuman. This character is almost perfect. His grand conclusion - "each one of you helped kill this girl" is very dramatic. He can place the blame on anyone and nobody says a word. He is innocent.

Picture the scene - Mr Birling, well-respected businessman and middle class "self-made-man", owner of a factory in a small midland town called Brumley. His workers return form their summer break complaining of low wages - "pitiful affair" says Mr Birling dismissing their demands of twenty five shillings instead of twenty two and six per week. A young girl called Eva Smith is one of the "ringleaders" and Mr Birling - acting before thinking - dismisses the main culprits. This is merely the beginning of Eva's decent in the world and Mr Birling's involvement in her case. He is a prime example of an irresponsible character, acting too quickly - saying things before thinking, and classing himself above most people.

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Although Mr Birling may have started the disastrous affair, leading to a death and shocked, distraught family, I do not believe he was the worst out of all the characters that played a part in the suicide. He has a tendency not to listen, ignore other's words - maybe he didn’t properly assess Eva's case thoroughly before discharging her. He is also dismissive, "(impatiently) Yes, Yes," almost bypassing the inspector's words, "But I don’t understand why you should come here inspector-" - naturally believing he and his family are perfect, but as we are soon to discover - no one is ...

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