The play 'An Inspector Calls' by JB Priestly is a dramatic thriller. It was written in 1945 and set just before the first World War, so the audience could relate to the setting and perhaps remember their past attitude towards community.

Authors Avatar

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

The play ‘An Inspector Calls’ by JB Priestly is a dramatic thriller. It was written in 1945 and set just before the first World War, so the audience could relate to the setting and perhaps remember their past attitude towards community. Priestly was a pacifist, someone who was against wars, and he had experienced two; so the play has a message conveying social harmony. JB Priestly may have wanted some of the audience who are richer than others, to appreciate them for who they are. He uses the Birlings and Eva Smith to promote that concept.

        The Birling family are the main characters in the play. They are a rich family, sitting in the dining room. The family are a very arrogant family who think they are above many others; they are lead by Mr. Birling. Birling is an owner of a factory, called ‘Birling and Company’. Mrs Birling doesn’t seem condescending at first, like her children Eric and Sheila. Gerald Croft – who is engaged to Sheila, which is what everyone there is celebrating, joins the family. Birling considers himself the alpha-male of the family and a “hard-headed business man,” and seems like a man who would put business before family – this can be identified in my view quite easily. He congratulates Gerald and Sheila on their “engagement”, but then begins to talk about how ‘Birling and Company’ can merge with Gerald’s fathers company to form: “Crofts and Birling” ending their ancient rivalry. Birling then talks about ‘community’, dismissing it, saying

Join now!

“                                A man has

make his own – has to look after himself

- and his family of course.”

 However, by this it could be said Birling puts family and business above everything, including his workers. So this attitude may have contributed to Eva’s death. This may make Birling look like a self-centred, obnoxious, business man,

        When the Inspector arrives, it is just when Birling has finished his verbal assault on community. It is ironic as the Inspector embraces community. It is clear to see the Inspector has character, good-manners and is good at what he does. We know ...

This is a preview of the whole essay