An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

Play Overview

• Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945
• Set in 1912, during the Edwardian era
• A detective thriller that explores social responsibility and morality

Characters

The Birling Family

• Arthur Birling: Father, industrialist, and politician
  • Selfish, stubborn, and unwilling to accept responsibility
• Sybil Birling: Mother, socialite
  • Snobbish, class-conscious, and dismissive of others' feelings
• Sheila Birling: Daughter, young and naive
  • Initially carefree, but grows in awareness and empathy throughout the play
• Eric Birling: Son, drunkard and irresponsible
  • Guilty of fathering a child with Eva Smith, a working-class woman

Inspector Goole

• A mysterious, authoritative figure who investigates the death of Eva Smith
  • Symbolizes conscience and moral guidance

Plot

1. The Birling family is celebrating Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft when Inspector Goole arrives.
2. Goole reveals that a young woman, Eva Smith, has died, and the family is implicated in her death.
3. Through a series of interrogations, Goole reveals that each family member had a connection to Eva:
   • Mr. Birling had her fired from his factory for demanding higher wages.
   • Sheila had her dismissed from a department store job after Eva was promoted.
   • Eric had an affair with Eva, got her pregnant, and stole money to support her.
   • Mrs. Birling refused to help Eva when she sought charity as a pregnant, unmarried woman.
4. As the truth unfolds, the family's relationships and morals are exposed, leading to a dramatic climax.

Themes

Social Responsibility

• The play highlights the mistreatment of the working class by the wealthy and powerful
• Priestley emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others

Morality and Guilt

• The characters' guilty consciences are revealed as they confront their roles in Eva's death
• The play explores the consequences of moral failure and the importance of making amends

Class and Identity

• The play critiques the social hierarchy of the Edwardian era, highlighting the exploitation of the working class
• The characters' social status and identities are challenged as they confront their own moral failures

Play Overview

• Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945 and set in 1912 during the Edwardian era
• A detective thriller that explores social responsibility and morality

Characters

The Birling Family

• Arthur Birling: Father, industrialist, and politician who is selfish, stubborn, and unwilling to accept responsibility
• Sybil Birling: Mother, socialite who is snobbish, class-conscious, and dismissive of others' feelings
• Sheila Birling: Daughter, young and naive, initially carefree, but grows in awareness and empathy throughout the play
• Eric Birling: Son, drunkard, and irresponsible, guilty of fathering a child with Eva Smith, a working-class woman

Inspector Goole

• A mysterious, authoritative figure who investigates the death of Eva Smith, symbolizing conscience and moral guidance

Plot

• The Birling family is celebrating Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft when Inspector Goole arrives, revealing that a young woman, Eva Smith, has died, and the family is implicated in her death
• Through a series of interrogations, Goole reveals that each family member had a connection to Eva:
  • Mr. Birling had her fired from his factory for demanding higher wages
  • Sheila had her dismissed from a department store job after Eva was promoted
  • Eric had an affair with Eva, got her pregnant, and stole money to support her
  • Mrs. Birling refused to help Eva when she sought charity as a pregnant, unmarried woman
• As the truth unfolds, the family's relationships and morals are exposed, leading to a dramatic climax

Themes

Social Responsibility

• The play highlights the mistreatment of the working class by the wealthy and powerful
• Priestley emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others

Morality and Guilt

• The characters' guilty consciences are revealed as they confront their roles in Eva's death
• The play explores the consequences of moral failure and the importance of making amends

Class and Identity

• The play critiques the social hierarchy of the Edwardian era, highlighting the exploitation of the working class
• The characters' social status and identities are challenged as they confront their own moral failures

Explore the characters and themes of J.B. Priestley's 1945 play, set in 1912 during the Edwardian era. Discover the Birling family's dynamics and the moral lessons learned through the lens of a detective thriller.