Responsibility Flashcards
Overview
In An Inspector Calls, the theme of responsibility emphasizes the impact of individual actions on others. Priestley critiques the selfishness and lack of accountability in the upper class, contrasting it with the idea of collective responsibility. The play advocates for moral growth and social awareness to create a more just and compassionate society.
Quotes
‘All mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense’ - Pg 10
‘I know I’m to blame - but I’m desperately sorry’ - Pg 29
“I think she only had herself to blame.” - Pg 43
‘We are members of one body we are responsibility for each other’ - Pg 56
‘Fire, blood and anguish’ - Pg 56
‘All mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense’
Point - Mr Birling is presented as rejecting responsibility, dismissing socialism as trivial, reinforcing his belief in individualism over collective duty.
Choice - Priestley uses the simile ‘All mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense’ to show Mr. Birling’s rejection of socialist values. By comparing society to a hive, he infantilises socialism, likening it to something disorganised and insignificant. The word ‘bees’ suggests annoyance and ephemerality, implying that Birling views socialism as a fleeting trend rather than a lasting ideology.
Effect - Birling’s dismissive tone reflects his arrogance and ignorance, reinforcing his belief in class segregation and self-interest. This highlights the rigid social hierarchy of 1912 and contrasts with Priestley’s call for social change. The irony of Birling’s statement, given that socialist ideals persisted well beyond his time, encourages the audience to challenge outdated views and embrace collective responsibility.
‘I know I’m to blame - but I’m desperately sorry’
Point - Sheila is presented as accountable and remorseful, accepting responsibility and contrasting with the older generation’s refusal to change, highlighting social responsibility.
Choice - Priestley has Sheila explicitly state, “I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry,” using first-person pronouns to emphasise her personal acceptance of guilt. The phrase “desperately sorry” conveys deep remorse, and the dash creates a pause, reinforcing her sincerity and emotional weight.
Effect - This marks a stark contrast between Sheila and the older generation, who refuse to accept blame. Her remorse signifies growth and maturity, aligning with Priestley’s message that the younger generation is more open to change. By highlighting Sheila’s acceptance of responsibility, Priestley encourages the audience to reflect on their own accountability and embrace social responsibility.
“I think she only had herself to blame.”
Point - Mrs Birling is presented as childish and unsympathetic, shifting blame to Eva to avoid responsibility, highlighting her refusal to acknowledge systemic inequality.
Choice - By shifting the blame onto Eva, despite her being the victim, “I think she only had herself to blame.” Mrs Birling reflects the upper-class belief that the lower-class suffered due to their own choices rather than systemic inequality. Her refusal to acknowledge her role mirrors a child’s tantrum, as she desperately avoids accountability.
Effect - Priestley presents Mrs Birling as childish and unsympathetic to make the audience dislike her and the privileged class she represents. This reinforces his socialist message that the wealthy cannot absolve themselves of responsibility for the suffering of the poor.
‘Millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’
Point - The Inspector uses his final speech to convey the message of social responsibility.
Choice - The phrase “millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths” uses pathos to evoke guilt and compassion in the audience. The repetition of “millions” amplifies the scale of suffering, while the use of generic names like “Eva” and “John Smith” universalizes the plight, making it relatable to ordinary people. This technique encourages the audience to empathise with the marginalised and reflect on their role in perpetuating systemic injustices.
Effect - The pathos in this phrase deepens the emotional impact, urging the audience to confront the widespread nature of inequality. It challenges them to recognize their shared responsibility in addressing these social issues, reinforcing Priestley’s moral message that social responsibility should be collective, not individual. The audience is prompted to consider their actions and attitudes towards the marginalised in society.
‘We are members of one body we are responsibility for each other’
Point - The Inspector uses his final speech to convey the message of social responsibility.
Choice - Through the character of the Inspector, Priestley conveys the play’s central message of responsibility. The Inspector’s assertion, “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other,” emphasises the importance of collective accountability and societal interconnectedness. By using the Inspector as a mouthpiece, Priestley challenges the attitudes of post-war society, particularly the selfish individualism seen in characters like Mr. Birling, advocating instead for empathy and shared responsibility.
Effect - This moral lesson directly challenges the audience’s views on social responsibility, urging them to consider how their individual actions can impact others. The call for empathy and social awareness invites the audience to reflect on their own roles in society and how they can contribute to a more compassionate and unified future. Priestley’s message encourages a shift away from individualism towards a collective sense of responsibility, aiming for a society that values each person’s welfare.
