Themes of An Inspector Calls

Question 1

Social responsibility theme

Answer 1

• Inspector’s purpose is to force Birling’s into taking accountability for their actions.
• Lower class are vulnerable, mistreated through no fault of their own
• Inspector condemns those in power for not protecting those socially below them
• All actions have consequences, some more severe than others

Inspector: “We are members of one body” “We dont live alone”

Question 2

Generation: young vs. old

Answer 2

• Birling family is split into 2 generations (younger & older). They share opposing morals, there is a clear difference in how they react to the Insepctor’s message
• Older generation ignore/dismiss input from the younger generation - calling them “hysterical child” “nonsense” - patronising demeanour

Question 3

Exploitation theme

Answer 3

• Eva Smith is exploited by the Birling’s & the system of capitalism
• Vulnerable working class woman being exploited reflects the corrupt society at the time
• Mr Birling exploits Eva Smith for cheap labour, Sheila exploits her status as belonging to a rich family to get Eva Smith fired, etc.

Question 4

Capitalism vs. Socialism

Answer 4

• Inspector acts as Priestley’s socialist mouthpiece - his character’s role is to condemn capitalism & preach socialist ideals.
• Context: Priestley was a socialist, living in a capitalist country (Britain). Therefore understands the corrupt class system very well
• The class debate mainly focuses on the interactions between Mr Birling & the Inspector (both emblems for respective political ideologies)

Question 5

What type of play is AIC?

Answer 5

A Political diatribe (Priestley criticising the politics of 1912)