Arthur Birling Who is Mr Birling?

owner of Birling and Company

the head of the Birling family
He’s a successful business man who likes to be in control and is a public gure, obsessed with social status
rich, irritable, traditional, self centred, impatient, sel sh
heartless, ruthless, concerned with himself and wealth
“socialist or some sort of crank"- no sympathy for socialism (dismissive). He doesn't believe in social equality
and ridicules the idea of socialism.
Right wing political views
values wealth and social status above all
Birling is presented as a villain therefore capitalism becomes the villain. Due to the sel sh, abusive,
manipulative ways of the upper class, a young woman commits suicide.
Birling is self centred since all he can think about is how the death of Eva could possibly become a public
scandal for his family and cause him to lose his chance at getting a knighthood in the “next Honours list”.
Mr Birling is oblivious to the consequences of his actions highlighting how the bourgeoisie lived in their own
bubble ignorant of the effect their actions had on the proletariat.
For him, he is looking at Sheila’s engagement and upcoming marriage as a means to advance himself in
terms of wealth and social position. He’s therefore in uencing Sheila to use marriage to gain higher status,
just like he did in marrying Sybil, because Gerald is an aristocrat.

Which of the deadly sins does Birling represent?

Metaphorically Mr Birling represents the sins of Gluttony= wealth (because he's greedy)
Pride = his name (obsessed with name and reputation)

‘hard-headed practical man of business’

Adjective "hard" implies he won't change his narrow minded beliefs. He's presented as a one dimensional
character as he starts and ends the play with the same ideals and views
He’s a stereotypical representation of a capitalist businessman therefore becomes metaphorically
representative of capitalism thus Priestley is able to criticise capitalism through Birling’s immoral actions

‘Portentous’

Adjective implies he's very serious and signi cant especially with regards to future events, he’s excessively
serious or pompous
His beliefs about the future are incorrect and therefore he comes across as foolish.
Birling believe that what he's saying is really important which is ironic because the contemporary audience of
1945 would know that all his statements about the future are foolish and incorrect therefore this causes
questions to arise as to whether his political views are the correct views society should align themselves with.
Priestley is challenging Birling’s political beliefs to show why the Conservative party aren't ideal for running
the country.

‘Rather provincial in his speech’

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 Adjective meaning unsophisticated. He’s presented as a character that is of high status who acquired this
position through marriage. His mannerisms aren’t as re ned as a high society citizen who was born and
raised into that social class.
“Provincial” is also de ned as being limited in outlook or narrow so perhaps we’re presented with the notion
that he’s unwilling to accept new ideas or ways of thinking therefore we can possibly go further to say this
foreshadows that he will not learn the Inspector’s lesson of social responsibility and will reject socialism as
the moral way to live. Mr Birling isn't going to change
This sense of foreshadowing is established in the stage directions: he will not accept socialism or accept that
he has a role in Eva Smith's death and by the end he laughs off what he’s done (had a role in the death of a
girl) like it’s all a joke

‘Lower costs, higher prices’

Capitalism is explicitly depicted here through Priestley as being exploiting and monopoly.
Juxtaposition of “lower” and “higher” along with the comma to separate the two phrases could possibly be
used to emphasise the disparity between the classes. Being presented here is the fact that morally corrupt
men like Mr Birling control pay and they exploit their workers by giving them minimalist wages for long
hours. People who work in Birling’s factories are paid a pittance as a wage and the products they make are
sold for high prices therefore the overruling issue that is being highlighted here is that everybody is
exploited: the people that work for him and the people who buy his products.
The point of capitalism is to make as much money as possible - there's no concern for those who are suffering
in order to achieve these maximum pro ts and this is clearly being outlined with “lower costs, higher prices”.

"It's my duty to keep labour costs down"

in response to not wanting to pay Eva Smith any more money

Here lies the injustice of capitalism and a society that runs that way. He decided to re her because she
wanted to be paid fairly and not be exploited being paid minimalist wages

Why is the dramatic irony signi cant?

Because the contemporary audience knew of everything that has happened since 1912. Dramatic irony allows
Priestley to undermine the power and authority Birling thinks he has and to also portray capitalism as being
the wrong way of life.
After the First World War there is huge industrial unrest and by 1926 the whole country is destroyed. In 1929
there is the Great Depression so the claims that Birling makes that “Germans don’t want war” is therefore
proven to be highly inaccurate.
Birling refers to political issues too when he talks about “Labour trouble" which is ironic because in 1945 the
Labour Party won a landslide victory. Priestley uses this play to gain support for the Labour Party by outlining
issues/ faults he sees with the Conservative party and capitalist values so this is a propagandist play.
Birling is incorrect in every prediction he makes in the opening of Act One therefore how Priestley is causing
the audience to question “how can we trust his political views to be correct if everything he’s said thus far has
not been?” Priestley is challenging these conservative capitalist ideals and begins promoting a better way of
living through his presentation of socialism when the Inspector arrives to question the family.

"Steadily increasing prosperity"

the prosperity was non existent after the war because millions suffered but the manufacturing industry
pro ted during the war
Arthur Birling’s con dence is misplaced.

‘unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable’

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 Perhaps Lucifer’s pride before a fall is being insinuated here. Everyone thought that the titanic wasn't going
to sink yet it did therefore metaphorically are the ruling classes seeing themselves as the titanic
indestructible/"unsinkable" and possibly will they be their own downfall?
The titanic is used to undermine/ ridicule Birling who seems so con dent in his predictions for the future.
The use of dramatic irony means Mr Birling's opinions are instantly devalued.
Alternative interpretation : the upper class see themselves as untouchable and indestructible. They believe
they’re superior and nobody can come for them as they’re powerful and rich. The upper class (including
Birling) seem to have an over in ated sense of self importance just because they have a higher social
standing. Therefore perhaps what’s being implied here is that the Inspector is coming to threaten this facade
the Birling’s present to society. He will expose their secrets and ultimately lead to their metaphorical sinking.
Therefore the titanic becomes a metaphorical embodiment of the Birling family.
Metaphorically Mr Birling is used to discredit capitalism: he makes a lot of foolish claims at the beginning of
the play which allows Priestley to set up this notion.

‘Let’s say in 1940’

Dramatic irony as 1940 was a low point of war: The Blitz, Dunkirk, before America enters the war. Britain was
at an awful point.

"She'd had a lot to say- far too much- so she had to go"

Arthur actually believes that the wages he pays the girls that worked in his factories were quite reasonable and
so when Eva begins challenging him, he makes an example out of her by sacking her.
Shorter sentences with lots of hesitation and punctuation are now being employed to show the break down of
his eloquence and sophistication.
As the play progresses, Birling’s language breaks down under the pressure of the Inspector's questioning/
interrogation (perhaps he’s succumbing to the pressure of the Inspector’s “massive” authoritative presence
and is nding it dif cult to justify this actions).
The overuse of punctuation suggests Mr Birling isn't as powerful as he once thought, neither is he as in
control as he thought when he comes up against the inspector
Metaphorically we’re presented with the concept of socialism and capitalism coming into con ict. Priestley is
using Goole as a proxy for his own socialist views and Birling as a mouthpiece for the sel sh capitalist views
the upper and middle classes held.

‘Triumphantly’ (stage directions)

His inability to sympathise/ empathise with the lower classes is presented.

"Triumphantly" - has connotations of having won a battle or contest, victorious, feeling or expressing
jubilation after an achievement. This therefore causes the question “what have they achieved?” to arise. The
exploitation of a young girl?
The same adverb is used to describe Sybil so this aligns him with her both of whom represent the older
generation that remain stuck in their sel sh ways and are adamant that their capitalist views are the right
views to have.

"I was Lord Mayor here two years ago... there's a very good chance of knighthood"

The importance of social position to Birling is being highlighted here.

Knighthood is an award given by others in the community. JB Priestley's criticising Mr Birling's actions, as we
later nd out that he doesn't support the community or believe in responsibility but rather the complete
opposite so it’s ironic that he’s receiving a knighthood when he’s the one exploiting those in his community.
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 He even explicitly states his ideas about a sense of community and being socially responsible : "Community
and all that nonsense".

"A man has to mind his own business’

Evidently this contrasts Inspector Goole’s nal speech.

Priestley is highlighting the conservative and capitalist ideals here.
This is from Act One just before the Inspector arrives where Birling makes clear his views on responsibility
and that he doesn't support community or socialist views. When he’s giving this grand speech, the doorbell
rings interrupting him and announcing the arrival of the inspector. Therefore metaphorically, we’re presented
with the idea that the Inspector is hear to challenge the Birling family’s views on politics and society. The fact
that Inspector Goole’s arrival is at such a pivotal moment is key as it foreshadows that there’s a bigger
purpose for the Inspector coming to the Birling household (not just for the criminal investigation of Eva
Smith’s death).

"Silly" and " ddlesticks’

Birling belittles other peoples' opinions and displays ignorance. It is this ignorance and dismissive language
through which shows a disregard for the poor

Change in Birling’s language

Once the Inspector arrives, Mr Birling's language changes and starts to become short and fragmented e.g.
"Horrid business"
He shows hesitation and powerlessness in the Inspector’s presence and his languages becomes more
colloquial "y'know" showing his authority and control is breaking down : this is similar to Sheila in one
respect, she goes from "mummy" to "mother" however the contrast between the two is that Sheila develops
from colloquial to mature and actually understands Goole’s lesson of social responsibility and changes her
views and attitudes whereas Mr Birling remains xed in his capitalist beliefs.
It almost sounds like he’s trying to justify what he did to Eva Smith “y’know” but in reality there is no
justi cation for why he sacked her. He removed her from his employment simply because she asked for
higher wages.
His facade (upper class respected businessmen) is starting to slip and as we recall he wasn’t born into this
high social class but rather married into it. As he begins to decompose under Inspector Goole’s sharp
interrogation, he slips into an unsophisticated and less re ned vocabulary (perhaps which is indicative of his
previous lower social station).

"I'm a public man"

To which Goole counters : “Public men Mr Birling have responsibilities as well as privileges". The Inspector
silences Mr Birling here,
Priestley points out that Mr Birling is to blame for his actions and highlights his failure to see that his public
position entails a duty of responsibility to other people. This attitude draws on the traditional notion of the
upper classes taking responsibility for the welfare of the lower classes.

"I can't accept responsibility"

This sums up Birling's views. He fails to learn anything from the inspector, doesn't learn lessons of social
responsibility and refuses to change and accept his part in Eva Smith’s death.
Mr Birlings’s denial of responsibility re ects the ideas of the society the play is set in.
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He only cares about the rami cations this potential scandal could have on his upcoming knighthood - "I've
got to cover this up as soon as I can"

"a young unmarried girl is being dragged into this"

One would assume that he’s referring to Eva here since it is her death for whom they all being questioned.
However this isn’t the case. He’s trying to protect Sheila and shelter her from Eva Smith’s death. It’s ironic
that he tries to protect the female characters (Sybil and Sheila) but no male gure attempted to protect Eva
but rather exploited here. One sacked her, one had an affair with her and one raped her.
The disparity in treatment of women between the upper classes and lower classes is evidently depicted here.
The patriarchy of upper class men leads them to shield and protect their women but this isn’t extended to the
women of lower social stations who are instead a part of those vulnerable who are exploited.

"(angrily, to Inspector)...You'll apologise at once"

Birling feels as if he's entitled to respect and special treatment simply because he is of a high social status.
He’s trying to impose his social status so the Inspector offers him an apology. He wants the Inspector to be
intimidated by him and his position in society.
Birling is trying to use his social position and connections to Intimidate and in uence the Inspector but this
doesn’t work because Inspector Goole is above that.

"I understand a lot of things now I didn't understand before"

Although Birling says this, he doesn't actually understand the importance of the inspector's message. He
makes the above statement because he’s intimidated by the Inspector.

"We've been had”

Birling acts as if all the events that have occurred are a joke,
in contrast to Sheila and Eric, Mr and Mrs Birling fail to learn their lessons whereas Sheila and Eric are
distressed by their actions and realise the importance of the Inspector's message. The difference between
generations is clearly highlighted by Priestley through this.

"the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can't even take a joke"

Sheila and Eric are most affected by Eva's death and they actually learn the Inspector’s social lesson so clearly
highlighted here is the contrast between the older and younger generations
Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to change their beliefs. Even though they’ve had a hand in the death of a young girl,
they stick with their sel sh capitalist views.
This quote draws a parallel to the opening quotation when Arthur is described as "rather provincial in his
speech" - he is narrow minded and doesn’t change his immoral and sel sh capitalist views
Birling thinks the death of a young woman is funny and makes light of it as if it’s all a “joke”.

"Look, Inspector- I'd give thousands- yes, thousands-"

Birling’s punctuation is broken up, suggesting he's thinking about his actions and the implications they will
have on his chance in getting a knighthood. He’s trying to negotiate to avoid a public scandal and is trying to
buy the Inspector.
He’s still being sel sh and thinking the effect this situation will have on his social position and reputation
rather than actually understanding the consequences his sel sh actions have had: the death of a young girl.

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 He’s saying he’d pay “thousands” but he’s offering money at the wrong time. He wouldn't pay Eva a few extra
shillings and sacked her because she dared ask for more than a pittance and yet now he attempts to bribe
Goole when he realises the potential for this scandal to blow up in his face.

Progression through the play

As the play progresses, he is described as "panic stricken" - Priestley indicates here that Birling's de ance
and bravado are gone and the audience see someone who is so blindly wrong. He’s worried this scandal could
cost him his knighthood.
By the end of the play, Mr Birling has reverted back to the callous man from act one "You'll have a good laugh
over it yet".



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 Sheila Birling Who is Sheila?

She behaves as you would expect a young, well brought up girl in the early years of the 20th century : sel sh
and spoilt
She represents the younger generation with Eric. Priestley saw them as "more impressionable" - after all, they
were the future
She gives the audience hope that their society can improve if people make changes and act responsibly as she
transforms from infantile capitalist to passionate socialist.
She is part of the younger generation who existed during the birth of the welfare state (the idea of socialism
and equality was created by the Labour Party).
She’s a young girl who comes to change views, pities Eva and feels regret.
Sheila avoids being a typical Edwardian women as she’s reluctant to embrace the submissive role and is
actually the rst character to change.
Sheila is perceptive since she’s the only character who understands the power of the inspector and she
realises that the actions of the upper class are immoral - she thinks it is ridiculous to pretend and try to defy/
mislead the Inspector.

At the beginning she is "half serious, half playful"

quite similar to Eric who is described as “half shy, half assertive”

The word half suggests an in-between state which creates a sense of unease during the celebration
By aligning Eric and Sheila, Priestley is setting them up as the younger generation who can possibly change
the future.
The juxtaposition of the adjectives "serious" and "playful" foreshadows the inspector's arrival and also could
serve to undermine her relationship with Gerald.
Alternatively there is a suggestion that capitalism and the beliefs of Mr and Mrs Birling unsettle Sheila so
she’s not quite sure of herself. Therefore there’s the implication that she will be more susceptible to the
Inspector’s message and will change. Her change could be Priestley symbolising the changing rights of
women, equality and women's power in society changing.

"Very pleased with life and rather excited”

Ignorance of her actions and inability to see past inequality and mistreatment is being demonstrated here.
The adverb "very" modi es pleased and almost exaggerates/ heightens her ignorance to the real world and
what's going on because she's stuck in her bubble of ignorance.
Priestley presents Sheila's naivety: she is upper class, has been brought up that way and possibly doesn't
understand anything of the real world (of people like Eva smith and the lower classes). She doesn’t realise
Gerald has had an affair, doesn’t understand Mr Birling is ruthless in terms of business and therefore initially
she’s presented as sheltered.

"now I really feel engaged"

symbolic of her materialism (the engagement ring) as she places heavy importance on the ring.
The adverb "now" provides the implication that the perfect ring is the reason for her feelings. This shows us
that she needs this expensive symbol and therefore is presented as super cial and concerned with
appearance and material things.

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 Women in the 1900s

Women were seen as delicate beings who should be obedient to their husbands and fathers (patriarchy). They
were seen as possessions of men.
At this time, women were starting to want more equal rights - the suffragette movement was beginning. This is
signi cant with the character of Sheila as she progresses and starts speaking out against her father “these
girls aren’t cheap labour, they’re people”. Also after learning of Gerald’s involvement with Eva/ Daisy she
refuses to pretend like nothing’s happened and refuses to put his ring back on like her parents expect her
too. She’s expected to overlook his dalliance but refuses to do so thus going against her father’s wishes and
going against the expected subservience of a woman in a patriarchal society.

Colloquialisms

When referring to Mr and Mrs Birling she calls them "mummy", "daddy" which implies her living in a bubble,
immaturity and child-like naivety. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that she can't see the harsh realities of life
and this seems to juxtapose Eva who has lost both parents and has experienced horri c things at the hand of
the Birling family.
As the play progresses, her language changes to "mother" and "father" which is a lot more serious and a more
formal standard of English. She now has the ability to stand up to them and comes into con ict with their
political/ moral beliefs about society and class.
There’s also the subtle reminder of Eva's lack of parents.

Sheila’s role in presenting Priestley’s political message of social responsibility and moral message

In terms of the 7 deadly sins, Sheila metaphorically represents the sin of envy because she is jealous that Eva
smith holds up the dress and looks nicer than her; she therefore gets her red out of spite.

"If she'd been some miserable, plain little creature"

By the employment of the noun "creature", the dehumanisation of Eva Smith is demonstrated.
There’s a clear segregation between the classes, a division between women of high social classes and those of
low social classes (Sheila Vs Eva).
At this moment, Sheila aligns herself with Eric and Gerald who also go trough the play dehumanising Eva
almost as if their actions could be justi ed or made to seem less immoral if they refer to her as “creature”,
“good sport” rather than by her name.
This is Priestley's issue: there is great disparity, a massive gap between the lower classes, working classes and
the upper classes due to the exploitation of capitalists.

"You're pretending everything is just as it was before"

"pretending" juxtapose "really" as the real world collides with Sheila's idealistic world that was built on wealth
She can’t seem to comprehend why her family is acting as if nothing’s happened, as if they’ve not all had a
hand in the death of a young girl.

Stage directions and adjectives: "distressed"- "horri ed"- "frightened"

Sheila’s emotional distress is apparent when she hears that Eva was pregnant. As the play progresses, the
stage directions worsen for Sheila as her character accepts the full consequences of her actions. She is
haunted by Inspector Goole to change.
We can tell Sheila is highly distressed by the way she reacts to the fact that Eva has burnt herself "inside out".
She’s shocked and heavily disturbed.
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 "They're not cheap labour, they're people"

Right at the beginning, there’s hints that deep underneath, she believes in socialism as Sheila defends Eva
after she hears Mr Birling's attitudes towards the working class.
This is possibly foreshadowing Sheila’s upcoming change : her subconscious clearly believes in socialism
but is hidden under the guise of the pressures from Mr and Mrs Birling.
However, the wording still shows an air of detachment and distance through the repetition of the pronoun
"they" - she isn’t fully showing empathy towards Eva smith and those less fortunate than herself.
Sheila reminds her parents and the society/ audience watching the play that workers and lower classes should
still be treated like human beings and not disregarded or dismissed.

Oedipus complex

she contrasts with Mrs Birling - "Mother, stop it!"

The Oedipus complex : challenging authority of same sex parent theory (much like Eric challenges Mr
Birling) metaphorically represents the con ict between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party and
therefore socialism versus capitalism
Oedipus complex: she's standing up to Mrs Birling. Metaphorically she's challenging the moral/ social beliefs
of Mr and Mrs Birling. They’re coming into con ict, politically and morally.

Morality

In terms of moral qualities she respects Gerald for being honest

She places moral value above social position which Mrs Birling is unable to do. She ends up massively
frustrated with her parents because they don't learn the Inspector’s lesson.
She is able to recognise that it doesn't matter whether the inspector was real or not because regardless of that,
they still all behaved immorally and mistreated someone.

Sheila's language

To show the full in uence of the Inspector, Sheila's language begins to parallel/ mirror that of Goole.
Inspector: "if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in re blood and anguish"
Sheila : "I remember how he looked, and what he made me feel. Fire, blood and anguish". She rmly aligns
herself with him and a contemporary 1940s audience would be presented with these socialist beliefs as being
what they should value and act upon. Sheila fully accepts the lesson that Goole teaches and urges the rest of
her family to as well.
"(Slowly, carefully now) you mustn't try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl." - her stage
directions begin to align her with the Inspector who speaks "weightily”.

Sheila begins to distance herself from her family particularly Mr and Mrs Birling

repetition of the pronoun "you" serves to highlight this accusatory tone.

She addresses them with some disdain by the end of the play and is ashamed of their behaviour.

"You never came near me, and I wondered what had happened to you"

Sheila did have her suspicions about why she hadn't seen Gerald very much the previous year.
This comment foreshadows the upcoming event and foreshadows what Gerald has done. At this point Sheila
doesn’t realise to what extent he has betrayed her

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 "I can’t help thinking about this girl - destroying herself so horribly"

Sheila admits what she did and accepts her role in Eva’s death.
The inspector uses shocking language and a graphic description to describe Eva's death and it really
distresses Sheila to which this is her response.
We realise that by Sheila showing she can change, it is Priestley highlighting the importance of socialism and
looking after one another and not mistreating each other (capitalism views are wrong and will lead to the
inevitable deaths of many more Eva Smiths).

"You talk as if we are responsible"

She accepts full responsibility for her actions and is perceptive, understanding what the Inspector is
implying.
The inclusive pronoun "we" re ects her shock at the fact that she is starting to realise that all of the family
have done something to this girl.

Sheila's increasing empathy

She refuses to take the inspector being false as something humorous like her parents "it's anything but a joke"
so stands at a stark constant to Mr and Mrs Birling who are celebrating at the end of the play
She knows that what she has done to Eva was wrong, feels guilty and accepts responsibility.

What did Sheila do?

"if they didn't get rid of that girl, I'd never go near the place again."
She appears to be quite sel sh and uses her social position and her family's reputation to get Eva red
because she thinks Eva looks better than her when they both try the dress on. She uses her power, wealth,
reputation to get her sacked.
Eva is easily discarded as "that girl", as if she doesn't deserve an identity, as if girls of the lower classes
weren't worthy and this is exactly how Mr and Mrs Birling treat Eva smith as "cheap labour"

Regret

Sheila shows remorse for the way she acted and the way she has treated Eva (crying)
"I know I'm to blame"- realises that she shouldn't have done what she did and she feels ashamed - “I'll never,
never do it again to anybody" (repetition of “never” reiterates that she feels guilt and has learnt her lesson
and also speaks volumes to her genuineness).
JB Priestley uses Sheila to outline that young people can change from socialism, can learn about social
responsibility. He presents the idea that there is hope for the future, hope for a better society if young people
realise they need to look after each other and the community (even people of the lower classes). Priestley is
using his play to highlight the power of socialism and as a propagandist play in favour of the Labour Party.

Product of her circumstances

Due to Mr and Mrs Birling's upbringing, Sheila behaves the way she does (sel sh and snobby)
She’s brought up in a wealthy family so it is highly likely that she doesn't really take responsibility for her
actions, much like Mr Birling who says "I can’t accept responsibility".

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 As the play progresses, Sheila changes and it is interesting because she starts to become more con dent and
stands up to her parents and this is Priestley pointing out that the younger generations are more
impressionable and can change society.

"You mustn't try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If you do then the Inspector will just
break it down"

Sheila is quick to realise that all of the family are involved and realises the power of the Inspector (arguably
she’s understanding that socialism is the ideology to follow as this is what Goole represents).
The language used her presents a division between Eva smith and the Birling’s "us" and "that girl"
Sheila notices that they are all involved and is telling them to just confess to what they have done.

"Between us we killed her"

Acceptance of responsibility. She realises that all of the family members have contributed to this girl’s death
She is aligned here with the inspector with the idea of community presented through the employment of the
inclusive pronoun “us”, “we”
She values honesty whereas before she was shallow and super cial

"You don't seem to have learnt anything"

She’s disappointed in her parents and Gerald.

The older generations stick to their beliefs and being very narrow minded, refuse to change whereas the
younger generation, Eric and Sheila do change (they learn their lesson, that they are responsible for their
actions and should treat everybody equally, and that the lower classes are people and should be treated as
such).

Sheila's transformation

Sheila changes as the play goes on. Initially she’s presented as a naive, stereotypical subservient women.
As the play progresses, she changes to become more con dent, independent and stands up to her parents.
She learns from the lessons that the Inspector tries to teach her and that is ultimately the power of socialism
which is Priestley's whole point/ message.
Changes from immature to a perceptive woman who accepts responsibility for her actions an is no longer
being in uenced by her parents and wealth
Sheila develops and matures the most out of all characters. On numerous occasions she is “distressed”. She is
aware of the implications of her actions and goes through many emotional changes “miserable”, “apologetic”.

"If she'd been some miserable plain little creature, I don't suppose I'd have done it. But she was very pretty
and looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn't be sorry for her."

Sheila's jealousy of Eva is evident. She is jealous of her looks and uses her social position as one of the
Birlings to have her red.
Priestley is highlight the issues of society at the time, the issues of social class and the fact that in 1912, the
divide between the upper classes and working classes was very prominent.

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 Gerald Croft
Who is Gerald Croft?

Sheila’s ancé from an af uent family - The Croft’s

He works for Crofts Limited - his father's rm which is bigger than Birling and company. The two companies
are friendly rivals and Gerald will take over Crofts Limited when his father retires.
His parents aren't happy of his engagement to Sheila, his social inferior, hence why they don’t attend the
engagement dinner.
He is representative of the sel sh attitudes of the upper class and played a key part in the "chain of events"
contributing to the death of Eva Smith.
He lets the audience down : we had hope that he would change his attitudes, but he doesn't. It conveys how
ingrained these capitalist attitudes were in the upper class, and how dif cult it was to change their outlook on
life.
His feelings for Daisy were genuine and he’s moved when he hears that she is dead. He explains the story of
how he arranged for her to live in his friend's at "because I was sorry for her". She becomes his mistress and
he says that she was pretty but despite this, in act 3 he tries to come up with as much evidence as possible to
prove that the Inspector was fake because he wants to get let off with what he has done. He con rms that the
local police force has no of cer called Goole and it is he who realises it may have been several different girls
since no one was shown the photograph by the Inspector at the same time.
He seems to throw his energy into protecting himself rather than changing unlike his ancé Sheila. He’s not
as willing as Sheila to admit his part in the girl's death to the Inspector and this is when we question whether
or not he is exactly the same as Mr Birling and just wants to protect his own interests (sel sh).
Politically he is aligned with Mr Birling who wants the two to get married to bring Croft's Limited and Birling
and Company together so they can be more successful, pro table, richer - the engagement is a business
arrangement.

"Easy well bred young man about town"- stage directions

"Man about town"- shows he's a sophisticated male who frequents bars often and knows where to dine, quite
popular socially within high society.
aristocratic
about 30, handsome

"So I insisted on Daisy moving into those rooms and I made her take some money"

The verb "insisted" means to be rm or resolute on some matter of desire (demand, intent on/ to demand or
persist in demanding)
“insisted” presents Gerald as the power gure in this relationship but also that his desires were going to be
met which implies that he was taking advantage of Eva who was quite vulnerable as were most women in
society if they were of a lower class stature
The verb "made" - to produce, prepare, arti cially produce causes the audience to question Gerald’s sincerity.
This particular verb suggests something arti cial about their relationship in the sense that he just wanted to
have sex with her hence with the seven deadly sins he is representative of lust.

"I didn't install her there so that I could make love to her... I didn't ask for anything in return"

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 The verb "install" almost links back to the noun "business” and means to place in position or connect for
service or use, to establish in an of ce, position or place. Through this verb we’re presented with the
dehumanisation a person : it almost sounds as if he)s talking about machinery or technology.
Gerald has placed Daisy in a place for his use. He's insisted that she go there, made her take some money.
He detaches himself from any emotion he might have felt for her
"make love to her" - uses this euphemism for having sex to softens the blow of having had an affair since
Sheila is hearing all this. Perhaps he did have some degree of affection for Daisy since he does admit that he's
upset.

"(In a low, troubled tone)"

Adjective "troubled"- this moment manipulates us into thinking that Gerald is taking responsibility and has
realised the repercussions of his actions.
He’s "troubled" by the fact that she's dead.

Adjective "distressed"

Emotional, uncomfortable and disturbed by what he has done: he does go out of the room before he returns to
calm and gather himself.
Eric and Sheila are also described using this stage direction therefore the audience is given hope that Gerald
will be aligned with the younger generation, will understand the message of social responsibility that Goole
presents and will change but alas this isn’t the case as we nd out in Act 3 when he begins questioning the
authenticity of the Inspector and theorises as to whether or not it was the same girl they were all shown
pictures of - “We’ve no proof it was the same photograph and therefore no proof was the same girl”. Evidently
he’s trying to nd an escape, a way out, rather than learning his lesson so he’s much similar to Mr Birling in
this sense.

Adverb ‘gravely’

He is acknowledging his part in the chain of events is eeting but at the end he lets us down as he doesn't
change.

"I don't come into this suicide business"

At the start of the play, he cannot see how he could possibly be involved which draws a parallel between him
and Mr Birling and highlights this upperclass mentality and ignorance.
When he reacts to the name "Daisy Renton", Sheila realises that Gerald was involved with her.
Gerald tries to block the Inspector's pursuit of the truth but he is unable to do so since Goole is persistent.
The use of the noun "business" dehumanises Daisy Renton. Literally "business" means the purchase and sale
of goods in an attempt to make a pro t: perhaps metaphorically this becomes representative of the upper
classes pro ting at the expense of the lower classes. Thus the exploitation of the working classes is being
underlined as “business” is a word typically associated with pro t and this can therefore also be linked to
when Gerald says he didn’t “install” her in his friends apartment.
Furthermore through the use of this noun, he detaches himself from the situation and is denying
responsibility.
Mr Birling and Gerald represent the capitalist society that Priestley was so against.

"She looked young and fresh and charming and altogether out of place down there"

Eva stands out and doesn't t in with the other prostitutes at the palace bar and this is why both Gerald and
Eric are attracted to her

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The triplet adjectives "young and fresh and charming" as well as when Gerald describes her as ”pretty”, “soft
brown hair and big dark eyes” highlight Eva’s beauty which is what leads Gerald/Eric to exploit her and take
advantage of her situation. She is clearly desperate hence why she’s becoming a prostitute. Gerald takes her,
gives her some money and an apartment to stay in for a while and has an affair with her which shows his
exploitation of her vulnerability.

Gerald by the end of the play

He has not changed or gained a new sense of social responsibility which is why Sheila is unsure whether to
take his ring back.
His lack of understanding of the Inspector’s message of social responsibility leaves the audience
disappointed and alligns him with the older generation (Sybil and Arthur),

"Now listen darling"

He speaks down to Sheila here, very condescending. The power of men and the patriarchal Edwardian society
is clearly being depicted here. The way he is talking to Sheila is as if she’s a child and as if he expects her to
be submissive and listen to him.
He’s a stereotypical male of the time and believes that his ancée should answer to him and listen to him.

"(Pulling himself together) d'you mind if I get a drink, Sheila?"

The stage directions show he is deeply disturbed by the fact Daisy is dead. Perhaps he’s having the realisation
that he's had an affair with her which affected her life.
The guy who previously said "now listen darling" has subtly been replaced by someone who is asking Sheila,
a woman, for a drink so we realise that actually Gerald is bothered by what has happened

"(Distressed) sorry- I've suddenly realised that she's dead"

The stage directions show us Gerald's reaction to Eva’s death. There’s this emotional connection/change
within Gerald so he needs a drink to pull himself together. He’s distressed because Daisy (Eva) is dead and he
was not only in contact with her but also engaged in sexual relations with her.
“I insisted on Daisy moving into these rooms and I made her take some money to keep her going" : he meets
Daisy Renton in the palace bar after rescuing her from the advances of Alderman Meggarty because he feels
sorry for her. He keeps her as a mistress for a few months. He was aware that Daisy Renton had feelings for
him but he didn't reciprocate these. Regardless though, he knew she had feelings for him but continued to
engage in these relations with her thus exploiting her when she was already very vulnerable.

"I'm rather more upset by this business than I appear to be"

Gerald is upset by his death and goes outside to collect himself.

As an audience we are under the impression that he has learnt his lesson and he's going to change for the
better. After all he had initially acted out of kindness, when he saves Daisy, which suggests that Gerald isn't a
bad character but just gave into lust, cheated on Sheila and let Daisy Renton go when it suited him. Lust is
one of the seven deadly sins because sexual desire can lead to adultery and rape which in this case it does.
The audience is led to believe that this upper class man is going to change his ways/attitudes/views on
society but when Gerald returns he has news that the Inspector is an imposter and this leads him to forget
everything the Inspector has said and return to the man he was at the beginning of the play (there’s no true
progress with his character).

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 "Everything's alright now Sheila. (Holds up rings) what about this ring?"

Gerald offers Sheila the ring back as if everything is now ne again but Sheila refuses. She as well as the
audience need Gerald to change his attitude and take responsibility for his actions because he has quickly
forgotten how poorly he treated both Daisy and Sheila. This is why the audience is disappointed when he
returns at the end, because he once again becomes the man he was at the beginning, the man who avoided
responsibility.

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 Eric Birling
Who is Eric?

Mr Birling's son who is going to inherit the Birling's business.

He’s an alcoholic and sleeps with prostitutes.
Eric comes across as uncomfortable with himself maybe because of his family and drinks a lot - probably
doesn't behave in the way his father would accept. His behaviour is certainly not in accordance to the manner
in which a young man of his stature was expected to behave.
He raped Eva resulting in her getting pregnant and goes on to steal money from his father’s business to try
and support her but she refuses to take money from him perhaps because intuitively she realises that the
money has been stolen.
Family money/wealth has protected Eric from the realities of the real world. He has an immature world view
hence him pursuing pleasure regardless of the consequences e.g. treatment of Eva

‘Half shy, half assertive’

Eric is not quite sure of himself, lacks con dence and is having a crisis of identity possibly.
This juxtaposition between the adjective shy and assertive could possibly foreshadow that he is anxious about
the future, especially about what the future looks like under someone like his father.
Alternatively, perhaps he is nervous about mistreating the poor. He’s may have turned to alcohol to drown his
sorrows and forget about the bad things he’s done (rape of Eva).
Arguably, he is uncomfortable with the notion of capitalism hence him being in this in-between place of shy
and assertive.
“assertive” also serves to foreshadow how he behaves with Eva and thus links to “when a chap easily turns
nasty” when he forces himself on her.

"Suddenly guffaws" - uncomfortable laugh

This creates tension and maybe foreshadows the Inspector’s arrival since his presence causes unease.
We’re shown that Eric isn't a man who's comfortable with himself and this causes the audience to question
why? Why is it that he’s not comfortable with himself? Is it because he’s recalling what he did to Eva and
feeling guilty? Therefore we’re presented with a character who has the ability to change.

"Squiffy"- Eric being drunk

He has a drinking problem which represents the sin of gluttony and over indulging. This is symbolic of
capitalist exploitation - his greed/ pleasure creates distress for Eva.
Arguably, his drinking helps him to cope so he doesn’t compromise his underlying socialist views in front of
his father’s conservative views. Alternatively, his drinking is a coping mechanism for him as he rehashes what
he did to Eva in his mind.

Relationship with parents

There seems to be some distance between Eric and his parents. It’s as if they don't really know who he is.
Eric feels he can't go to his father which implies a strained relationship and a distance between the two : "I got
it- from the of ce-", "Not the kind of father a chap would go to when he's in trouble"

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 "When a chap easily turns nasty"

The adverb "easily" has disturbing connotations here: that once men of the upper class have had a drink, it’s
easy for them to exploit and abuse vulnerable women of the lower classes.
Eric's drinking may be a coping mechanism for what he's done and how he treats women of the lower classes.

The rape as an extended metaphor

It shows how capitalism (bourgeoisie) abuses the poor/working classes (proletariat).

The language used also frightens the audience "when a chap easily turns nasty" as "easily" has implications
that this type of behaviour is almost common place. We therefore wonder if the Conservative party and their
ideals too are used in such a manner, at the expense of lower classes.

As well as representing the clash between socialist and capitalist views, Eric's troubled relationship with
Mr Birling re ects the Oedipal urge for boys to challenge authority/father.

Oedipus Complex - Freud believed it was boys natural instinct to challenge their father.
The concept behind the Oedipus complex is essentially that a child has a sense of rivalry with the parent of
the same sex and they challenge them, therefore as an allegory and an extended metaphor, Eric’s challenging
of Mr Birling - "why shouldn't they try for higher wages?" - could be socialism challenging capitalism as a
means for running the country. From the very beginning, Eric’s change has been foreshadowed as he shows
sympathy for the working class.

Foreshadowing of Eric's actions

"Unless Eric's been up to something" - we know he has been up to something (sleeping with Eva and getting
her pregnant) but also it’s implied that he has acted in an inappropriate way before.

Eric defends Eva Smith

“I don't see why she should have been sacked because she'd a bit more spirit than the others" - Eric much
like Sheila is on the side of Eva Smith and defends her when his father speaks of her.
He argues for her here when he nds out what Mr Birling has done and tries to defend her. In this instance we
see that Eric and Sheila blame Mr Birling. With regards to acceptance of responsibility, Sheila and Eric do
accept what they have done but Mr and Mrs Birling don't. Eric and Sheila are the ones who have to point that
out.
Subtly a message of socialism is being presented here because Eric is suggesting that had Mr Birling not red
Eva perhaps all the other awful things that happen to her might not have happened as it was a "chain of
events" so he’s challenging his father here which metaphorically represents socialism coming into con ict
with capitalism

"You said yourself she was a good worker. I'd have let her stay"

This shows direct con ict between Eric and his father.
This quote is massively important in highlighting the difference between the older and younger generations.
One of Priestley's subtle messages demonstrated through “An Inspector Calls” is that the younger generation
are more impressionable and can change and take a more socialist approach to life whereby we look after one
another rather than sel shly only caring about money which Mr Birling seems to always be concerned about.
The difference between Eric and Mr Birling is highlighted here - they’re not alike at all. Eric would've let her
stay on and wouldn’t have red her simply because she wanted more pay.

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 "I don't see why she should have been sacked just because she'd a bit more spirit than the others"- Eric
defends her against Mr Birling. Birling is trying to make an example of someone to send a warning to the
other workers who had also protested so Eva is one of the ones he res.
Eva is described as having a personality "more spirit" and Eric doesn't seem to understand why she is being
red which presents the injustice of everything that has happened to her.

Eric as an alcoholic

"I've had a few drinks, including rather a lot of champagne- and I've got a headache"
This links to the earlier comment referring to Eric as “Squiffy” and it almost seems like he can't control
himself.

"You haven't made it any easier for me have you mother?"

Mrs Birling blames the father of the child before she realises that it is Eric and that's when Eric says this to
her. He realises as the Inspector describes what happened next in Eva’s story that the father of the child was
in fact him.

Eric's actions are the most despicable and punishable by law

He forces himself on her and steals money from his father to try and give it to her.
Nevertheless he does show regret for what he has done and seems highly disturbed that his parents don’t
seem to have learnt anything.

Placing blame

Eric blames his mother for Eva’s death : "You turned her away - yes, and you killed her - "
The Inspector has to intervene to stop Eric and Mrs Birling arguing because they're trying to pass blame.
Even though Eric does accept what he has done he really blames his mother because she was the last straw
which led Eva to commit suicide and this really highlights the extent to which he was upset.
It could be interpreted however that blame is being de ected. Nevertheless, Eric genuinely does feels regret/
guilt for treating Eva the way he did. He is remorseful but regardless his actions are a lot worse than Sheila’s
and he’s the only character whose actions are legally punishable.
He accepts by the end of the play that it is pointless trying to keep secrets because the Inspector knows them
all.

"I didn't even remember - that's the hellish thing"

Perhaps this suggests that he can't bring himself to admit it/ can't bring himself to face up to what he's done
or perhaps he was in such a drunken stupor he can’t remember raping Eva
"Referring to the incident as “it” introduces some ambiguity as the audience is left trying to understand what
exactly happened between Eric and Eva Smith.

Eric thinks that Eva was pretty

"She was pretty and a good sport" - he wasn't in love with her
Contextually women were expected to be subservient and didn't have any power of voice. Eva Smith is used
for sex by Gerald and Eric.
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 Eva is never quite discussed as an individual, as a person which serves to dehumanises her and also adds to a
sense of detachment - almost like she wasn’t a person who had feelings and emotions but just something that
happened.

Eric’s change

Eric is much like Sheila in that he understands what he has done, regrets it and learns the lesson of
responsibility, appearing to be a changed character.
At the end when Gerald, Mr Birling and Mrs Birling question whether the inspector is real, Eric realises that it
doesn't matter if the inspector was real. What truly matters is their actions. He realises whether the Inspector
was real or not isn't the real issue but the issue is what they've all done to Eva which has led her to commit
suicide. He does learn the lesson of responsibility by the end of the play as does Sheila. Sheila and Eric learn
that we are responsible for one another and if we cared for one another perhaps the world would be a better
place to live in.

"You killed her. She came to you to protect me- and you turned her away”

Repetition of pronoun "you" creates an accusatory tone towards his mother.

He is displaying agitation towards his mother who has inadvertently killed her grandchild
"You killed them both"- murderer - shows that Sybil has a disregard for human life and is so isolated in her
own bubble that she can’t show empathy for the circumstances of those of a lower stature than her which
arguably links back to when she’s referred to as “cold”.

"But each of you helped to kill her. Remember that."

Eric admits his responsibility (quite brave) and ends the play much like Sheila and addresses his parents:
"you're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all"
He accuses his parents of not learning their lesson and is ashamed of them.

 Sybil Birling Who is Sybil?

Mr Birling's wife, compatible with him (share same sel sh capitalist ideologies)
She’s a successful wife of a businessman but is a lousy mother (doesn't realise Eric is constantly drinking, not
concerned with Sheila's happiness).
Some of her personality traits are : hard hearted, snob, sel sh, arrogant.
She’s her husband’s social superior and is very aware of the differences between classes.
She believes in personal responsibility but not social responsibility and is ignorant to the hardships of the
working class.
Sybil's disdain for the lower classes is evident throughout the whole play as she never changes and her
character is quite one dimensional.
Mrs Birling is naive in the sense that she doesn't think there is any problem in her family at all and all
problems exist outside. She’s only seeing what she wants to see and doesn’t even realise that Eric has a
drinking problem.

"As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money"

Sybil's prejudice is presented here.

There’s a huge generalisation that girls of a lower class would never refuse money because they are so
desperate. Furthermore it serves to highlight the values that Eva Smith has: she doesn't take the money
because it is stolen whereas Eric (high class) steals money (crime) so we’re presented with the fact that whilst
upper class women may have thought lower class women would do anything for money, this isn’t the case.
Lower classes still had morals which it seems Sybil herself is lacking since she’s so prejudiced.
Mrs Birling makes judgements about Eva and stereotypes her without even knowing her "girl of that sort”.

"About fty, a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior"

This is how Sybil is described in the stage directions at the beginning of Act one.
The adjective “cold” shows us what type of person Mrs Birling is, doesn't show sympathy/emotions for others
(seems to be cold hearted) and is unfeeling. She’s emotionally cold and lacks the ability to empathise.
“cold” also symbolises and foreshadows her behaviour towards the lower classes, more speci cally towards
Eva. “Cold” is metaphorically describing her detachment from anything outside her social bubble - there's no
emotions, no affection and there's no connection towards those less fortunate.
With her age “ fty”, her “cold” personality and her social status immediately established, we’re already
presented with the foreshadowing of the fact that the older generation are arguably narrow minded and won't
change. That then links her to Mr Birling and his opening stage direction which is pretentious and “provincial
his speech”. So we from the very opening it is foreshadowed that Mr and Mrs Birling won't change their views.
Her position in society is made clear as she has a powerful in uence in the local area and this leads to her
pride which she displays when she refuses Eva charity for daring to associate the reputable Birling name with
her scandal.
The noun "superior" modi es her position in terms of not only her husband but others, other classes. It
serves then to highlight the gap that capitalism has created. This is what Priestley's problem was - the gap due
to capitalism was just getting wider.

Why does Mrs Birling refuse Eva charity?

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 She assumes Eva is being rude when she refers to herself as Mrs Birling so leaves Eva pregnant, poor and
alone.
When Eva calls herself Mrs Birling she didn’t realise that she was speaking with the actual Mrs Birling, Eric’s
mother.
Sybil didn’t know that Eva was referring to herself as Mrs Birling to maintain a modicum of dignity since she
was actually pregnant and unwed which was looked down upon but also because the man who got her
pregnant was Eric Birling.

"I think Sheila and I better go into the drawing room and leave you men"

Sybil depicts the behaviour of a typical Edwardian high class woman. There’s a clear physical divide between
men and women (patriarchy) and women were expected to leave and not have an opinion on certain subject
matters. This clearly de ned the expected role of a women of high class society.
Mr Birling tells Sheila to leave the room when Gerald is about to talk about the affair, saying she doesn't need
to hear about this business. He may have been trying to protect her but since this engagement is like a
business arrangement for him it’s more likely that he wants to spare Sheila from hearing the sordid details of
the affair so she doesn’t ruin his business prospects by breaking the engagement.
Context - women didn't have right to vote or have much power but their rights were slowly increasing due to
the suffragette movement.

Inspector’s message

Mrs Birling is quite defensive and puts up the most resistance to what the Inspector's trying to teach because
she's in total denial of responsibility

"Girls of that class"

Mrs Birling makes it apparent that she is very aware of class differences and her prejudice against working
class females is evident here. It’s almost as if she’s blaming Eva for being responsible for the state she’s in.
She makes this sweeping statement as if to say that only girls of a lower class would commit suicide
Highlighted here is the massive divide between Mrs Birling and the lower classes because she isn’t
understanding of Eva Smith’s circumstances and neither does she sympathise with her.
"that": as if the lower classes are unimportant and can be discarded. “that” implies a huge generalisation,
almost as if Sybil is suggesting the notion that all girls of the working class behave in the same way which
shows just how narrow minded she is. By using this generalisation, Eva is dehumanised as are all girls of
lower social statuses. It’s clear that all Sybil cares about is wealth, appearances and social standing.
This generalisation implies that those less fortunate will commit suicide and shows a lack of understanding
and apathy, which links you back to the fact that she's "cold". She’s saying that all working class girls are
doomed to end up with a bad life and clumps them all together, like they’ll all end up as Eva Smith.
The determiner "that" also highlights her disdain and disgust towards the lower classes so the repetition of
"girl" is arguably very condescending.
We’re presented with a sense of detachment once again. She thinks she's morally superior which links back to
how she’s described at the beginning of Act one. She believes that not only is she socially superior but her
moral values and beliefs are more superior than those working class girls which we can see is not true. Her
prejudice causes her to refuse charity whereas Eva has the opportunity to accept money (that she is
perceptive enough to realise is stolen) but doesn’t take it because she knows it’s wrong.
Perhaps Priestley is saying then that capitalism promotes/encourages moral corruption?
Sybil shows a lack of conscience - Priestley's message here is that capitalist supporters don't have a
conscience and don’t consider their actions.
Perhaps she sees the lower class as immoral or morally inferior.

Sybil’s justi cation

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 Mrs Birling tires defending herself and her class prejudice - "She was claiming elaborate ne feelings and
scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position". She’s suggesting that women of the lower class
can’t be in love.

"My husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago..."

She tries to use social position to try and intimidate the Inspector by aiming to leave a lasting impression and
intimidate him into backing down therefore is much like Mr Birling. However the inspector doesn't care who
they are or the position the have in society. Mrs Birling is being very naive and presumptuous, assuming that
their social position will get them out of what they have done - stereotypical of the bourgeoisie at the time.
She clearly isn’t able to comprehend the Inspector’s train of thought - regardless of wealth/ position in
society, you need to take responsibility for your actions

"I don't think we want any further details of this disgusting affair"

One the hand hand she is trying to protect Sheila because it’s her daughter and she doesn’t wish for her
opinion of Gerald to be ruined by hearing the sordid details of the affair. However if we recall she’s earlier
described as “cold” which she is both towards outsiders (Eva) and her own children too so this isn’t likely.
An alternative interpretation here could be that in trying to get Sheila excused from this conversation, she’s
aiming to protecting the business deal. Sybil realised that if the engagement was broken then they wouldn't
pro t with the merging of Birling and Company with Croft's Limited. Sybil being a woman of high stature
herself knows that her husband himself has probably had mistresses whilst married to her. This quote is
therefore an embodiment of the patriarchal Edwardian society of 1912 - women were expected to overlook the
indiscretions of men since men were “in power”.
We could also say that she’s trying to control Sheila by speaking for her, but Sheila does want to nd out
about what Gerald did. Sheila is perceptive as she realises Gerald has had some involvement and already
suspects his loyalty. This serves as a stark contrast to Sybil who isn’t able to recognise that the “drunken
young idler” who she says should accept responsibility and be punished for his actions is indeed her own
son. She exists in a bubble so far away from her own family that she isn’t able to see his drinking problem.

"it’s his responsibility"

She tells Inspector to look for the father of the child but doesn’t realise that she’s just inadvertently implicated
Eric.
Here we’re shown a character who refuses to accept responsibility and is de ecting blame - anyone but
herself. She’s therefore once again aligned with Mr Birling when he’s interrogated as he also doesn’t see
anything wrong in what he did.

"I used my in uence to have it refused"

"my in uence" - she’s controlling and manipulative. We’re also able to see that she is an in uential women of
her class as she has the authority to deny vulnerable girls that came to her for charity (defeats the whole
purpose of charity).
JB Priestley helped create the welfare state and bene t system which helped vulnerable people but under the
Conservative party vulnerable girls like Eva were left to the hands of people like Mrs Birling.
“In uence” is an abstract noun and it shows that Mrs Birling abuses her position, she takes advantage of her
position.
The signi cant problem that capitalism causes is underlined here : the unfair distribution of wealth.

"I've done nothing wrong"/ " I think she had only herself to blame'
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 denial/ refusal to accept responsibility

She refuses to accept any responsibility for her actions and blames Eva Smith. She assumes that people of the
lower class are to blame for their own situations and the lives that they lead but Eva was a victim of
circumstances. Eva tried to change her life and circumstances by asking for a pay rise but it was the capitalist
predators that made her life hell by abusing the power that came with their high status.
Repetition of “I” highlights how she is self centred and is constantly thinking of herself.

"A piece of gross impertinence", "prejudiced me against her case"

Prejudice - unfavourable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought or reason.
Sybil is prejudiced without even having knowledge of Eva Smith - she even admits that she is prejudiced.
It’s unreasonable that she doesn't give Eva charity and this serves as a reminder of the power of the welfare
estate who would've given Eva Smith charity had the Labour Party been in power. This links to the whole
purpose of the play which was to criticise conservative ideals and promote the socialist views held by the
Labour Party.

"Perfectly justi ed"

The adverb "perfectly" heightens the ignorance of Mrs Birling as she thinks her actions are perfect, awless.
Due to her ignorance, she is unable to see the error and consequences of her behaviour and is still trying to
defend herself and her actions - she sees nothing wrong with how she denied a pregnant, jobless woman
money and this is evidently a problem. Is Priestley trying to highlighting the unjustness of life for the working
classes under a conservative government and therefore trying to promote the Labour Party and socialist
views? Yes because “An Inspector Calls” was written as a propagandist play to rally support for Priestley’s
political views - the Labour Party.

"We can't understand why the girl committed suicide"

The disparity between classes and detachment from social responsibility is outlined here as is her disdain for
Eva when she refers to her as “the girl”.
By saying that “we can’t understand”, Sybil is demonstrating how the issues that working class women faced
were vastly different to issues faced by women of higher classes.

"If, as she said, he didn't belong to her class, and was some drunken young idler"

Looking at the syntax of this line, Priestley has used commas before and after "he didn't belong to her class"
so it stands out. It’s most likely that the “drunken young idler” is of a higher class to Eva which once again
highlights the bourgeoise’s exploitation of the proletariat. He exploits the power he has to force her into
sleeping with him.
Sheila realised that it's Eric - the drunken young idler.

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 Inspector Goole Who is Inspector Goole?

He is Priestley's mouthpiece and is an advocate for social justice/equality. Inspector Goole is used as a proxy
for Priestley's political views of socialism and moral values.
Priestley is able to voice his concerns about society and about the conservative government ideals
(capitalism) through the Inspector.
Goole sounds phonetically similar to ghoul which arises the question is he even real? Perhaps he’s
omniscient (knows everything), supernatural and his aim is to haunt the Birlings into changing their societal
views. Perhaps he’s God as he’s aligned with Christ in his nal speech before he makes his abrupt exist.
Priestley's play is political and moral so the Inspector serves to be an allegorical message to society.
The Inspector is the moral subconscious of the characters therefore he reveals things that they didn't even
realise they thought, in particular Eric and Sheila. His job is to make the characters change their attitudes,
face up to what they've done and start taking responsibility for each other.
JB Priestley was interested in immorality and he exposes the immoral behaviour of each character which
mirrors the seven deadly sins.
Goole outlines that the way the Birlings treated Eva was a crime against humanity and symbolically this sends
a potent message about capitalism - if the way they treated Eva was a crime then capitalism becomes a crime.
Inspector is a teacher who teaches each character and the audience of the importance of social responsibility.

‘He speaks carefully, weightily, and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresses
before actually speaking’

“disconcerting” : he makes them feel uneasy through his questioning.

The employment of the adverbs “carefully, weightily” show that Goole uses forethought before he speaks-
directly juxtaposing the idle predictions of Mr Birling.
With Goole, a semantic eld of size is created. "massiveness" and "weightily" imply that his words carry
deeper meaning and have the ability to burden and affect the listener. We’re able to see the impact he has
with Sheila and Eric as they confess and show repentance.
Goole is clearly there to challenge and investigate them. Since he has a habit of "looking hard" at the person
he is interrogating before he speaks, this unnerves the characters and makes them nervous.
Goole has a sense of omniscience as he knows what every character has done.
"he looks at Gerald then at Eric, then at Sheila": pauses between him looking at the different characters
heightens the idea that he's staring heavily at them which links to the stage direction "he had a disconcerting
habit...". There’s an undertone of an assumption here that all upper class citizens will or have exploited the
poor since he’s looking at them all one by one as he will interrogate them one by one.

‘an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness’

In the stage directions about the Inspector, he’s described as having a powerful presence.
He takes charge immediately and remains in control throughout. He remains solid as each of the characters
breaks down (apart from Sybil who keeps her calm) and nothing distracts him from his purpose.

‘[massively taking charge]’

The Inspector asserts his authority and was trying to make sure that the Birlings knew he was the one dealing
the cards.

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 Dealing with "(cutting in massively) one line of inquiry at a time"

He is controlling the structure of the play (controls who speaks and when) "cutting in" - he doesn't allow them
to speak when they want so he not only controls the play but their responses and the timing.
Goole doesn't care about Birling's social position, it doesn't intimidate or phase him
He puts pressure on the other characters : almost to the extent that they feel victimised. This is when they
start confessing to what they've done.
A power balance between Mr Birling and the Inspector is created and they’re constructed as the binary
opposites, foils, to each other.

How does Goole exert power over the family?

"Cutting in"- he's physically cutting off Mr Birling: he has more power than him.

‘Calmly’

contrasts to mr and Mrs Birling who lose their temper : he never loses his temper because he's the moral
subconscious and almost acts as the law here

‘Impressively’

having massive impact on Sheila and Eric whom are an extended metaphor for all of the lower generation who
were more impressionable and susceptible to change

‘The lighting should be pink and intimate until the Inspector arrives, and then it should be brighter and
harder’

The changing of the light signi es that when the Inspector arrives, he is going to shine a light on what each
character has done to Eva Smith. It also serves to change the mood of the play all of which is emphasised by
the comma after “the inspector arrives”. We’re presented with the notion that the Inspector is someone of
importance and he's going to change the atmosphere and mood with his investigation
The lighting being “pink and intimate” metaphorically shows that the Birling family doesn’t understand
what's happened with the poverty and the working class - they’re excluded and are living their life in a bubble,
not associating with the problems the proletariat are struggling with.
This pink bubble and intimate staging also signify the ignorance of the upper class to the lower class. The
staging isn’t changed throughout the duration of the play which heightens the idea that the Birlings are stuck
in their own sel sh world.
The staging and setting never changes to reiterate the bubble Mr and Mrs Birling live in - they don't
understand the outside world and what the working class women suffer through on a daily basis. Neither do
they understand the consequences of their actions.

‘We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’

The repetition of the inclusive pronoun "we" sets up this notion of community, society, we’re all in it together.
Here, socialist ideas and the labour manifesto are being represented : we need to look after each other.

‘If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in re and blood and anguish’

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 If we don't learn to look after one another as a community, then we will be punished in war thus this is
foreshadowing the WW1 and WW2. Arguably, being presented here is the idea that the wars are a result of
these upper class being sel sh, ignorant and not accepting responsibility for their actions.
“An Inspector Calls” is a propagandist play in favour of the Labour Party.
Note : the Conservative party had been in charge during the war so it’s as a result of them (greedy capitalists)
that everyone is suffering.
We had two world wars thus presented here is the notion that the ruling class did not learn their lessons from
the First World War and therefore there is a Second World War - parallels the death of Eva at the start and at
the end of the play.
Alternatively, it could be interpreted that “ re and blood and anguish” is an allusion to hell - eternal
punishment and damnation. This is reinforced by the reference to the seven deadly sins. You are sent to hell
if you don't repent for your sins. Therefore perhaps Priestley is saying capitalism needs to be punished.

‘One Eva Smith is gone but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths
still left with us with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering, and chance of happiness, all
intertwined with our lives, with what we think and say and do. We don't live alone.’

“Eva” is symbolic of the poor disadvantaged women in society. She is a representation of her class and therein
lies Priestley's message: there are millions of people suffering because of this system which works on
conservative ideals/ capitalist views and creates a huge divide in the social classes.
In this quote, Priestley sums up socialism and the labour manifesto

Allegory

The play is allegorical because it has a hidden meaning. It is actually about politics, social inequality and this
notion of capitalism versus socialism.

Tension

Build up throughout the play as we try to gure out who is responsible for Eva Smith’s death and why she has
taken her own life.
Ends on a cliff hanger - allows the audience to make up their minds - we have to decide whether Inspector
Goole is real (his name implies he isn't) and decide what he actually represents and why the play has this
circular narrative structure whereby we end where we begin and there’s not much progression.
Goole controls who sees the photograph "(showing annoyance)"- annoys the family
He’s central to the play as he draws out the part each family member has played and controls the ow of the
conversation by butting in and by controlling the time.

Timing

Goole arrives at a critical time to interrupt Mr Birling who has sel sh views "a man has to mind his own
business and look after himself and his own - and - we hear the sharp ring of a front doorbell". The Inspector‘s
role is to show this isn't the case and to challenge Birling’s capitalist beliefs. It is foreshadowed that he’s here
to challenge Arthur’s views, when he interrupts his speech.
"I haven't much time" - Goole controls the pace of play.

Contrast between the Inspector Goole and Arthur Birling

Inspector

(symbol of socialism/Labour Party)

voices JB Priestley's beliefs and the beliefs of the Labour Party

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 wants the family members to take responsibility for their actions

He’s classless and social position doesn't concern him as he treats everyone the same
encourages change
The Inspector uses "we" and "our"- inclusive pronouns

Arthur Birling

representation of capitalist views and the Conservative party

denies any responsibility for Eva Smith's death "I can't accept responsibility"
is concerned about social class and wealth (keeps talking about the two companies merging together,
knighthood, position, Lord Mayor)
Mr Birling is unwilling to change
Birling uses the pronoun “I” repeatedly reinforcing the notion that he is only looking out for himself.

‘We'll have to share our guilt’

Inclusive pronoun "we"- includes everybody demonstrating that they’re all responsible for Eva’s death. This is
reinforced by "our" : the guilt belongs to them.
Through the verb "share", the Inspector is giving advice to Sheila - sharing guilt and accepting responsibility
for your actions could potentially make the world a better place.

dramatic catalyst

He speeds up the events of the play through his interrogation of each character. His role is to make them
confess their wrong doings. It’s almost like he’s hurrying the Birlings into confessing as he addresses the
time on quite a few occasions.
Goole controls the structure of the play - each revelation moves the play one step forward which is why he is
the catalyst in the play.
He heightens the drama as his entrances and exits are well timed in order to create maximum tension e.g. at
the end of act 1 when he walks in on Gerald and Sheila's conversation.
Mysteriously he seems to know an incredible amount about each character and he knows the history of Eva
Smith and the Birlings' role in her death.

Pace

It is important that we don't know whether it is the same girl or whether he shows the same photograph to all
the characters because as Eric points out it doesn't matter whether it is the same person or not because they
are still to blame for what they have done and should still take responsibility for their actions. So Priestley isn't
necessarily telling us about the death of a girl here but sending out this potent message of socialism that we
should take responsibility for other people regardless of social status, wealth or money.

interrogator

The Inspector puts them under mass pressure with his "one line of inquiry at a time".
He questions them, placing them under pressure to answer as they feel singled out - "has a disconcerting
habit of looking hard at the person he addresses before he speaks."

Morality

Goole serves as a moral teacher - he's going to teach lessons about moral value and as a society what
characteristics we should value e.g. social responsibility.

 He places morality above manners and social position - cuts off characters and ignores their social position
because it isn't a value, it doesn't make us any better as a person and it doesn't help society.

7 deadly sins

Mr Birling represents greed (higher cost and lower prices), pride(name, reputation) and avarice
Eric Birling represents lust and greed. He steals money from Mr Birling and also forces himself onto Eva
Smith.
Sheila represents jealousy/envy. Sheila says if she’d been “some plain miserable little creature I don't
suppose I’d have done it” about Eva and was envious of how Eva looked in the dress.
Gerald Croft's sin is lust because he engages with Eva in an affair.
Mrs Birling's sin - wrath and pride (she is shocked that Eva dares associate her scandal with the reputable
Birling name).
The issue with temptation is highlighted which links back to Adam and Eve from the Bible. Eva is temptation
for Gerald and Eric because she’s pretty.

"Like a lot of these young women", "Young women counting their pennies"

Here we’re being presented with the contrast of youth and dingy - there’s this awful idea that she's a young
woman but she lives in this dingy place.
The desperation and poverty of these young women is heightened because we absolutely can't survive on
pennies therefore this also serves to show the audience the injustice of Mr Birling and the injustice of
capitalism.

Capitalist exploitation

The Inspector says to Mr Birling "it is better to ask for the earth than to take it". Highlighted here is the over
exaggerated idea that symbolically capitalism is ruining the earth. The capitalists have taken the earth, taken
control of society through manipulation and oppression of the working classes and have ruined society.
The idea that the Birlings have taken the earth highlights the cardinal sin of greed. The greed of the upper
classes is ruining society and the concept of community.

‘Not criminals’

The Inspector is really sharp in his response to Gerald - "I wouldn't know where to draw the line" (between a
respectable citizen and a criminal). There's a blurred boundary between what the Birlings and Gerald have
done and crimes (a blurred line between what’s a crime and what’s the rich abusing their position of power).
There's the suggestion that capitalism and the rich become criminals because of their exploitation and abuse
of the working class.

‘she died in misery and agony’

Goole uses aggressive, shocking language to describe Eva’s death and the part the characters played in her
death to make them feel guilt.
Emotive language evokes sympathy for Eva so Goole is able to force the characters to feel sympathy for Eva
Smith therefore accepting what they've done.

Emotive language

The Inspector uses emotive language when describing Eva's death and the position she was in when alive.
He tries to manipulate the contemporary audience to seeing the sel shness and corruptness of the Birling
family to urge the audience to change.

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 " friendless,penniless,desperate" : the employment of this triple portrays Eva as being lonely, poor, desperate.
"She needed not only money but advice, sympathy, friendliness". This triple solidi es the idea that Eva is so
desperate that she's going to drink bleach thus heightening the image of “burnt her insides out”.
"A young woman drank some disinfectant, and died, after several hours of agony" - shocking language is used
to unsettle the Birlings.

‘I haven't much time’

The reference to looking at his watch

He has to prevent the death of Eva through the phone call at the end of the play. (She hasn't yet died: he works
quickly because he has to prevent the second death from occurring which he doesn't manage to do as the
Birling’s don’t learn their lesson).
Is it the reference to time about society needing to change quickly for the betterment of the poor and
everyone? Is the inspector acting quickly because they needed a new government? In 1945/1946, the
Conservative party was replaced with the Labour Party
Dunne’s theory and Ouspenskii’s theory

"It's my duty to ask questions"

Goole is controlling the pace of the play when interrogating the family.
His questions are structured so they answer in the way he wants. He controls how they answer by interrupting
"cutting in", by describing the death in awful detail and not letting them speak when they want or see the
photograph.

Finale

The telephone rings telling the Birlings that a real Inspector is one his way to question them about the suicide
of a young girl thus a cyclical structure has been employed. They do not learn their lesson (apart from Sheila
and Eric) when given the opportunity and now they are going to be punished.
Gerald also ends up incriminating himself when he rings up the in rmary to ask if a young girl had drank
disinfectant and committed suicide.

Priestley constructs the character of Inspector Goole to illustrate a supernatural being who holds Eva’s fate in
his hands. This is done through the deliberate use of Goole which is homophonic* of ghoul and “Inspector”
which sounds phonetically similar to “in - spectre”. This could imply that Goole is her to exact the vengeance of
the proletariat (working class) who are abused and mistreated by the bourgeoisie. The ideology that if the
middle and upper classes don’t change their capitalist attitudes they’ll be taught their lesson in “ re and blood
and anguish” is presented but also this could reference to hell thus alluding to the fact that Priestley believed in
the severity of the upper class’s arrogant, sel sh attitudes and that they needed to change or they’d go to hell.
Therefore, as well as a morality play, “An Inspector Calls” could be considered religious to some extent. This
notion is solidi ed by the fact that each character represents one of the seven cardinal sins and “Eva” looks
similar to “Eve” so arguably the wrongdoings committed against Eva are a crime against humanity.

* homophonic = having the same pronunciation as another or others but different meaning, origin, or spelling.

After the Inspector exposes everyone’s social crimes, he gives a dramatic speech which highlight his socialist
beliefs and then makes an abrupt exit, leaving everyone pondering about what just happened. He speaks about
community and how “we are members of one body. We are responsible for each other” and as he preaches this
to the Birlings, he’s almost painted prophetically because Christ preached a similar message of love when he
instructed his followers to love one another as much as they loved themselves. He uses strong violent language

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 to show the harsh reality of the consequences that will come if they do not learn their social lesson “if men will
not learn that lesson they will be taught it in re and blood and anguish”. He threatens that if they don’t learn
their social lesson, they will reap the consequences thus foreshadowing the upcoming wars. He suggests that
the wars will be the punishment for the upper class citizens for the way they abuse and exploit the lower class
citizens.

The Inspector acts as the moral conscience of what’s socially acceptable, in the eyes of JB Priestley, because he
gives all the characters a chance to learn from their mistake and learn that they’re responsible to take care of
others in their community. From the Inspector’s name “Goole” it is hinted that he’s not real and is a ghostly
gure that’s omniscient and seems to know everything - it has connotations of ghoul and the supernatural.
Priestley deliberately makes it turn out that the Inspector was a fake so Gerald and the Birlings have a chance to
look at themselves, their characters and social prejudices; realise what they did wrong; learn their lesson and
never do it again. It allows the characters a chance to change for the better in the future. However only Sheila
and Eric realise that regardless of the Inspector being a fake “whoever that chap was, the fact remains that I did
what I did” they still did something wrong and will “never, never do it again”.
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 Eva Smith
Who was Eva Smith?

She’s described as pretty.

Unfortunately due to the exploitation and abuse she faces at the hand of the Birling family, she loses all of her
jobs.
Smith is the most common name in Britain so Eva is a symbol of her whole class suffering.
She is an ordinary working class girl who becomes representative of all poor disadvantaged women.
She’s a victim of society - the sel shness of the Birling family.
She’s unseen in the play but comes to stand for victims of social injustice. The fact that she's never actually
seen might serve to highlight how unimportant she was considered by the Birlings. It could also serve to
further emphasise the huge disparity between the classes and thus Priestley's issues.
Eva Is voiceless- can’t defend herself so we’re presented with the metaphorical idea that she's unimportant

Her name

similar to Eve from the bible - the rst woman created by God in the Bible. Smith is the most common English
surname so the implication by Priestley here is that Eva Smith could represent every women of her class. This
is also supported by Goole's statement "there are a lot of young women living that sort of existence in every
city and big town in this country"
Here the metaphorical idea that every single women of the working and lower classes is represented by Eva
Smith is being presented therefore when the Birlings mistreat her we have this extended metaphor of the
abuse faced by the proletariat at the hands of society and capitalists.
In the Bible, Eve is tempted by the snake which links to the Birlings as the Birlings are corrupt and ultimately
ruin Eva Smith much like Eve in the bible is ruined.

Metaphor with Eva

We don't actually see Eva Smith or hear her voice so there is the extended metaphor here that the lower
classes are easily disregarded by the upper classes and that they don't really have a prominent voice.
When Eva smith tries to use her voice, Mr Birling res her so Eva Smith becomes an allegory representing the
working and lower classes.
She also works as a metaphor for the destruction capitalism causes.

Daisy

A daisy is a symbol of purity and innocence : we are therefore presented with the idea by Priestley that this
innocent girl has been ruined. This is reinforced by the fact that initially she is described as pretty, lively - in
a positive manner.

Renton

This is a play on the word "renting", a word used in 1912 when hiring/paying for a prostitute. When we apply
this to how Gerald and Eric treat her, we can see the meaning and prominence of this surname: they both use
her sexually to a certain extent.
Between her surname and the language Gerald uses "install" and "business" there is the subtle link that : he
dehumanises her, much like when Mrs Birling says "Girls of that class"- through this type of language (as if

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 she isn't human), Priestley is showing the disparity between the upper and and lower class and this idea that
unfortunately she has been used for their pleasure, for their entertainment and lust.

Oxymoron

Daisy Renton becomes an oxymoron when placed together and is another means by which Priestley critiques
capitalism.

‘She was here alone, friendless, almost penniless, desperate. She needed not only money but advice,
sympathy, friendliness’

Through the employment of a triple, Priestley heightens how lonely Eva was and this idea that she had nobody
and nowhere to turn is presented. This shines a light on the horrendous treatment she receives from the
Birlings especially when she is in this vulnerable state.
Furthermore it also shows the bene ts of the Labour Party and welfare system: had she gone to a charity
under a socialist government then she would've been provided for and given the means by which to raise her
child. Unfortunately though under the capitalist government she is disregarded by Mrs Birling quite easily.
“friendless, almost penniless, desperate” is pivotal describing how Eva felt in her last moments. She must've
been desperate to commit suicide. Going to the charity was the last straw and she isn't greeted with
friendliness, advice or sympathy.

Contrast with Eva

She’s used to contrast some of the characters in the Birling family

She gets red but Arthur admits she was “a good worker”
She’s pretty enough to make Sheila jealous and attracts the attention of Gerald and Eric. Their lack of values
contrast with her.

Morality

Despite all the problems and dif culties she was facing in her life, she had morals and values and this is
evident when she she is desperate but refuses to take money from Eric because she knows it is stolen.
Therefore she contrasts with the Birling family who at the start of the play don't seem to have any values or
morals.
Eva sticks to her values despite her extreme circumstances.

How Eva is described?

"burnt her inside out" - it would've been shocking in 1912 to describe a woman like this. It is Sheila who reacts
and says "oh-how horrible!". A detailed, grotesque imagery has been created and it is used with the intention
of shocking them. It's the horrendous notion that the bleach has burnt her from the inside out which was
clearly painful which is so disturbing.
Through these descriptions the Inspector points out who is most vulnerable in a society that has capitalist
beliefs: it's Eva Smith, Daisy Renton - young women, the poor working classes that are the most vulnerable.

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 Context and themes

Priestley wrote the play in 1945 but set it in the society of 1912.
The First World War started two years after he wrote “An Inspector Calls” so the Birling's optimistic views that
there wouldn't be war and that the titanic wouldn't sink are completely wrong.
Priestley wanted to encourage his audience to dislike Mr and Mr Birling and their moral values and he
believed this could inspire the audience to lead a better life through adapting a socialist approach to life.
He outlines the potential evil side of money and capitalism. By promoting socialism, Priestley also uses the
play as propaganda for the Labour Party.
He was concerned about the consequences of social inequality in Britain and the disparity caused by wealth
and the class divide.

1912 society

There were strong distinctions between the upper and lower classes.
Women were subservient to men (patriarchy).
Men of 1912 society were misogynistic
All a well off woman could do was get married whereas a poor woman was seen as cheap labour.
Ruling classes saw no need to change the status quo.
Everyone was supposed to provide for themselves - personal responsibility not social responsibility was
promoted.

1945 society

The Second World War ended in 8th May 1945. People were recovering from nearly 6 years of warfare, danger
and uncertainty.
Class distinctions had been greatly reduced as a result of two world wars since suffering, losing family and
friends was universal and not limited to a speci c class.
As a result of the wars, women had earned a more valued place in society: they had helped with weapon
making.
There was a great desire for social change. Immediately after the Second World War, Clement Attlee's Labour
Party won a landslide victory over Winston Churchill and the Conservatives and this was the start of the
welfare state (bene t system) and ideals of social equality started to become a reality.
If you were jobless and pregnant, like Eva Smith, you were given money (bene ts) and not left to the mercy of
charity from the likes of the Mrs Birlings of society. The state would provide help during times of need and
desperation. Priestley was a labour supporter and so believed in the welfare state and this play re ects his
beliefs as the Inspector seems to voice the views of Priestley, particularly in his nal speech. Inspector Goole
often acts as a conscience throughout the play showing that the welfare state and the idea of looking after the
whole community is for the best.

Under a labour government and welfare state

Money, shelter, necessities and resources were provided to the unemployed in times of need/desperation.
Therein lies Priestley's message of capitalism versus socialism. Under a socialist system people community
would've taken responsibility for Eva Smith and the child.

Why did Priestley think that the younger generations need to be educated?

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 Because they are more impressionable and they can change, Sheila and Eric do change and are affected by
what they've done.
They would be being raised with the labour government of Clement Attlee at the time (1946) are more willing
to accept the Inspector’s lesson and socialist views.

Socialism vs capitalism

is being metaphorically represented

Socialism is being heralded as what Priestley believes to be the right set of values to lead society. "we are
responsible for each other" - sums up the entire message about society that’s presented in “An Inspector
Calls” (socialism is the way any society should operate).
Propagandist theme - vote labour : presents Mr and Mrs Birling as villainous and foolish.
Sheila and Eric - accept what they've done in a socialist style and have changed because of it by the end. This
is what Priestley is trying to teach the contemporary 1945 audience. He is promoting socialism as a better
way of living and a better set of principles to live by.
View held by capitalist businessmen of 1912 : money should be made no matter the human cost.

Priestley's purpose in writing “An Inspector Calls”

Propagandist in support of the Labour Party

Highlighted is the power of socialism and the issues of capitalism and the Conservative party.
Birlings sum up capitalism and the Conservative party ideals which is contrasted with the Inspector’s socialist
views.
Priestley shows us the issues of the Birling family: they are greedy when it comes to money, don't accept
responsibility for their actions where Eva Smith is concerned and are thus punished by the nal phone call.

Equality

Social class/status shouldn't matter. Whether you're upper or lower class, we should all be treated equally but
Mr and Mrs Birling and the exploitative upper class clearly don't think that.

Whodunnit?

whodunnit play- takes us through an investigation but no true outcome.

cyclical structure of AIC

Morality play

Originally a medieval play to teach biblical messages to the illiterate masses which would often present a
battle between good and evil for the human soul.
In the case of this play, there’s a battle between socialism (good) and capitalism (bad) over the fate of the
Birlings.
Therefore as well as serving as a political diatribe, “An Inspector Calls” also serves as a morality play.

Class system

Huge divide between upper and lower classes, they are segregated
There’s also the underlying issue that Gerald and Eric can't be in a legitimate relationship with Eva Smith
because she's of a different class.

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Older generation vs young generation

Old ideals vs new ideals
(Very visible) - by the end Mr and Mrs Birling haven't changed at all whereas Sheila and Eric have - there's the
idea that the younger generations are more "impressionable" and can change society for the better (they are
the future).

 Time theories
Dunne’s theory

Dunne’s theory may have in uenced the way Priestley wrote his play. This would allow the possibility that
Goole was a real policeman who slipped out of time and will return. This is hinted at in his name: Goole
sounds phonetically similar to Ghoul.
Inspector can be broken down to “in- spectre”. This could imply that Goole is her to exact vengeance of the
proletariat (working class) who are abused and mistreated by the bourgeoisie.
Dunne believed that you can look forward as well as back in time. This means that you can look back and see
your mistakes but you can also look forward and think about the consequences of your actions and if you
wanted to you could change them.

Ouspenskii’s theory

Priestley employs time theory elements in the ending of “An Inspector Calls” when it becomes clear from the
relief that Gerald, Mr and Mrs Birling express at the whole thing being “a hoax” and the Inspector being “a
socialist or some sort of crank”. In writing “An Inspector Calls” Priestley was majorly in uenced by
Ouspenskii’s theory from “A new model of the universe” . His interpretation of Ouspenskii’s theory was that
existence is a cycle of lives which you keep on reliving and can only escape if you change for the better, which
we can only do with the help of a particulate gifted person, in this case Inspector Goole.

Priestley incorporates both of these theories in “An Inspector Calls” in the time release mechanism at the end
when the telephone call interrupts the relief they’re feeling and takes them back to relive the events when a real
Inspector will come to question them. It rises the question in the audience’s mind, will the real Inspector get
them to confess? Furthermore, it allows the possibility that the Inspector was a real policeman who slipped out
of real time and will return. If they fail to learn from their experiences, they will be taught their lesson “in re
and blood and anguish” and the Inspector’s threat will ring true.

Tips

Make sure to get in all the assessment objectives to get the maximum marks possible
Link the paragraphs to make the essay cohesive and coherent
Ideally in examination conditions try to think of a 5-6 point plan for “An Inspector Calls” questions and really
analyse the quotes you choose in detail.

List of sophisticated vocabulary/ phrases relevant to An Inspector Calls to boost your grade

injustice of a capitalist society

... is metaphorically representative of
And as an extension
Binary opposites
As a modern reader, we are presented with the ideology...
This message would have resonated with....
This extract is crucial in the exploration of the theme (good to start with)

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 Pivotal/central
Allegorical
Political diatribe
This is apparent in...
Social norm
Bourgeoisie/ proletariat
Readership
Contemporary audience
An embodiment of Priestley’s message
Social hierarchy
The theme of _____ is being addressed here
Could be inferred
Evidently/ explicitly
Antithesis/foil
The portrayal/ construction of...
Through the association with ..... the theme of ..... is being explored
There is the implication
This may have disturbed the sensibilities of his audience
Demonstrates/ explores/ illustrates/ conveys/ portrays/ evokes
Perhaps the implication here is...

 Exemplar essay
What was Inspector Goole’s role in delivering Priestley’s social message?

Priestley uses Inspector Goole in his play, An Inspector Calls, to deliver his message of social equality on
how people should treat others. The Inspector goes to the Birling household to interview them about their
involvement in the suicide of Eva Smith. He is representing their moral conscience to make them confess their
social crimes and accept responsibility.
Priestley conveys Inspector Goole as a man who creates “an impression of massiveness, solidity and
purposefulness” and describes him as having an unnerving habit of “looking hard at the person he addresses”.
He creates a powerful impression and this shows that he refuses to be intimated by the Birling’s wealth and
status and has a clear, focused message. His sense of purpose is interviewing the Birling family, forcing them
to confess and to try and make them feel guilty about what they’ve done so they can change how they act
towards others in the future. In the stage directions about the Inspector, he’s described as having a powerful
presence. He takes charge immediately and remains in control throughout and remains solid as each of the
characters breaks down (apart from Sybil who keeps her calm) and nothing distracts him from his purpose as
he isn’t intimidated by the Birling’s wealth. Through his character, Priestley’s attacking the upper class to show
they are capable of crime and to make them learn they’re responsible for people who need help.
The Inspector’s exit speech is dramatic and abrupt “ re, blood and anguish”. It foreshadows the war about
to come but the contemporary audience already knows about the wars as “An Inspector Calls” was written in
1945. The frightening notion that if we don't learn to look after one another as a community, then we will be
punished in war. Furthermore the idea that the wars will be a result of the upper class being sel sh, ignorant
and not accepting responsibility for their actions is being implied. Since we actually did have two world wars
we’re presented with the notion that the ruling class did not learn their lessons from the First World War and
therefore there is a Second World War - parallels the death of Eva at the start and at the end of the play.
Alternatively, it could be interpreted that “ re and blood and anguish” is an allusion to hell - eternal
punishment and damnation. This is reinforced by each character representing one or more of the seven deadly
sins. You are sent to hell if you don't repent for your sins. Therefore perhaps Priestley is saying capitalism
needs to be punished. Additionally, the time gap between the year the play is set in and the year it was actually
written in is effective because Priestley wants to show how society and the class system changed from before
the wars and after the wars as the Labour Party got more popular and conditions for the working class were
gradually improved under the establishment of the welfare state.
Goole was used by Priestley as a proxy for Priestley’s socialist views as the purpose for writing “An
Inspector Calls” was to gain support for the Labour Party thus it serves as a propagandist play. When Birling is
speaking on his views about responsibility “a man has to mind his own business”. Priestley is highlighting the
conservative and capitalist ideals here. Arthur makes it evident he doesn’t support community and ridicules the
concept of socialism when he says “socialist cranks” and “community and all that nonsense”. The doorbell
announcing the arrival of the Inspector interrupts Birling’s speech at the pivotal moment when he’s talking
about his capitalist, conservative views on responsibility. Therefore metaphorically, we’re presented with the
idea that the Inspector is hear to challenge the Birling family’s views on politics and society. The fact that
Inspector Goole’s arrival is at such a signi cant moment is key as it foreshadows that there’s a bigger purpose
for the Inspector coming to the Birling household (not just for the criminal investigation of Eva Smith’s death).
Priestley deliberately calls the Inspector “Goole” because it has connotations of ghost and the
supernatural: he wants to show the audience that the Inspector isn’t a real person- it’s Priestley's social
conscience. Also, the Inspector seems to know everything about the Birling family and Gerald so he’s giving
them the chance to confess to their social crime and accept responsibility. Alternatively it could be interpreted
that since “Inspector” sounds phonetically similar to “in - spectre” so perhaps Goole is exacting the vengeance
of the proletariat and Eva Smiths who faced abuse and exploitation at the hands of the bourgeoise.
Inspector Goole slowly interviews different members of the Birling family and Gerald one by one and
therefore is able to control the pace of the play through his “one line of inquiry at a time”. He shows that he’s in
charge and isn’t intimidated by the Birling’s social stature or sense of entitlement. When they realise he’s

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 actually not a real inspector, their reactions show whether they’ve really learned their lesson or whether they
will ever commit a social injustice against a member of the lower class in the future. Sheila and Eric learn their
lesson but neither Mr Birling, Sybil or Gerald do which suggests they would do it again in the future; they don’t
learn their social responsibility on how they should treat others. They think that just because the Inspector
wasn’t a real one, their actions weren’t morally wrong because they wouldn’t get caught. Mr Birling says “I’d
give money” because he realises his involvement in Eva’s suicide could amount to a public scandal which could
affect his chances at knighthood. This is an appalling attitude to have - that a life could equate to monetary
value and Priestley is highlighting this.
Priestley’s writing of ”An Inspector Calls” and how the character of Inspector Goole is portrayed is greatly
in uenced by time theories. These time theories include Dunne’s and Ouspenskii’s. The fact that the Inspector
was a fake is of great importance because it gives the Birling family the chance to look back at themselves,
think about their actions and how they could change in the future to not commit social injustices- this is
Dunne’s theory and it in uenced the way Priestley wrote the character of Inspector Goole as offering the
Birlings and Gerald the opportunity to inspect themselves and change for the better. He was their moral
conscience on how to treat others because he knew everything about them.
To conclude, the role of Inspector Goole in ‘An Inspector Calls’ is of signi cant importance because
Priestley uses him to deliver his social message of how people should treat others and to drive across his
socialist opinions. He uses Inspector Goole as his own social conscience to reiterate that the Inspector isn’t a
real person, it’s a conscience giving the Birling family and Gerald a chance to learn their social responsibility.
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