Themes of An Inspector Calls

Question 1

Social responsibility theme

Answer 1

• Inspector’s purpose to force Birling’s into taking accountability for actions.
• Lower class are vulnerable, mistreated through no fault of their own
• Condems those in power for not protecting
• All actions had consequences

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

Question 2

Generation: young vs. old

Answer 2

• Birling family split into 2 generations (parents & children) opposing morals, clear diff in how they react to I’s message
• Older gen ignore/dismiss input from younger - “hysterical child” “nonsense” - patronising

Question 3

Exploitation theme

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Capitalism vs. Socialism

Answer 4

• Inspector acts as Priestley’s socialist mouthpiece - role is to condem capitalism & preach socialist ideals.
• Priestley = socialist, in capitalist country (Britain)
• Debate mainly focuses on interactions between Mr B & Inspector (both emblems for respective political ideologies)

Question 5

What type of play is AIC?

Answer 5

Political diatribe (Priestley criticising politics of 1912)