Social Responsibility in An Inspector Callsis a pivotal theme... Show more
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amelia-walker ๐ซง
11/11/2025
English Literature
AIC Themes
2,252
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11 Nov 2025
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Social Responsibility in An Inspector Callsis a pivotal theme... Show more







This section deepens the exploration of how Priestley presents social responsibility in An Inspector Calls through Eric's transformation and Mrs. Birling's continued denial.
Quote: "I don't see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't."
Definition: Social responsibility in the play refers to the moral obligation of individuals to consider the welfare of others in society.
The Inspector's message about greed and entitlement directly challenges the Birling family's privileged worldview.
Highlight: The Inspector's statement "It's better to ask for the earth than to take it" serves as a central critique of capitalist exploitation.

The third page examines how age influences characters' sense of social duty, particularly highlighting the contrast between younger and older generations.
Quote: "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all."
Analysis: Eric's confrontation with his parents represents the younger generation's more progressive social consciousness.
Mrs. Birling's character exemplifies the older generation's rigid class prejudices and moral inflexibility.
Example: Her statement "So I was perfectly justified in advising my committee not to allow her claim for assistance" demonstrates her unrepentant attitude.

The final section explores how gender intersects with social responsibility, particularly through male characters' attitudes toward women.
Quote: "...not only something to make 'em look prettier - but well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect."
Vocabulary: Patronising - treating with apparent kindness which betrays a feeling of superiority
The text reveals how patriarchal attitudes contribute to social irresponsibility through the objectification and dismissal of women's experiences.
Highlight: Gerald's comment about "hard-eyed dough-faced women" reveals the casual misogyny that underlies the male characters' lack of social conscience.

The intersection of gender and social responsibility is examined through male characters' attitudes toward women.
Quote: "...not only something to make 'em look prettier - but well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect."
Analysis: Mr Birling social responsibility quotes reveal his patronizing attitude toward women, demonstrating how gender bias intersects with social responsibility.

The text explores how class prejudice affects characters' sense of social responsibility.
Quote: "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth."
Highlight: Eva Smith's journey through different social positions highlights the impact of class prejudice on social responsibility.

The opening establishes the central theme of social responsibility in An Inspector Calls through the characters' contrasting reactions to Eva Smith's death.
Quote: "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?"
Highlight: Mr Birling's dismissive attitude represents the older generation's resistance to social change and responsibility.
Sheila's character development demonstrates growing social awareness. Her willingness to acknowledge wrongdoing contrasts sharply with her father's stubborn denial.
Example: Sheila's confession "At least I'm trying to tell the truth" shows her moral growth and acceptance of responsibility.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls is a pivotal theme exploring how different characters respond to their role in Eva Smith's death through generational and class divides.
Key aspects:

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This section deepens the exploration of how Priestley presents social responsibility in An Inspector Calls through Eric's transformation and Mrs. Birling's continued denial.
Quote: "I don't see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't."
Definition: Social responsibility in the play refers to the moral obligation of individuals to consider the welfare of others in society.
The Inspector's message about greed and entitlement directly challenges the Birling family's privileged worldview.
Highlight: The Inspector's statement "It's better to ask for the earth than to take it" serves as a central critique of capitalist exploitation.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The third page examines how age influences characters' sense of social duty, particularly highlighting the contrast between younger and older generations.
Quote: "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all."
Analysis: Eric's confrontation with his parents represents the younger generation's more progressive social consciousness.
Mrs. Birling's character exemplifies the older generation's rigid class prejudices and moral inflexibility.
Example: Her statement "So I was perfectly justified in advising my committee not to allow her claim for assistance" demonstrates her unrepentant attitude.

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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The final section explores how gender intersects with social responsibility, particularly through male characters' attitudes toward women.
Quote: "...not only something to make 'em look prettier - but well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect."
Vocabulary: Patronising - treating with apparent kindness which betrays a feeling of superiority
The text reveals how patriarchal attitudes contribute to social irresponsibility through the objectification and dismissal of women's experiences.
Highlight: Gerald's comment about "hard-eyed dough-faced women" reveals the casual misogyny that underlies the male characters' lack of social conscience.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The intersection of gender and social responsibility is examined through male characters' attitudes toward women.
Quote: "...not only something to make 'em look prettier - but well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect."
Analysis: Mr Birling social responsibility quotes reveal his patronizing attitude toward women, demonstrating how gender bias intersects with social responsibility.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The text explores how class prejudice affects characters' sense of social responsibility.
Quote: "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth."
Highlight: Eva Smith's journey through different social positions highlights the impact of class prejudice on social responsibility.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The opening establishes the central theme of social responsibility in An Inspector Calls through the characters' contrasting reactions to Eva Smith's death.
Quote: "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?"
Highlight: Mr Birling's dismissive attitude represents the older generation's resistance to social change and responsibility.
Sheila's character development demonstrates growing social awareness. Her willingness to acknowledge wrongdoing contrasts sharply with her father's stubborn denial.
Example: Sheila's confession "At least I'm trying to tell the truth" shows her moral growth and acceptance of responsibility.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user