Page 2: The Inspector's Moral Message

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.

Page 3: Generational Divide

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.

Page 4: Gender and Social Responsibility

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.

Page 4: Gender and Social Responsibility

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.

Page 5: Class Dynamics

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.

Page 1: Character Responses to 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.