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An Inspector Calls: Summary, Themes, Characters, and Social Responsibility

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An Inspector Calls: Summary, Themes, Characters, and Social Responsibility
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Verified Study Note

An Inspector Calls is a powerful examination of social responsibility, class divisions, and moral accountability set in 1912. This comprehensive analysis covers the plot progression, key themes, historical context, and detailed character studies.

• The play centers around the Birling family's interrogation by the mysterious Inspector Goole following Eva Smith's suicide
• Themes in An Inspector Calls include social responsibility, class inequality, and generational divide
• Written in 1945 but set in 1912, the play critiques pre-war capitalist society
• Character development shows clear contrast between older and younger generations' acceptance of responsibility
• Historical context spans both pre-WWI conservative society and post-WWII social reforms

07/05/2023

6391

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Act 1: The Arrival of Inspector Goole

The play opens with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft. The festive atmosphere is disrupted when Inspector Goole arrives, announcing the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. As the Inspector begins his questioning, it's revealed that both Mr. Birling and Sheila had interactions with Eva that contributed to her hardships.

Quote: "But just remember this. A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family too, of course, when he has one—and so long as he does that he won't come to much harm." - Mr. Birling

This quote encapsulates Mr. Birling's capitalist worldview, which the play critiques.

Highlight: The revelation that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton sets up the next phase of the investigation, hinting at Gerald's involvement.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Act 2: Unraveling Connections

Act 2 delves deeper into the characters' connections to Eva/Daisy. Gerald confesses to an affair with her, shocking Sheila but earning her respect for his honesty. Mrs. Birling is revealed to have denied Eva help from a women's charity, not realizing the girl was pregnant with her own grandchild.

Example: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva, believing her to be "dishonest," demonstrates the class prejudice prevalent in society at the time.

Vocabulary: Bourgeoisie - the upper or ruling class of society, contrasted with the proletariat.

The act ends with the shocking revelation that Eric, the Birlings' son, is the father of Eva's unborn child.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Act 3: Consequences and Revelations

In the final act, Eric confesses to his relationship with Eva and admits to stealing money from his father's business to support her. The Inspector delivers a powerful speech about social responsibility before departing.

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector Goole

This quote encapsulates the play's central theme of social responsibility.

After the Inspector leaves, the family begins to question his identity and the reality of Eva Smith's existence. However, a phone call at the end of the play suggests that the events may be repeating themselves in real time.

Highlight: The ambiguous ending leaves the audience to ponder the true nature of the Inspector and the consequences of the characters' actions.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Themes in An Inspector Calls

Social Responsibility: This is the central theme of the play, exploring how individual actions can have far-reaching consequences on society.

Class: The play critiques the rigid class structure of early 20th century Britain, highlighting the inequalities between the upper class (Bourgeoisie) and the working class (Proletariat).

Gender: Priestley examines gender roles and sexism, particularly through the treatment of Eva Smith and the attitudes of male characters.

Age: The generational divide between the older and younger characters represents different attitudes towards social change and responsibility.

Definition: Social responsibility - the idea that individuals have a duty to act for the benefit of society at large.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Author and Historical Context

J.B. Priestley, a well-known socialist who fought in WWI, wrote An Inspector Calls in 1945 but set it in 1912. This allowed him to contrast pre-war conservatism with post-war social progress.

Key contextual points:

  • 1912: Conservative, capitalist society with rigid class structures
  • 1945: More socialist society, beginning of welfare state
  • Women's rights: Suffragette movement leading to voting rights in 1918 (limited) and 1928 (universal)

Highlight: Priestley uses the play to critique capitalism and promote socialist ideals, reflecting his own political views.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Character Analysis: The Inspector

Inspector Goole is the catalyst for change in the play, embodying Priestley's socialist views and serving as a moral force.

Key characteristics:

  • Dressed plainly, with a vague physical description
  • Name (Goole) suggests a supernatural element
  • Omniscient and assertive in his questioning
  • Serves as a vehicle for Priestley's message of social responsibility

Quote: "We are responsible for each other" - Inspector Goole

This quote summarizes the Inspector's role in promoting collective responsibility.

Vocabulary: Omniscient - all-knowing, having infinite knowledge.

The Inspector's mysterious nature and powerful presence drive the plot forward and force the characters to confront their actions and beliefs.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Mrs. Birling Character Analysis

Mrs. Birling's character exemplifies both class prejudice and gender inequality in early 20th-century society.

Quote: Her description as "a rather cold woman" immediately establishes her unsympathetic nature.

Highlight: Her character represents the perpetuation of social inequality through upper-class privilege.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Sheila Character Analysis

Sheila's character arc demonstrates the potential for positive change and moral growth throughout the play.

Example: Her transformation from naive privilege to social awareness represents hope for future generations.

Quote: Her "human reaction" to Eva's death contrasts with her parents' callousness.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

View

Overall Plot Summary of An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls is a gripping drama that unfolds over three acts, exploring themes of social responsibility and moral accountability.

Key plot points:

  • The wealthy Birling family's celebratory dinner is interrupted by Inspector Goole
  • Each family member is revealed to have played a role in Eva Smith's downfall and suicide
  • Generational divides emerge in how characters respond to their culpability
  • The Inspector's identity comes into question after he leaves
  • A shocking phone call suggests the story may be repeating itself

The play masterfully weaves together individual actions to show their collective impact on society's most vulnerable.

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Subjects

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English Literature

An Inspector Calls: Summary, Themes, Characters, and Social Responsibility

user profile picture

v🤍

@veronicaspiewakx

·

85 Followers

Follow

Verified Study Note

An Inspector Calls is a powerful examination of social responsibility, class divisions, and moral accountability set in 1912. This comprehensive analysis covers the plot progression, key themes, historical context, and detailed character studies.

• The play centers around the Birling family's interrogation by the mysterious Inspector Goole following Eva Smith's suicide
• Themes in An Inspector Calls include social responsibility, class inequality, and generational divide
• Written in 1945 but set in 1912, the play critiques pre-war capitalist society
• Character development shows clear contrast between older and younger generations' acceptance of responsibility
• Historical context spans both pre-WWI conservative society and post-WWII social reforms

07/05/2023

6391

 

10/11

 

English Literature

506

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

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Act 1: The Arrival of Inspector Goole

The play opens with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft. The festive atmosphere is disrupted when Inspector Goole arrives, announcing the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. As the Inspector begins his questioning, it's revealed that both Mr. Birling and Sheila had interactions with Eva that contributed to her hardships.

Quote: "But just remember this. A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family too, of course, when he has one—and so long as he does that he won't come to much harm." - Mr. Birling

This quote encapsulates Mr. Birling's capitalist worldview, which the play critiques.

Highlight: The revelation that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton sets up the next phase of the investigation, hinting at Gerald's involvement.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

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Act 2: Unraveling Connections

Act 2 delves deeper into the characters' connections to Eva/Daisy. Gerald confesses to an affair with her, shocking Sheila but earning her respect for his honesty. Mrs. Birling is revealed to have denied Eva help from a women's charity, not realizing the girl was pregnant with her own grandchild.

Example: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva, believing her to be "dishonest," demonstrates the class prejudice prevalent in society at the time.

Vocabulary: Bourgeoisie - the upper or ruling class of society, contrasted with the proletariat.

The act ends with the shocking revelation that Eric, the Birlings' son, is the father of Eva's unborn child.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

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Act 3: Consequences and Revelations

In the final act, Eric confesses to his relationship with Eva and admits to stealing money from his father's business to support her. The Inspector delivers a powerful speech about social responsibility before departing.

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector Goole

This quote encapsulates the play's central theme of social responsibility.

After the Inspector leaves, the family begins to question his identity and the reality of Eva Smith's existence. However, a phone call at the end of the play suggests that the events may be repeating themselves in real time.

Highlight: The ambiguous ending leaves the audience to ponder the true nature of the Inspector and the consequences of the characters' actions.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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Themes in An Inspector Calls

Social Responsibility: This is the central theme of the play, exploring how individual actions can have far-reaching consequences on society.

Class: The play critiques the rigid class structure of early 20th century Britain, highlighting the inequalities between the upper class (Bourgeoisie) and the working class (Proletariat).

Gender: Priestley examines gender roles and sexism, particularly through the treatment of Eva Smith and the attitudes of male characters.

Age: The generational divide between the older and younger characters represents different attitudes towards social change and responsibility.

Definition: Social responsibility - the idea that individuals have a duty to act for the benefit of society at large.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Author and Historical Context

J.B. Priestley, a well-known socialist who fought in WWI, wrote An Inspector Calls in 1945 but set it in 1912. This allowed him to contrast pre-war conservatism with post-war social progress.

Key contextual points:

  • 1912: Conservative, capitalist society with rigid class structures
  • 1945: More socialist society, beginning of welfare state
  • Women's rights: Suffragette movement leading to voting rights in 1918 (limited) and 1928 (universal)

Highlight: Priestley uses the play to critique capitalism and promote socialist ideals, reflecting his own political views.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Character Analysis: The Inspector

Inspector Goole is the catalyst for change in the play, embodying Priestley's socialist views and serving as a moral force.

Key characteristics:

  • Dressed plainly, with a vague physical description
  • Name (Goole) suggests a supernatural element
  • Omniscient and assertive in his questioning
  • Serves as a vehicle for Priestley's message of social responsibility

Quote: "We are responsible for each other" - Inspector Goole

This quote summarizes the Inspector's role in promoting collective responsibility.

Vocabulary: Omniscient - all-knowing, having infinite knowledge.

The Inspector's mysterious nature and powerful presence drive the plot forward and force the characters to confront their actions and beliefs.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Mrs. Birling Character Analysis

Mrs. Birling's character exemplifies both class prejudice and gender inequality in early 20th-century society.

Quote: Her description as "a rather cold woman" immediately establishes her unsympathetic nature.

Highlight: Her character represents the perpetuation of social inequality through upper-class privilege.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sheila Character Analysis

Sheila's character arc demonstrates the potential for positive change and moral growth throughout the play.

Example: Her transformation from naive privilege to social awareness represents hope for future generations.

Quote: Her "human reaction" to Eva's death contrasts with her parents' callousness.

AN INSPECTOR CAUS Plot, Themes, Author + Context, Character Analysis PLOT ACT 1- → The Birlings are celebrating Sheila and Geralds engagemen

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Overall Plot Summary of An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls is a gripping drama that unfolds over three acts, exploring themes of social responsibility and moral accountability.

Key plot points:

  • The wealthy Birling family's celebratory dinner is interrupted by Inspector Goole
  • Each family member is revealed to have played a role in Eva Smith's downfall and suicide
  • Generational divides emerge in how characters respond to their culpability
  • The Inspector's identity comes into question after he leaves
  • A shocking phone call suggests the story may be repeating itself

The play masterfully weaves together individual actions to show their collective impact on society's most vulnerable.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

15 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 12 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.