J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" masterfully weaves together themes of social responsibility, class division, and moral accountability through its complex characters and plot devices.
The play centers around the wealthy Mr Birling, whose capitalistic worldview and dismissive attitude toward social responsibility are revealed through key dramatic irony moments. His infamous speeches about the "unsinkable" Titanic and predictions of endless prosperity showcase Priestley's critique of blind faith in capitalism. Mr Birling's quotes throughout Act 1 and 2 establish him as an embodiment of unchecked capitalistic greed, with statements like "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself" directly contrasting with the Inspector's socialist message.
The transformation of characters, particularly Sheila Birling, represents the possibility of social change. Unlike her parents, Sheila learns from the Inspector's investigation and embraces responsibility for Eva Smith's death. Mrs Birling's quotes and analysis reveal her as perhaps the most unchanging character, maintaining her cold, socially privileged stance even after learning of her role in her own son's affair and Eva's suicide. The play's exploration of socialism versus capitalism is evident in the stark contrast between the Inspector's collective responsibility message and the Birling parents' individualistic outlook. Through dramatic devices and carefully crafted dialogue, Priestley illustrates how socialism in An Inspector Calls offers a moral alternative to the selfish capitalism represented by the older generation. The use of dramatic irony throughout the play, particularly in references to future events like World War I and the Titanic disaster, serves to undermine the certainty of the capitalist characters while reinforcing the Inspector's warnings about social responsibility and interconnectedness.
