Understanding Responsibility and Social Change in An Inspector Calls
The theme of responsibility stands at the heart of J.B. Priestley's masterpiece "An Inspector Calls." The mysterious Inspector Goole serves as both interrogator and moral compass, systematically revealing how each member of the Birling family contributed to Eva Smith's tragic death. His powerful declaration that "each of you helped to kill her" resonates beyond the stage, directly challenging the audience to examine their own social responsibilities.
In this dramatic examination of conscience and class, Priestley masterfully weaves together personal accountability and broader societal obligations. The Inspector's final speech delivers the play's central message about collective responsibility: "One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives."
Quote: "If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish." - Inspector Goole
The younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric Birling, demonstrate the potential for social change through their dramatic transformation. Unlike their parents who remain entrenched in their privileged worldview, these younger characters come to understand and accept their role in Eva's death, representing hope for a more socially conscious future.