J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" uses drama to challenge 1912... Show more
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31 Dec 2025
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An Inspector Calls Grade 9 Essay: Priestley on Social Responsibility
Suhana A
@suhana_.a
1 / 3
Mr and Mrs Birling: Refusing Responsibility
Ever wondered why some wealthy people seem completely out of touch with ordinary struggles? Priestley uses the Birling parents as perfect examples of social irresponsibility to show audiences exactly what's wrong with capitalism.
Mr Birling obsesses over getting a knighthood rather than caring about the harm his family has caused. His worry about being "almost certain for a knighthood" reveals his twisted priorities - he's more concerned about his reputation than Eva Smith's death. This selfish attitude represents everything Priestley despises about the upper classes.
Mrs Birling refuses to accept blame by claiming Eva "began by telling us a pack of lies." Notice how she uses "us" - this shifts responsibility away from herself onto others. Both parents represent the capitalist mindset that Priestley believes will inevitably lead to war and suffering.
Key Point: The Birlings serve as a warning - their attitudes show audiences exactly how NOT to behave in society.
Eric and Sheila: Learning and Growing
Unlike their parents, Eric and Sheila actually learn from the Inspector's visit and develop genuine social responsibility. Their character transformation gives hope that younger generations can change society for the better.
Sheila's development is particularly striking. She moves from spoiled rich girl to someone who genuinely cares about others. When she says "Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide," the word "us" shows she accepts collective responsibility - the opposite of her mother's attitude.
Her famous line "these girls aren't cheap labour, they're people" marks a turning point. She finally sees working-class women as human beings deserving respect, not just disposable workers. This realisation makes her the Inspector's ally rather than his target.
Eric similarly transforms from privileged young man to someone genuinely horrified by his family's actions. Both represent Priestley's hope that socialism can educate and liberate people from selfish capitalism.
Remember: Sheila and Eric prove that people CAN change when they're shown the truth about social inequality.
The Inspector: Priestley's Moral Voice
The Inspector serves as Priestley's direct mouthpiece for socialist ideologies, combining moral authority with religious imagery to maximum dramatic effect. His mysterious nature makes his message even more powerful.
His famous final speech delivers Priestley's core message: "we are members of one body." This biblical reference would resonate strongly with the play's Christian audience, suggesting that capitalism is actually sinful. The collective pronoun "we" emphasises that everyone shares responsibility for society's wellbeing.
The Inspector's prophetic warning about "fire and blood and anguish" creates genuine fear in audiences. These war-like images remind viewers of both World Wars, suggesting that selfish capitalist attitudes directly cause conflict and suffering. This threat motivates audiences to embrace social responsibility.
Priestley's ultimate goal becomes clear through the Inspector - he wants to replace competitive capitalism with cooperative socialism. The Inspector represents moral authority that transcends class boundaries, showing that true leadership comes from compassion, not wealth.
Final Thought: The Inspector's mysterious identity suggests that moral responsibility is a universal force that will always challenge selfish behaviour.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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
An Inspector Calls Grade 9 Essay: Priestley on Social Responsibility
Suhana A
@suhana_.a
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" uses drama to challenge 1912 capitalist society and promote socialist values. The play explores how different characters respond to social responsibility, showing audiences the moral consequences of their actions towards others.
Mr and Mrs Birling: Refusing Responsibility
Ever wondered why some wealthy people seem completely out of touch with ordinary struggles? Priestley uses the Birling parents as perfect examples of social irresponsibility to show audiences exactly what's wrong with capitalism.
Mr Birling obsesses over getting a knighthood rather than caring about the harm his family has caused. His worry about being "almost certain for a knighthood" reveals his twisted priorities - he's more concerned about his reputation than Eva Smith's death. This selfish attitude represents everything Priestley despises about the upper classes.
Mrs Birling refuses to accept blame by claiming Eva "began by telling us a pack of lies." Notice how she uses "us" - this shifts responsibility away from herself onto others. Both parents represent the capitalist mindset that Priestley believes will inevitably lead to war and suffering.
Key Point: The Birlings serve as a warning - their attitudes show audiences exactly how NOT to behave in society.
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Improve your grades
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Eric and Sheila: Learning and Growing
Unlike their parents, Eric and Sheila actually learn from the Inspector's visit and develop genuine social responsibility. Their character transformation gives hope that younger generations can change society for the better.
Sheila's development is particularly striking. She moves from spoiled rich girl to someone who genuinely cares about others. When she says "Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide," the word "us" shows she accepts collective responsibility - the opposite of her mother's attitude.
Her famous line "these girls aren't cheap labour, they're people" marks a turning point. She finally sees working-class women as human beings deserving respect, not just disposable workers. This realisation makes her the Inspector's ally rather than his target.
Eric similarly transforms from privileged young man to someone genuinely horrified by his family's actions. Both represent Priestley's hope that socialism can educate and liberate people from selfish capitalism.
Remember: Sheila and Eric prove that people CAN change when they're shown the truth about social inequality.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Inspector: Priestley's Moral Voice
The Inspector serves as Priestley's direct mouthpiece for socialist ideologies, combining moral authority with religious imagery to maximum dramatic effect. His mysterious nature makes his message even more powerful.
His famous final speech delivers Priestley's core message: "we are members of one body." This biblical reference would resonate strongly with the play's Christian audience, suggesting that capitalism is actually sinful. The collective pronoun "we" emphasises that everyone shares responsibility for society's wellbeing.
The Inspector's prophetic warning about "fire and blood and anguish" creates genuine fear in audiences. These war-like images remind viewers of both World Wars, suggesting that selfish capitalist attitudes directly cause conflict and suffering. This threat motivates audiences to embrace social responsibility.
Priestley's ultimate goal becomes clear through the Inspector - he wants to replace competitive capitalism with cooperative socialism. The Inspector represents moral authority that transcends class boundaries, showing that true leadership comes from compassion, not wealth.
Final Thought: The Inspector's mysterious identity suggests that moral responsibility is a universal force that will always challenge selfish behaviour.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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