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22 Dec 2025
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Understanding Responsibility in An Inspector Calls: An Essay
marim .
@marim._m0okvb6dxnefg
1 / 4
Mr Birling's Selfish Philosophy
Right from the start, Mr Birling represents everything Priestley despises about capitalism and individual selfishness. His famous quote "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own" sets up his entire worldview - he genuinely believes people should ignore others' problems.
This advice to Eric and Gerald isn't just casual chat; it's his life philosophy that puts personal gain above social responsibility. Priestley deliberately places this at the beginning so we can see how stubborn Mr Birling remains throughout the play.
Key Point: Mr Birling's views represent the capitalist mindset that Priestley wants to challenge - the idea that we owe nothing to strangers or society.
Mrs Birling's Charity Hypocrisy
Mrs Birling's approach to responsibility is even more twisted than her husband's. The Inspector's question "was it owing to your influence, as the most prominent member of the committee, that help was refused the girl?" exposes her massive contradiction.
She's involved in a women's charity that's supposed to help people like Eva Smith, yet she actively refuses help when it's needed most. This suggests she only participates to look good socially, not because she genuinely cares about helping others.
Her position on the charity committee makes her refusal even worse - she had the power to help but chose not to, showing how class prejudice can override moral duty.
Key Point: Mrs Birling represents fake charity - people who want to appear caring without actually taking responsibility for helping others.
Passing the Buck vs Taking Action
Mrs Birling continues dodging responsibility by demanding "Go and look for the father of the child" - completely unaware she's condemning her own son. The imperative "Go" shows her arrogant certainty that someone else is to blame.
Eric, however, actually tries to take responsibility by stating "I insisted on giving her enough money to keep her going." Yes, he stole the money, but he prioritised Eva's welfare over his father's business profits.
Priestley presents Eric almost like Robin Hood - stealing from the rich (his father) to help the poor (Eva). The verb "insisted" shows Eric taking decisive action, even if his methods were flawed.
Key Point: Eric represents hope for the younger generation - someone willing to sacrifice personal comfort for social responsibility.
The Cycle Continues
By the play's end, Mr Birling's response proves he's learned absolutely nothing. His "triumphant" relief when he thinks the Inspector was fake shows he only cared about protecting his reputation and business, not about Eva's death.
The adverb "triumphantly" suggests he sees this as a victory - he's escaped consequences rather than reflecting on his actions. Priestley deliberately mirrors the beginning and end to show how some people never change.
This circular structure reinforces Priestley's socialist message: unless people like the Birlings accept responsibility for society's problems, nothing will improve. The mysterious phone call at the end suggests the cycle of consequences will continue.
Key Point: The play's structure shows that without genuine acceptance of social responsibility, society is doomed to repeat its mistakes.
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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
Understanding Responsibility in An Inspector Calls: An Essay
marim .
@marim._m0okvb6dxnefg
Ever wondered how guilt and blame work in a family crisis? Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is basically a masterclass in exploring responsibility- showing us how different people react when their actions have deadly consequences, and what happens when some... Show more
Mr Birling's Selfish Philosophy
Right from the start, Mr Birling represents everything Priestley despises about capitalism and individual selfishness. His famous quote "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own" sets up his entire worldview - he genuinely believes people should ignore others' problems.
This advice to Eric and Gerald isn't just casual chat; it's his life philosophy that puts personal gain above social responsibility. Priestley deliberately places this at the beginning so we can see how stubborn Mr Birling remains throughout the play.
Key Point: Mr Birling's views represent the capitalist mindset that Priestley wants to challenge - the idea that we owe nothing to strangers or society.
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
Mrs Birling's Charity Hypocrisy
Mrs Birling's approach to responsibility is even more twisted than her husband's. The Inspector's question "was it owing to your influence, as the most prominent member of the committee, that help was refused the girl?" exposes her massive contradiction.
She's involved in a women's charity that's supposed to help people like Eva Smith, yet she actively refuses help when it's needed most. This suggests she only participates to look good socially, not because she genuinely cares about helping others.
Her position on the charity committee makes her refusal even worse - she had the power to help but chose not to, showing how class prejudice can override moral duty.
Key Point: Mrs Birling represents fake charity - people who want to appear caring without actually taking responsibility for helping others.
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
Passing the Buck vs Taking Action
Mrs Birling continues dodging responsibility by demanding "Go and look for the father of the child" - completely unaware she's condemning her own son. The imperative "Go" shows her arrogant certainty that someone else is to blame.
Eric, however, actually tries to take responsibility by stating "I insisted on giving her enough money to keep her going." Yes, he stole the money, but he prioritised Eva's welfare over his father's business profits.
Priestley presents Eric almost like Robin Hood - stealing from the rich (his father) to help the poor (Eva). The verb "insisted" shows Eric taking decisive action, even if his methods were flawed.
Key Point: Eric represents hope for the younger generation - someone willing to sacrifice personal comfort for social responsibility.
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 Cycle Continues
By the play's end, Mr Birling's response proves he's learned absolutely nothing. His "triumphant" relief when he thinks the Inspector was fake shows he only cared about protecting his reputation and business, not about Eva's death.
The adverb "triumphantly" suggests he sees this as a victory - he's escaped consequences rather than reflecting on his actions. Priestley deliberately mirrors the beginning and end to show how some people never change.
This circular structure reinforces Priestley's socialist message: unless people like the Birlings accept responsibility for society's problems, nothing will improve. The mysterious phone call at the end suggests the cycle of consequences will continue.
Key Point: The play's structure shows that without genuine acceptance of social responsibility, society is doomed to repeat its mistakes.
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
Most popular content in English Literature
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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