Social Class and Prejudice in An Inspector Calls

Priestley explores the social class divide and its consequences through Mrs Birling's character and actions. Her attitudes reflect broader societal prejudices of the time.

Mrs Birling's first name, Sybil, ironically connects to Greek prophetesses, as she is blind to the realities faced by the poor. Her membership in a charity organization contrasts sharply with her lack of empathy:

Quote: She claims the charity has "done a great deal of help in deserving cases," yet deems Eva undeserving.

Her disgust at inter-class relationships is evident:

Quote: She calls Eric's relationship with Eva "ridiculous" and Gerald's assistance "disgusting".

These attitudes highlight the rigid class structure and lack of understanding between social groups.

Definition: Welfare state - a system where the government takes responsibility for the well-being of its citizens, including healthcare and financial support.

Priestley uses Mrs Birling to argue for the necessity of a welfare state, showing how charity controlled by the upper class failed to address societal needs adequately.

Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

Social responsibility is a central theme in An Inspector Calls, with the Inspector serving as its primary advocate. The play critiques capitalist views and emphasizes collective responsibility.

Highlight: The Inspector's well-timed entrance interrupts Mr Birling's speech about individual responsibility, setting up the conflict between selfish and socially responsible worldviews.

Mr Birling's perspective is summarized in his quote:

Quote: "A man has to mind his own business, look after himself and his own, of course."

This selfish attitude is directly challenged by the Inspector's investigation and message. The play argues that such views led to the events culminating in Eva Smith's suicide.

Example: Mrs Birling's refusal to help Eva when she came to the charity exemplifies the failure of individual-focused approaches to social issues.

Priestley uses the characters' reactions to the Inspector's revelations to explore different attitudes towards social responsibility. While younger characters like Sheila and Eric show the capacity for change, Mrs Birling remains resistant, representing the older generation's entrenched views.

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

The play ultimately advocates for a shift towards collective responsibility and systemic change to address societal inequalities.

Consequences of Class Prejudice

Priestley uses Mrs Birling's actions and attitudes to illustrate the dire consequences of class prejudice and lack of social responsibility. Her refusal to help Eva Smith becomes a pivotal moment in the chain of events leading to the young woman's suicide.

Quote: Mrs Birling states, "I accept no blame for it at all," showing her inability to recognize her role in Eva's fate.

This denial of responsibility is particularly damning when it's revealed that Eva was pregnant with Eric's child, making Mrs Birling indirectly responsible for her own grandchild's death.

Highlight: Mrs Birling's pride in not falling for the Inspector's influence, standing "triumphantly" after his departure, underscores the upper class's misplaced sense of superiority.

Priestley uses this to critique how the upper class failed to learn from the experiences of World War I, suggesting that this failure contributed to the conditions that led to World War II.

Example: Mrs Birling's statement "I won't believe it" exemplifies the willful ignorance that prevented necessary social change.

The play argues that such attitudes perpetuated inequality and conflict, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and responsible society.

The Inspector's Role and Message

The Inspector in An Inspector Calls serves as a catalyst for revealing the characters' true natures and delivering the play's central message about social responsibility. His supernatural qualities, hinted at by his timely entrance and Sheila's later observations, add weight to his moral authority.

Quote: The Inspector challenges Mr Birling's view that "a man has to mind his own business" by demonstrating the interconnectedness of society.

Through his questioning, the Inspector exposes the consequences of the Birlings' actions and attitudes, particularly those of Mrs Birling. He serves as a voice for social justice and collective responsibility.

Highlight: The Inspector's lesson is about the importance of considering the welfare of all members of society, not just one's immediate circle.

While characters like Sheila and Eric show the capacity to learn and change, Mrs Birling's resistance to the Inspector's message represents the older generation's entrenched views and resistance to social progress.

Example: Mrs Birling's pride in not being influenced by the Inspector contrasts sharply with the younger characters' transformative experiences.

Priestley uses the Inspector to argue for the necessity of systemic change, including the establishment of a welfare state, to prevent future tragedies like Eva Smith's suicide.

Themes of Responsibility and Change

An Inspector Calls explores themes of responsibility and the potential for societal change through its characters' responses to the Inspector's revelations. The play contrasts the attitudes of different generations and social classes.

Quote: Mrs Birling's insistence that she is "perfectly justified" in her actions highlights the older generation's resistance to change.

Priestley uses the younger characters, Sheila and Eric, to show the possibility of learning and growth. Their willingness to accept responsibility contrasts sharply with their parents' denial.

Highlight: The play suggests that acknowledging collective responsibility is crucial for preventing future tragedies and conflicts.

The theme of change is closely tied to the historical context:

Definition: Welfare state - a system of social organization in which the state takes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens.

Priestley argues through the play that the lack of such a system, and the reliance on upper-class-controlled charity, contributed to social inequality and suffering.

Example: Mrs Birling's role in the charity and her rejection of Eva Smith's plea for help demonstrate the failings of the pre-welfare state system.

The play ultimately calls for a transformation in societal attitudes and structures to create a more just and responsible world.

Page 6: Eric's Development and Class Divide

This page examines Eric's partial transformation and the play's treatment of class differences.

Highlight: Despite showing remorse, Eric never fully acknowledges his crimes, symbolizing society's incomplete learning.

Mrs Birling's Character and Role

Mrs Birling is used by Priestley to explore upper-class prejudice against the poor and resistance to social responsibility in An Inspector Calls. Her character highlights the class divide and need for societal change in early 20th century Britain.

Highlight: Mrs Birling represents the sin of pride and is described as her "husband's social superior" in the stage directions.

Her involvement with the Brumley Women's charity is ironic, as she denies help to Eva Smith, demonstrating how charity controlled by the upper class was ineffective. This emphasizes Priestley's argument for a welfare state.

Quote: Mrs Birling says she is "perfectly justified" in her actions, showing her ignorance of consequences.

Mrs Birling's prejudiced views are evident in her language:

Quote: She refers dismissively to "Girls of that class", generalizing and expressing disgust.

Her refusal to accept blame or learn from the Inspector's lesson makes her potentially the most responsible for Eva's suicide. Priestley uses her character to condemn upper-class attitudes that persisted even after World War I.

Vocabulary: Collective responsibility - the idea that all members of society have a duty to help others and consider the consequences of their actions.