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.

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.