Setting Act 1 Quote The general effect is substantial and heavily comfortable, but not cosy and home-like

Explanation They say that a house reflects a persons true nature and the Birlings are no exception. The Birlings house is described as being heavily comfortable, indicating their wealth, but it is not cosy or home-like, indicating their how conscious they are of their status. The furnishings in their house are used predominantly to display how rich they are but it gives no indication that there is any warmth. The lighting in this play is important for two reasons. One, to indicate a change in atmosphere and two, to create dramatic tension. Here, the lighting tells us that the arrival of Inspector Goole has disrupted what was previously a pleasant evening of the Birling who were celebrating Sheilas engagement and Mr Birlings rise in social status. The pink lighting indicates an intimate atmosphere whereas the brighter one represents the harder light that police uses when questioning their suspects. The simplistic set does not distract from the action on stage. However, each set change indicates the change in pace of the play. In Act One, the dining table suggests a harmonious family unit. In Act Two, the removal of the dining table suggests that everybody is now on edge given the arrival of the Inspector. They are no longer sitting at the dining table enjoying supper. Rather, are forced to face the incessant and harsh questions of the Inspector. In Act Three, the telephone represents the Birlings last hope that Inspector was merely someone who was trying to con them. However, as we shall see later on, the telephone plays an important role in final cliffhanger of whether or not the Birlings were truly innocent or guilty and their contribution to Eva Smiths death. The sudden ring of the doorbell interrupts Birlings speech, announcing the arrival of the Inspector. It is important for the doorbell to be loud and heard by all as it indicates the arrival of something of someone, in this case Inspector Goole, who does not care Birlings perceived wealth and status. The closing of the door suggests that Birlings have no idea what is going to come through the doorway. Thus, they are caught entirely by surprise. This element of surprise and mystery is representative of Inspector Goole as we see later on. Again the mystery of the Inspector is emphasized. He appears to

The lighting should be pink and intimate, until the INSPECTOR arrives, and then it should be brighter and harder

(If a realistic set is used, then it should be swung backyou can have the dining-table centre downstage during Act One, when it is needed there, and then swinging back can reveal the fireplace for Act Two, and then for Act Three can show a small table with telephone on it downstage of fireplace

We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell. BIRLING stops to listen.

The INSPECTOR enters, and EDNA goes, closing the door after her.

The door slowly opens and the INSPECTOR appears, looking steadily

and searchingly at them

know much more than what he lets on. The slow revealing of the Inspector highlights the idea that he sees all and knows all.

Act 2 Quote At rise, scene and situation are exactly as they were at the end of Act One. The INSPECTOR remains at the door for a few moments looking at SHEILA and GERALD. Then he comes forward, leaving door open behind him.

INSPECTOR holds up a hand. We hear the front door. They wait, looking towards the door. ERIC enters, looking extremely pale and distressed. He meets their inquiring stares. Curtain falls quickly.

Explanation Leaving the door open suggests the Inspector has nothing to hide while Gerald and Sheila clearly do. This openness that the Inspector demonstrates is not something is often seen in the Birling household and gives the Inspector an almost authoritative advantage over them. Because he has nothing to hide and thus leaves the door open when he comes question Sheila and Gerald, this indicates that eventually everything will be revealed; all the crimes that they have committed will eventually be revealed. The cliffhanger at the end of Act Two creates tension and suspense. The curtain falls quickly at the end of Act Two is used by Priestley to create tension suspense. The audience, at this point in the play would want to know why Eric looks pale and distressed and whether or not he has contributed to Eva Smiths death. The curtain falling quickly serves to indicate the beginning of plays climax and to emphasize the Inspectors final speech later on in Act Three.

Act 3 Quote Exactly as at the end of Act Two. ERIC is standing just inside the room and the others are staring at him

The telephone rings sharply. There is a moments complete silence. BIRLING goes to answer it.

He puts the telephone down slowly and looks in a panic-stricken fashion at the others.

As they stare guiltily and dumbfounded, the curtain falls.

Explanation This suggests that Eric is singled out, indicating that the Inspector will next question him. From what we have seen so far, although each of the Birlings and Gerald has contributed to Eva Smiths death, with each succession of questioning, the more directly each has become involved. Thus, Erics involvement would be greater than Geralds, and by putting him on the spot, the others are collectively drawing away from him, letting him burn, the way they have in succession. It creates dramatic tension for the audience. When the Birlings first think that because Inspector Goole is fake, they think that they have nothing to fear about. However, the telephone ring suggests otherwise. As Mr Birling receive news of Eva Smiths death through the telephone after the Inspector leaves, they realize that they were just questioned about a future event, further emphasizing the otherworldliness of the Inspector. The cliffhanger here makes the audience question two things: One, whether or not will the Birlings will act as they have before and two,

the nature of the Inspector. Themes Theme Responsibility Clearly linked to the theme of remorse is that of responsibility. Priestleys socialist beliefs inform the play and create a clear message for the audience about an individuals responsibilities for their own actions but also for the way in which their actions affect others. For Mr Birling, looking after himself and his family is all the matters. However, the events of the play and the arrival of the Inspector forces Birling to see his responsibility to others.

Quote INSPECTOR Because what happened to her than may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events. BIRLING Yes, well we neednt go into all that. BIRLING Oh just before you came Id been giving these young men a little good advice.

INSPECTOR Yes. She was out of work for the next two months. Both her parents were dead, so that shed no home to go back to. And she hadnt been able to save much out of what Birling and Company had paid her. So that after two months, with no work, no money coming in, and living in lodgings, with no relatives to help her, few friends, lonely, half-starved, she was feeling desperate INSPECTOR shell feel shes entirely to blame, shell be alone with her responsibility.

Explanation This conveys the theme of collective responsibility, that everyone is responsible for everyone else. There is also an element of foreshadowing. Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain of events might have caused Eva Smiths death. However, he does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smiths death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void. Since he believes that everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in Eva Smiths death would result in proving that his actions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not want the Inspector to humiliate him further. Inspector Goole goes into much detail of Eva Smiths life in order to make the people in the room feel guilty and even guiltier when they find out the role they play in her death.

Sheila has never been responsible for anyone else before so by learning that she is responsible for Eva Smiths death, she is unable to deal with said responsibility if she left now. But if she stayed and the responsibility of Eva Smiths death is shared between the Birling family, she would feel better.

SHEILA And probably between us we killed her. SHEILA It means that weve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if weve any sense we wont tryAnd if youre not telling the truth, why should the Inspector apologize? And cant you see, both of you, youre making it worse? INSPECTOR But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone but there are millions and 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, and what we think and say and do. We dont live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.

Class, status, and power Status and social standing is something that characters in the play value highly. To many, it defines their worth as human beings. Mr Birling recognizes the higher social standing of Geralds family and this, besides the business benefits his marriage to Sheila will bring, values him highly. Mrs Birling is described as socially superior to Mr Birling, and this may account for their marriage. Both Mr and Mrs Birling are very high in social standing and recognize it in an attempt to intimidate the Inspector. Mr Birlings panic towards the end of the play is

BIRLING Giving us the port, Edna? Thats right. (He pushes it towards ERIC) You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me its exactly the same port your father gets from him.

MRS B. (smiling) Very well, then. Just a little, thank you. (To EDNA, who is about to go, with tray.) All right, Edna. Ill ring from the drawingroom when we want coffee.

She seems to take responsibility for her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions have impact on other people, contrary to her character early on in the play. Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to avoid the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and tries to convince her parents to stop avoiding the Inspectors persistent questioning. The parallel structure demonstrated here is linked to the idea of collective responsibility and socialism. In his closing remarks, the Inspector refers to millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths, both Eva Smith and John Smith referring to common names, thus, representing common people and therefore, the theme of socialism. He also mentions that they are members of one body who are responsible for each other, referring to the idea of collective responsibility. The element of foreshadowing in the biblical imagery of fire and blood and anguish may refer to World War I and World War II, both wars in which Priestley and his audience have already experienced. As it is an occasion of celebration, we see that Birling does not even try hide that fact that his daughter is now of the same social status as Geralds family. Even the port that he is drinking is determined by who drinks that specific port. It also emphasizes as a new member of the upper-middle class, he tends to look to the older member of his class as a guide how he can advance his own social status. Note the difference in style and language between Arthur and Sybil. Sybil, who is from a higher status than Birling, speaks much more distantly and coldly. She is a very proper woman who is very aware of her role in life. Arthur, on the other hand, is much more

because of the threat to a scandal as this ruins his social standing. Each of the characters status is linked to power that they hold in society. The play concerns itself with the way people exercise power in society. We are shown various forms of power: industrial, physical, sexual, emotional, parental, and monetary. The reasons behind peoples abuses of power are also explored. These range from envy, pride, lust and idleness to greed and a desire to feel important. Priestleys asks us to recognize the abuses of power and to question the shallow values of status and class.

BIRLING Yes, well we neednt go into all that. BIRLING Oh just before you came Id been giving these young men a little good advice.

BIRLING Perhaps I ought to warn you that hes an old friend of mine

BIRLING (with marked change of tone) Well, of course, if Id known that earlier, I wouldnt have talked about reporting you. You understand that, dont you, Inspector? I thought that for some reason best known to yourself you were making the most of this tiny bit of information I could give you. Im sorry. This makes a difference. You sure of your facts?

provincial in his tone and less aware of how people perceive him when he speaks Birlings character is that he likes to talk about his status and how he has held high positions. He is afraid that people, like the Crofts, will look down on him because he has only recently been part of the middle-class. Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain of events might have caused Eva Smiths death. However, he does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smiths death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void. Since he believes that everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in Eva Smiths death would result in proving that his actions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not want the Inspector to humiliate him further. Here we see that Birling feels intimidated by the Inspector because he is not used to be interrogated and questioned by someone he sees as of a lower class. Thus, he uses his status and power to assert his authority over Inspector Goole. Birlings tone is much nicer than when he is being interrogated because now he knows that there will be others that will go through the same interrogation as he did. We learn that Mr Birling is extremely selfish and feels relieved that he is not the only one to be publicly humiliated. He later gets angry because he realizes a family is a unit and whatever happens to them (their private affairs) also affect his reputation as well. It is not possible that he feels guilty for what he

MRS B. (smiling, social) Good evening, Inspector.

MRS B. That I consider is a trifle impertinent GERALD (cutting in, rather impatiently) Mrs Birling, the Inspector knows all that. And I dont think its a very good idea to remind him .

has done. He feels angry because he doesnt know any way else to react. Mrs Birling clearly has a lot of self-control even when she knows the Inspector is here to question her family. She behaves in wellmannered way and pretends as though nothing is wrong. Pretentious Gerald realizes that trying to intimidate the inspector using her social status is futile. As he has already experienced the Inspectors interrogation, he knows that the Inspector will use words to manipulate people into admitting what they did wrong. Birling becomes angry at the Inspectors questioning and interrogation because although he understands him and his family are under questioning for Eva Smiths death, he still thinks that someone of lower social standing like the Inspector must treat his family with much more respect. He is not used to people of lower social class treating him any less than respect. Mrs Birling thinks that only the lower class engages in immoral behaviour and the higher the class, the better morals are. She is disgusted by the fact that Gerald is engaging in what she thinks is lower-class behaviour. Mrs Birling doesnt think that Eva respects her and she thinks her duty is dependent on how well she likes a girl. It tells that she thinks highly of herself and her class. The Birlings have double standards. Mr and Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their children even though they, as we saw previously from Mr Birling, would be willing to withstand the interrogation as long as their

BIRLING (angrily) Inspector, Ive told you before, I dont like your tone nor the way youre handling this inquiry. And I dont propose to give you much more rope.

MRS. B Its disgusting to me.

MRS B. Yes, I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence quite deliberate and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case. MRS B. Oh she had some fancy reason. As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money! BIRLING Neither do I. If youd had any sense of loyalty

ERIC Well, Im not old enough to be married, arent I, and Im not married, and I hate these fat old tarts round the town the ones I see some of your respectable friends with. MRS B. I was the only one of you who didnt give in to him. And now say we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and decide if theres anything to be done about it. SHEILA Yes, but you dont believe me. And this is the wrong time not to believe me. INSPECTOR (coolly) We often do on the young ones. Theyre more impressionable

children had to go through the same thing. Clearly we see that the upper-class does not have morals Mrs Birling upholds them to. Although Eric at first seems to be immature, we learn that he sees more than his parents do because he does not pick and choose the things he wishes to see. Because Mrs Birling is proud, she wants face in her family so she refuses to admit she feels ashamed for what she has done.

Young vs. Old The Generation gap is represented by Sheila and Eric, the younger generation, and Mr and Mrs Birling, the older one. It suggests how set in the traditional values the older they get but that the young people are more receptive to change. Throughout the play we see instances where Priestley is attempting to increase support for Socialism with the younger generation because he believes that they would be more receptive to revolutionary ideas. Mr and Mrs Birling represent the older, more conservative generation who believe in taking care of only themselves and to that where class and status are inherently important. Gerald, on the other hand, is in the middle. He represents those who do not outwardly support socialism but can see the potential benefits it can bring to society.

BIRLING By Jingo! A fake!

MRS B. I was the only one of you who didnt give in to him. And now say we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and decide if theres anything to be done about it. BIRLING Now listen, you two. If youre still feeling on edge, then the least you can do is to keep quiet. Leave this to us. Ill admit that fellows antics rattled us a bit. But weve found him out and all we have to do is to keep our heads. Now its our turn. ERIC I dont see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I cant. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.

Priestley is speaking through Goole in an attempt to appeal to the young people the perks of socialism. The role that he plays is one of presence and Priestley understands that young people tends to attract to those that have one of presence. The colloquialism that he uses here shows that he is not born into the middle-class. It also shows how hopeful he is at catching the Inspectors lie. His reputation will not be ruined and he does not have to worry about his social status that he has worked so hard to climb into. Because Mrs Birling is proud, she wants face in her family so she refuses to admit she feels ashamed for what she has done. Birling is excited and relieved that the Inspector is a fraud. He doesnt like being humiliated and upstaged so he will jump at the chance to do the same to the supposed Inspector We can see Erics humanity in this quote in that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and understands the role that he played in her death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, Eric doesnt try to sugar-coat his problems; he is

Capitalism/Conservatism In the play, Mr Birling represents a capitalist society. This is an economic system that is based on private ownership of industry. The problem with capitalism is that it often leads to the few exploiting the many and creates a situation where those who have money have the power to stop others from sharing the wealth. Capitalism is often part of conservatism. Conservatives that people should take greater responsibility for themselves. Traditionally, conservative governments keep taxation low in the belief that people enjoy the benefits of hard work and success. Opponents of conservatism believe it reduces social mobility and that it benefits the rich over the poor. Thus throughout the play we see a constant struggle between Sheila and Eric and Mr and Mrs Birling.

BIRLING No, we wont. Its one of the happiest nights of my life. And one day, I hope, Eric, when youve a daughter of your own, youll understand why. Gerald, Im going to tell you frankly, without any pretences, that your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me...Your father and I have been friendly rivals in business for some time now - though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and Company - and now youve brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and higher prices. BIRLING ...We employers at last are coming together to see that our interests - and the interests of Capital - are properly protected. And were in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity.

brave enough to admit his role and brave enough to admit his problems. Thus we see that the happiest nights of his life are not that his daughter is getting married but rather, his daughter is getting married to someone from a higher social standing and more wealth. In a sense, it can be argued that Birling treats his daughter as a commodity, someone who can be traded for better business and higher ranking. Thus, Birling is essentially a selfish man; he looks out for himself first and second for his family. Here we see that Birlings values reflect those of many wealthy middle-class business owners at the time. In the newly-capitalistic society, the middle-class were the new class of wealth and status and thus, many families wanted to protect their own interests to continue to be wealthy and continue to climb up the social ladder. Priestley, as you will see later on, is clearly disapproving of this type of thinking. Again we see an element of dramatic irony. When the Titanic was first constructed, it was thought to be unsinkable. However, as the audience now knows, it sunk on its maiden voyage, which is counterintuitive to what Birling is trying to say. Similarly, in 1940, many European countries were on the verge of war. Young men were being drafted into the army regardless of their wealth and status and the threat of Germany was looming, thus, we see once again that Birlings credibility is challenged. This demonstrates Birlings character very well in that he is selfish and does not see that his actions impact not only his family, his class but also everyone around him including those he sees as of a lower social standing. Symbolically, he represents conservative and

BIRLING ...lets say, in 1940 - you may be giving a little party like this your son or daughter might be getting engaged - and I tell you, by that time youll be living in a world thatll have forgotten all these Capital vs Labour agitations and all these silly little war scares.

BIRLING (solemnly) But this is the pointa man has to make his own way has to look after himself and his family too, of course, when he has one

BIRLING Yes, well we neednt go into all that. BIRLING Oh just before you came Id been giving these young men a little good advice.

Socialism In basic terms, socialism is the belief that as a society, we have to look after one another. In particular, socialists believe that the rich has a responsibility to look after the poor. In socialist societies, taxation is higher in order to fund a more considerable Welfare State the term for all organisations designed to help people. Socialist wants to see the collapse of the class system so that people can achieve and live good lives irrespective of their background. Throughout the play we see that Priestley constantly pushes for the support of socialism and its principles. Inspector Goole acts as the mouthpiece for Priestley, often spouting socialist theories and principles during his

The INSPECTOR enters, and EDNA goes, closing door after her. The INSPECTOR need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. He is a man in his fifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period He speaks carefully, weightily, and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresses before actually speaking. INSPECTOR Because what happened to her than may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events. INSPECTOR (dryly) Ive had that notion myself from time to time. In fact, Ive thought that it would do us all a bit of good if sometimes we tried to put ourselves in the place of these young women counting their pennies in their dingy little back bedrooms INSPECTOR But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone but there are

capitalist ideals. He believes in making his own money regardless of who he steps on to get there and not looking out for anyone except himself and his immediate family. Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain of events might have caused Eva Smiths death. However, he does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smiths death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void. Since he believes that everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in Eva Smiths death would result in proving that his actions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not want the Inspector to humiliate him further. He is in a plain darkish suit without any physical distinguishers or fancy layers. He is symbolic of the notion of socialism. The Inspector not only is representative of this but also a physical embodiment. In other words, he could be any person on the street and doesnt see the need to decorate himself with badges so long as he fulfils his purpose. This conveys the theme of collective responsibility, that everyone is responsible for everyone else. There is also an element of foreshadowing. In this excerpt, through Inspector Goole, Priestly is preaching to the wealthy about how the notion of the wealthy is wrong.

The parallel structure demonstrated here is linked to the idea of collective responsibility

questioning of the Birlings.

millions and 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, and what we think and say and do. We dont live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.

Remorse and Guilt An Inspector Calls is seen as a morality play, one that deals with instructs about the condition of man and deals with good and evil. The characters in the play are guilty of various stages of the seven deadly sins pride, sloth, gluttony, envy, covetousness, lust and anger. The Inspector asks the characters to reassess their perception of what makes a person good and respectable citizen, and exposes what appears to be a respectable family to their misdeeds, naturally places the play in a religious context of some sort with the Inspector as a prophetic being. He asks the characters to repent for their sins and to reach spiritual enlightenment. In this respect remorse, a deep sense of regret and guilt for a misdeed, is a theme that Priestley explores. Remorse is not an emotion which is expressed by every character. However,

INSPECTOR takes a photograph, about postcard size, out of his pocket and goes to BIRLING Both GERALD and ERIC rise to have a look at the photograph, but the INSPECTOR interposes himself between them and the photograph. They are surprised and rather annoyed...

SHEILA And probably between us we killed her. SHEILA It means that weve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if weve any sense we wont tryAnd if youre not telling the truth, why should the Inspector apologize? And cant you see, both of you, youre making it worse? INSPECTOR Because shed been turned out and turned down too many times. This was the end.

and socialism. In his closing remarks, the Inspector refers to millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths, both Eva Smith and John Smith referring to common names, thus, representing common people and therefore, the theme of socialism. He also mentions that they are members of one body who are responsible for each other, referring to the idea of collective responsibility. The element of foreshadowing in the biblical imagery of fire and blood and anguish may refer to World War I and World War II, both wars in which Priestley and his audience have already experienced. One of the reasons why the characters are shown the photo one at a time is to create tension and to put them in the spotlight. The eventual downfall of Eva Smith was due to each of those people in order. The Inspector must show the picture to them one at a time, to make them feel responsible for their contribution to Eva Smiths death. She seems to take responsibility for her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions have impact on other people, contrary to her character early on in the play. Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to avoid the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and tries to convince her parents to stop avoiding the Inspectors persistent questioning. She kills herself because everyone uses her then discards her.

it is a key theme in the play, which links with Priestleys intentions to create a play in which characters learn something by the end. Different characters react to their guilt differently.

ERIC (nearly at breaking point) Then you killed her. She came to you to protect me and you turned her away yes, and you killed her and the child shed have had too my child your own grandchild you killed them both damn you, damn you. ERIC I dont see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I cant. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.

Public image and hypocrisy The play is set at a time when public image and respectability were paramount. People in the Edwardian era valued appearances highly. Married couples could have affairs as long as public image and respectability were maintained. Whatever people did that was shameful did not matter as long as no one found out. The elder Birlings and Gerald all try to conceal their actions from the Inspector because of this need to maintain public appearances. Concern with appearances causes characters to lie and to act hypocritically. Gerald appears to love Sheila, yet he has an affair with Daisy Renton. Mrs Birling presents herself as a respectable citizen, an upstanding member of the community and Brumley Womens Charity Organization, yet she refuses Eva Smith help. Mr Birling presents himself as a family man, yet Eric does not feel he can go to him for help.

GERALD If possible yes. INSPECTOR Well, we know one young woman who wasnt, dont we? MRS. B (staggered) Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight

The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks is different, and so creates the underlying tension between them. This links to the idea of public image, where on the surface, they seem like a good family unit but underneath, they are not a family at all. Furthermore, it shows how distant Mrs Birling is from her son. We can see Erics humanity in this quote in that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and understands the role that he played in her death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, Eric doesnt try to sugar-coat his problems; he is brave enough to admit his role and brave enough to admit his problems. The Inspector uses a play on words to manipulate Gerald into admitting what he did.

INSPECTOR (massively) Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges. MRS B. Certainly. And he ought to be dealt with very severely SHEILA (with sudden alarm) Mother stop stop!

BIRLING Neither do I. If youd had any sense of loyalty

Mrs Birling does not see what is in front of her, even though everyone else seemed to know about Alderman. She clearly does not think that someone of her class would behave in the same manner of what she thinks that those of lower class do. She thinks that the morals of the upper-class should be more rigid and upright than the morals of the lowerclass Again this is an element of foreshadowing. He is talking halfway through something that he clearly doesnt want his father to know about. Mrs Birling doesnt realize she is talking about Eric whilst Sheila, on the other hand, realizes that the person responsible is Eric and tries to get her mother to stop. We see an example of Mrs Birlings moral uprighteousness. She thinks that if someone committed a sin, they should be dealt with a punishment equal to their sin. The Birlings have double standards. Mr and Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their

ERIC Well, Im not old enough to be married, arent I, and Im not married, and I hate these fat old tarts round the town the ones I see some of your respectable friends with. BIRLING I convinced it is. No police inquiry. No one girl that all this happened to. No scandal

The law and morality The fact that an Inspector calls at the Birlings house suggests that some legal crime has been committed. Mr Birlings first assumption is that he has come because of some trouble about a warrant. However, as the play progresses we begin to recognize that the Inspector is not simply investigating an illegality he is investigating an immorality. The difference between law and morality is a key theme in the play. The Inspector blurs the line between the two. Priestleys point is that, while the Birlings and Gerald may not have committed illegal acts, they have acted immorally and should therefore be held to account.

INSPECTOR (slowly) Are you sure you dont know. He looks at GERALD, then at ERIC, then at SHEILA GERALD After all, yknow, were respectable citizens and not criminals.

children even though they, as we saw previously from Mr Birling, would be willing to withstand the interrogation as long as their children had to go through the same thing. Clearly we see that the upper-class does not have morals Mrs Birling upholds them to. Although Eric at first seems to be immature, we learn that he sees more than his parents do because he does not pick and choose the things he wishes to see. This parallel structure demonstrates that Birling is obviously more concerned of a possible scandal and is relieved that the Inspector is a fake. Furthermore, we can see that he feels neither remorse nor regret for what he has done to Eva Smith. Instead, he is more concerned for himself and his family. There is an element of tension and foreshadowing. In this excerpt, they are surprised and stunned at Inspector Goole and tries to assure him that they are the morally upstanding citizens that they see themselves are. The Inspector thinks that the Birlings could be considered criminals because they only think of themselves and not others. Mrs Birling thinks that only the lower class engages in immoral behaviour and the higher the class, the better morals are. She is disgusted by the fact that Gerald is engaging in what she thinks is lower-class behaviour. Mrs Birling doesnt realize she is talking about Eric whilst Sheila, on the other hand, realizes that the person responsible is Eric and tries to get her mother to stop. We see an example of Mrs Birlings moral uprighteousness. She thinks that if someone committed a sin, they should be dealt with a punishment equal to

INSPECTOR Sometimes, there isnt as much difference as you think. MRS. B Its disgusting to me.

MRS B. Certainly. And he ought to be dealt with very severely SHEILA (with sudden alarm) Mother stop stop!

BIRLING I convinced it is. No police inquiry. No one girl that all this happened to. No scandal

Money Money is a key theme in the play which is closely related to class, status and power. It often determines the status of a character and his or her power. T is something that some characters have and others need. Mr Birling is a factory owner who tries to gain maximum profit. His workers strike and try to gain maximum wages but are denied his, and while Mr Birling sees nothing wrong in this, his son Eric recognizes its unfairness. Priestley asks us to question the value placed on money and to replace it with a more worthy currency spiritual enlightenment Character Analysis Arthur Birling

BIRLING No, we wont. Its one of the happiest nights of my life. And one day, I hope, Eric, when youve a daughter of your own, youll understand why. Gerald, Im going to tell you frankly, without any pretences, that your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me...Your father and I have been friendly rivals in business for some time now - though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and Company - and now youve brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and higher prices. BIRLING You must give me a list of those accounts. Ive got to cover this up as soon as I can. You damned fool why didnt you come to me when you found yourself in this mess?```

their sin. This parallel structure demonstrates that Birling is obviously more concerned of a possible scandal and is relieved that the Inspector is a fake. Furthermore, we can see that he feels neither remorse nor regret for what he has done to Eva Smith. Instead, he is more concerned for himself and his family. Thus we see that the happiest nights of his life are not that his daughter is getting married but rather, his daughter is getting married to someone from a higher social standing and more wealth. In a sense, it can be argued that Birling treats his daughter as a commodity, someone who can be traded for better business and higher ranking. Thus, Birling is essentially a selfish man; he looks out for himself first and second for his family. Mr Birling extract only cares about being knighted and not having his reputation destroyed. Instead of trying to solve the fundamental problem, he tries to cover it up to save his own reputation.

ARTHUR BIRLING is a heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties with fairly easy manners but rather provincial in his speech.

BIRLING Giving us the port, Edna? Thats right. (He pushes it towards ERIC) You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me its exactly the same port your father gets from him.

This shows that Mr Birling has something to hide because despite the fact that his social status is very high, he has come from a position not of power. Therefore we can tell from this that despite having to have to work to come into power like this, working his way up his social class is something of his likes and ambition and explains why he wants Sheila to marry Gerald, someone who he sees has a better social standing that he does. As it is an occasion of celebration, we see that Birling does not even try hide that fact that his daughter is now of the same social status as Geralds family. Even the port that he is drinking is determined by who drinks that specific port. It also emphasizes as a new member of the upper-middle class, he tends to look to the older member of his class as a guide how

BIRLING Giving us the port, Edna? Thats right. (He pushes it towards ERIC) You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me its exactly the same port your father gets from him. GERALD Then itll be all right. The governor prides himself on being a good judge of port. I dont pretend to know much about it. BIRLING No, we wont. Its one of the happiest nights of my life. And one day, I hope, Eric, when youve a daughter of your own, youll understand why. Gerald, Im going to tell you frankly, without any pretences, that your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me...Your father and I have been friendly rivals in business for some time now - though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and Company - and now youve brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and higher prices. BIRLING ...We employers at last are coming together to see that our interests - and the interests of Capital - are properly protected. And were in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity.

he can advance his own social status. In this exchange between Gerald and Birling, it does not matter to him because he is used to this comfortable lifestyle. Thus, it matters less to him to climb up the social ladder than Mr Birling. It can also be argued that Gerald, because he is younger, is less concerned with social status than the older members of middle-class who, like Mr Birling, are more conservative. Thus we see that the happiest nights of his life are not that his daughter is getting married but rather, his daughter is getting married to someone from a higher social standing and more wealth. In a sense, it can be argued that Birling treats his daughter as a commodity, someone who can be traded for better business and higher ranking. Thus, Birling is essentially a selfish man; he looks out for himself first and second for his family.

BIRLING ...Just because the Kaiser makes a speech or two, or a few German officers have too much to drink and begin talking nonsense, youll hear some people say that wars inevitable...Everything to lose and nothing to gain by war.

BIRLING ...Why a friend of mine went over this new liner last week - The Titanic - she sails next week - forty-six thousand eight hundred tons - New York in five days - and every luxury - and unsinkable...

Here we see that Birlings values reflect those of many wealthy middle-class business owners at the time. In the newlycapitalistic society, the middle-class were the new class of wealth and status and thus, many families wanted to protect their own interests to continue to be wealthy and continue to climb up the social ladder. Priestley, as you will see later on, is clearly disapproving of this type of thinking. This is an example of dramatic irony. At the time of writing, Priestley and the audience both know that the war has occurred. However, in the present of the Birlings, the idea of war seems to be so far removed their reality that they do not even consider a possibility. There was a lack of political understanding of the Birlings. Everything to lose and nothing to gain from war is true to only the citizens of a country, especially the wealthy. Birlings use of it as an example of progress is another example of dramatic irony is that Birling thinks that 1940 will bring about peace and prosperity. However, this also marks the date when the beginning World War II was looming and countries like China were struggling internally between the communist parties and the more democratic ones. It destroys Birlings credibility

BIRLING ...lets say, in 1940 - you may be giving a little party like this your son or daughter might be getting engaged - and I tell you, by that time youll be living in a world thatll have forgotten all these Capital vs Labour agitations and all these silly little war scares. BIRLING Thanks. (Confidentially.) By the way, theres something Id like to mention - in strict confidence - while were by ourselves. I have an idea that your mother - Lady Croft - while she doesnt object to my girl - feels you might have done better for yourself socially GERALD, rather embarrassed, begins to murmur some dissent but BIRLING checks him. No, Gerald, thats all right. Dont blame her. She comes from an old country family - landed people and so forth - and so its only natural. BIRLING Thanks. But its a bit too early for that. So dont say anything. But Ive a hint or two. You see, I was Lord Mayor two years ago when Royalty visited us. And Ive always been regarded as a sound useful party man. So - well - I gather theres a very good chance of a knight hood - so long as we behave ourselves, dont get into the police court or start a scandal - eh? (Laughs complacently) GERALD (laughs) You seem to be a nice well-behaved family BIRLING We think we are BIRLING (solemnly) But this is the pointa man has to make his own way has to look after himself and his family too, of course, when he has one

and makes us agree with the Inspector. Again we see an element of dramatic irony. When the Titanic was first constructed, it was thought to be unsinkable. However, as the audience now knows, it sunk on its maiden voyage, which is counterintuitive to what Birling is trying to say. Similarly, in 1940, many European countries were on the verge of war. Young men were being drafted into the army regardless of their wealth and status and the threat of Germany was looming, thus, we see once again that Birlings credibility is challenged. Clearly, Birling is aware of his social status in the eyes of the Crofts. Instead of being angry or mildly annoyed at the Crofts for looking down on his family, Birling feels that they are justified just as he feels justified for looking down on his people below his status.

Birling is foreshadowing that there are things about to happen although he himself does not realize. He does not know that he and his family will be the cause of an imminent scandal. It also demonstrates his distance between Eric. Rather than telling Eric about his potential knighthood, he tells Gerald, someone who he sees as more of a son than Eric simply because Gerald is of a higher social status and therefore wants to impress him more than his own son. Coming early in the play, these lines also exemplify Priestley's love of dramatic irony: the last thing the Birlings have been is well-behaved. They are obnoxious and snobby, looking down on people they feel are of less importance than they are. These lines also suggest the alliance between Gerald and Birling, two men who share the same values, whose bond will become stronger after the Inspector's exit. This demonstrates Birlings character very well in that he is selfish and does not see that his actions impact not only his family, his class but also everyone around him including those he sees as of a lower social standing. Symbolically, he

BIRLING I thought you must be. I was an alderman for years and Lord Mayor two years ago and Im still on the Bench so I know the Brumley police officers pretty well and I thought Id never seen you before. BIRLING Yes, well we neednt go into all that. BIRLING Oh just before you came Id been giving these young men a little good advice.

BIRLING Perhaps I ought to warn you that [the Chief Constable]s an old friend of mine BIRLING (with marked change of tone) Well, of course, if Id known that earlier, I wouldnt have talked about reporting you. You understand that, dont you, Inspector? I thought that for some reason best known to yourself you were making the most of this tiny bit of information I could give you. Im sorry. This makes a difference. You sure of your facts? BIRLING (angrily) Inspector, Ive told you before, I dont like your tone nor the way youre handling this inquiry. And I dont propose to give you much more rope. BIRLING Neither do I. If youd had any sense of loyalty

represents conservative and capitalist ideals. He believes in making his own money regardless of who he steps on to get there and not looking out for anyone except himself and his immediate family. Birlings character is that he likes to talk about his status and how he has held high positions. He is afraid that people, likes the Crofts, will look down on him because he has only recently been part of the middle-class. Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain of events might have caused Eva Smiths death. However, he does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smiths death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void. Since he believes that everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in Eva Smiths death would result in proving that his actions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not want the Inspector to humiliate him further. Here we see that Birling feels intimidated by the Inspector because he is not used to be interrogated and questioned by someone he sees as of a lower class. Thus, he uses his status and power to assert his authority over Inspector Goole. Birlings tone is much nicer than when he is being interrogated because now he knows that there will be others that will go through the same interrogation as he did. We learn that Mr Birling is extremely selfish and feels relieved that he is not the only one to be publicly humiliated. He later gets angry because he realizes a family is a unit and whatever happens to them (their private affairs) also affect his reputation as well. Birling becomes angry at the Inspectors questioning and interrogation because although he understands him and his family are under questioning for Eva Smiths death, he still thinks that someone of lower social standing like the Inspector must treat his family with much more respect. He is not used to people of lower social class treating him any less than respect. The Birlings have double standards. Mr and Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their children even though they, as we saw previously from Mr Birling, would be willing to withstand the interrogation as long as their children had to go through the

BIRLING You must give me a list of those accounts. Ive got to cover this up as soon as I can. You damned fool why didnt you come to me when you found yourself in this mess? ERIC Because youre not the kind of father a chap could go to when hes in trouble thats why. BIRLING By Jingo! A fake!

Sybil Birling

BIRLING Now listen, you two. If youre still feeling on edge, then the least you can do is to keep quiet. Leave this to us. Ill admit that fellows antics rattled us a bit. But weve found him out and all we have to do is to keep our heads. Now its our turn. BIRLING This parallel structure demonstrates that Birling is obviously Im convinced it is. No police inquiry. No one girl that all this happened more concerned of a possible scandal and is relieved that the to. No scandal Inspector is a fake. Furthermore, we can see that he feels neither remorse nor regret for what he has done to Eva Smith. Instead, he is more concerned for himself and his family. MRS B. Note the difference in style and language between Arthur and Sybil. Sybil, who is from a higher status than Birling, speaks (smiling) Very well, then. Just a little, thank you. (To EDNA, who is much more distantly and coldly. She is a very proper woman about to go, with tray.) All right, Edna. Ill ring from the drawing-room who is very aware of her role in life. Arthur, on the other hand, is when we want coffee. much more provincial in his tone and less aware of how people perceive him when he speaks MRS B. Mrs Birling clearly has a lot of self-control even when she knows (smiling, social) Good evening, Inspector. the Inspector is here to question her family. She behaves in well-mannered way and pretends as though nothing is wrong. MRS B. The language of Mrs Birling demonstrates her pretention and (after pause, recovering herself) If necessary I shall be glad to answer upper-class snob. She does not think she has anything to do any questions the Inspector wishes to ask me. Though naturally I with Eva Smith because she is not of the same social class and dont know anything about the girl. therefore Mrs Birling would not have had any interaction with her. MRS. B Mrs Birling does not see what is in front of her, even though (staggered) Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we are everyone else seemed to know about Alderman. She clearly

same thing. Mr Birling extract only cares about being knighted and not having his reputation destroyed. Instead of trying to solve the fundamental problem, he tries to cover it up to save his own reputation. This demonstrates the tension between Eric and Birling. It also demonstrates how hypocritical Mr Birling is he sees himself as a family man, yet his own son cant go to him for help when he is in trouble. The colloquialism that he uses here shows that he is not born into the middle-class. It also shows how hopeful he is at catching the Inspectors lie. His reputation will not be ruined and he does not have to worry about his social status that he has worked so hard to climb into. Birling is excited and relieved that the Inspector is a fraud. He doesnt like being humiliated and upstaged so he will jump at the chance to do the same to the supposed Inspector

learning something tonight!

MRS. B Its disgusting to me. MRS BIRLING does not reply. MRS B. Possibly. INSPECTOR Was it or was it not your influence? MRS B. If you think you can bring any pressure to bear upon me, Inspector, youre quite mistakenI consider I did my duty. So if I prefer not to discuss it any further, you have no power to make me change my mind. MRS B. Oh she had some fancy reason. As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money! MRS B. Certainly. And he ought to be dealt with very severely SHEILA (with sudden alarm) Mother stop stop! ERIC (nearly at breaking point) Then you killed her. She came to you to protect me and you turned her away yes, and you killed her and the child shed have had too my child your own grandchild you killed them both damn you, damn you. ERIC (almost threatening her) You dont understand anything. You never did. You never even tried you

does not think that someone of her class would behave in the same manner of what she thinks that those of lower class do. She thinks that the morals of the upper-class should be more rigid and upright than the morals of the lower-class Mrs Birling thinks that only the lower class engages in immoral behaviour and the higher the class, the better morals are. She is disgusted by the fact that Gerald is engaging in what she thinks is lower-class behaviour. Mrs Birling is clearly avoiding the Inspectors questioning as she feels intimidated by the Inspector. Mrs Birling is trying to avoid the question because she doesnt want to implicate herself. The Inspector must therefore assert his authority over her in order to get her to answer his question. Mrs Birling clearly doesnt think that it was any of her fault. Her choice to help a girl is obviously dependent on how well she likes a girl and because she didnt think that Eva respected her since she called herself Mrs Birling, Mrs Birling decided to not help Eva even though she needed it. Thus, she did not think she did anything wrong to facilitate Evas death. It tells that she thinks highly of herself and her class and thinks that people of the lower-class has worse morals. Mrs Birling doesnt realize she is talking about Eric whilst Sheila, on the other hand, realizes that the person responsible is Eric and tries to get her mother to stop. We see an example of Mrs Birlings moral uprighteousness. She thinks that if someone committed a sin, they should be dealt with a punishment equal to their sin. The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks is different, and so creates the underlying tension between them. This links to the idea of public image, where on the surface, they seem like a good family unit but underneath, they are not a family at all. Furthermore, it shows how distant Mrs Birling is from her son. The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks is different, and so creates the underlying tension between them. This links to the idea of public image, where on the surface, they seem like a good family unit but underneath, they are not a family at all. Furthermore, it shows how distant Mrs Birling is from her son.

MRS B. I was the only one of you who didnt give in to him. And now say we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and decide if theres anything to be done about it. Now MRS BIRLING enters, briskly and self-confidently, quite out of key with the little scene that has just passed.

Because Mrs Birling is proud, she wants face in her family. She doesnt feel ashamed for her actions nor does she think that she has done anything wrong at all. This emphasizes the idea that Mrs Birling is detached is aloof. She is confident in her social status and therefore believes it is enough to cover all transgressions. To her, it is unthinkable that she has done anything wrong because in her eyes, people of her status are the most morally correct and upright. This foreshadows events that occur later that would explain Geralds absence. This dialogue also displays the underlying tension between Gerald and Sheila. This is an example of foreshadowing. Sheilas nasty temper results in getting Eva fired from Milwards, thus, her personality caused Sheila to play a part in Eva Smiths suicide. Sheilas character here is determined to find out the truth, no matter how painful. This is contrasting to her character early on in the play. Sheila has never been responsible for anyone else before so by learning that she is responsible for Eva Smiths death, she is unable to deal with said responsibility if she left now. But if she stayed and the responsibility of Eva Smiths death is shared between the Birling family, she would feel better. She seems to take responsibility for her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions have impact on other people, contrary to her character early on in the play. It is painful to Sheila but she wants to know the truth. This tells us that honesty is important to her, something we dont see a lot of in the Birling household. Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to avoid the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and tries to convince her parents to stop avoiding the Inspectors persistent questioning. Mrs Birling doesnt realize she is talking about Eric whilst Sheila, on the other hand, realizes that the person responsible is Eric and tries to get her mother to stop. We see an example of Mrs Birlings moral uprighteousness. She thinks that if someone committed a sin, they should be dealt with a punishment equal to their sin.

Sheila Birling

SHEILA (half serious, half playful) Yes - except for all last summer, when you never came near me, and I wondered what had happened to you. ERIC (rather noisily) All the best! Shes got a nasty temper sometimes - but shes not bad really. Good old Sheila! SHEILA (to GERALD) You see? (to INSPECTOR) Then Im staying. INSPECTOR shell feel shes entirely to blame, shell be alone with her responsibility. SHEILA And probably between us we killed her. SHEILA Thats probably about the best thing youve said tonight. At least its honest. Did you go and see her every night? SHEILA It means that weve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if weve any sense we wont tryAnd if youre not telling the truth, why should the Inspector apologize? And cant you see, both of you, youre making it worse? MRS B. Certainly. And he ought to be dealt with very severely SHEILA (with sudden alarm) Mother stop stop!

Enter SHEILA, who looks as if shes been crying ERIC suddenly guffaws. His parents look at him. SHEILA (severely) Now - whats the joke. ERIC I dont know - really. Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh SHEILA Youre squiffy. ERIC (eagerly) Yes, I remember (but he checks himself) BIRLING Well, what do you remember ERIC (confused) Nothing. ERIC Yes. And thats when it happened. ERIC Well, Im not old enough to be married, arent I, and Im not married, and I hate these fat old tarts round the town the ones I see some of your respectable friends with. ERIC Because youre not the kind of father a chap could go to when hes in trouble thats why. ERIC (nearly at breaking point) Then you killed her. She came to you to protect me and you turned her away yes, and you killed her and the child shed have had too my child your own grandchild you killed them both damn you, damn you. ERIC (almost threatening her) You dont understand anything. You never did. You never even tried you

Eric Birling

She obviously realizes the consequences of her actions. This point in the play marks the change in Sheilas character; she becomes more mature and conscientious. Note that Eric already seems to be a little bit drunk. However the family, instead chooses not to notice. This element of foreshadowing as being drunk caused Eric to rape Eva Smith, as revealed later on. It also suggests the distance between Eric and his family. They choose to not notice his transgressions and instead, cover it up with polite talk.

Again this is an element of foreshadowing. He is talking halfway through something that he clearly doesnt want his father to know about. It also suggests that he is drunk.

This euphemism that suggests that Eric raped Eva. It tells us the extremes that he will go to when he is drunk, a problem his family has not yet noticed or chose to not notice. Clearly we see that the upper-class does not have morals Mrs Birling upholds them to. Although Eric at first seems to be immature, we learn that he sees more than his parents do because he does not pick and choose the things he wishes to see. This demonstrates the tension between Eric and Birling. It also demonstrates how hypocritical Mr Birling is he sees himself as a family man, yet his own son cant go to him for help when he is in trouble. The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks is different, and so creates the underlying tension between them. This links to the idea of public image, where on the surface, they seem like a good family unit but underneath, they are not a family at all. Furthermore, it shows how distant Mrs Birling is from her son. The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks is different, and so creates the underlying tension between them. This links to the idea of public image, where on the surface, they seem like a good family unit but underneath, they are not a family at all.

ERIC I dont see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I cant. Nor can mother. We did her in all right. Gerald Croft SHEILA (half serious, half playful) Yes - except for all last summer, when you never came near me, and I wondered what had happened to you. GERALD (laughs) You seem to be a nice well-behaved family BIRLING We think we are GERALD After all, yknow, were respectable citizens and not criminals. GERALD If possible yes. INSPECTOR Well, we know one young woman who wasnt, dont we? GERALD (cutting in, rather impatiently) Mrs Birling, the Inspector knows all that. And I dont think its a very good idea to remind him . Inspector Goole The INSPECTOR enters, and EDNA goes, closing door after her. The INSPECTOR need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. He is a man in his fifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period He speaks carefully, weightily, and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresses before actually speaking. INSPECTOR takes a photograph, about postcard size, out of his pocket and goes to BIRLING Both GERALD and ERIC rise to have a look at the photograph, but the INSPECTOR interposes himself between them and the photograph. They are surprised and rather annoyed...

Furthermore, it shows how distant Mrs Birling is from her son. We can see Erics humanity in this quote in that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and understands the role that he played in her death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, Eric doesnt try to sugar-coat his problems; he is brave enough to admit his role and brave enough to admit his problems. This foreshadows events that occur later that would explain Geralds absence. This dialogue also displays the underlying tension between Gerald and Sheila and also links to the idea of public image in hypocrisy; while Gerald appears to love Sheila but, as we learn later on, he had an affair with Daisy Renton. Coming early in the play, these lines also exemplify Priestley's love of dramatic irony: the last thing the Birlings have been is well-behaved. These lines also suggest the alliance between Gerald and Birling, two men who share the same values, whose bond will become stronger after the Inspector's exit. In this excerpt, they are surprised and stunned at Inspector Goole and tries to assure him that they are the morally upstanding citizens that they see themselves are. The Inspector uses a play on words to manipulate Gerald into admitting what he did.

Gerald realizes that trying to intimidate the inspector using her social status is futile. As he has already experienced the Inspectors interrogation, he knows that the Inspector will use words to manipulate people into admitting what they did wrong. He is in a plain darkish suit without any physical distinguishers or fancy layers. He is symbolic of the notion of socialism. The Inspector not only is representative of this but also a physical embodiment. In other words, he could be any person on the street and doesnt see the need to decorate himself with badges so long as he fulfils his purpose. One of the reasons why the characters are shown the photo one at a time is to create tension and to put them in the spotlight. The eventual downfall of Eva Smith was due to each of those people in order. The Inspector must show the picture to them one at a time, to make them feel responsible for their contribution to Eva Smiths death.

INSPECTOR Because what happened to her than may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events. INSPECTOR (slowly) Are you sure you dont know. He looks at GERALD, then at ERIC, then at SHEILA INSPECTOR Yes. She was out of work for the next two months. Both her parents were dead, so that shed no home to go back to. And she hadnt been able to save much out of what Birling and Company had paid her. So that after two months, with no work, no money coming in, and living in lodgings, with no relatives to help her, few friends, lonely, halfstarved, she was feeling desperate INSPECTOR (dryly) Ive had that notion myself from time to time. In fact, Ive thought that it would do us all a bit of good if sometimes we tried to put ourselves in the place of these young women counting their pennies in their dingy little back bedrooms INSPECTOR Sometimes, there isnt as much difference as you think. SHEILA (laughs rather hysterically) Why you fool he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how much he knows that we dont know yet. Youll see. Youll see. INSPECTOR Well? GERALD If possible yes. INSPECTOR Well, we know one young woman who wasnt, dont we? SHEILA (She goes close to him, wonderingly) I dont understand about you INSPECTOR (coolly) We often do on the young ones. Theyre more impressionable

This conveys the theme of collective responsibility, that everyone is responsible for everyone else. There is also an element of foreshadowing. There is an element of tension and foreshadowing. Inspector Goole goes into much detail of Eva Smiths life in order to make the people in the room feel guilty and even guiltier when they find out the role they play in her death.

In this excerpt, through Inspector Goole, Priestly is preaching to the wealthy about how the notion of the wealthy is wrong.

The Inspector thinks that the Birlings could be considered criminals because they only think of themselves and not others. Sheila realizes that the Inspector seems to be omniscient, having gone through his interrogation. In this excerpt where she is trying to convince Gerald to tell the truth, the supernatural nature of the Inspector is characterised here. This is an element of tension and suspense. The Inspector uses a play on words to manipulate Gerald into admitting what he did.

This shows the otherworldliness of the Inspector in the way that he seems to command an entire rooms attention, especially Sheilas. She is the only one to pick up on it as the others, especially Mr and Mrs Birling are too blind to see. Priestley is speaking through Goole in an attempt to appeal to the young people the perks of socialism. The role that he plays is one of presence and Priestley understands that young people tends to attract to those that have one of presence.

INSPECTOR And then you decided to keep her as your mistress? SHEILA (cutting in sharply, as he hesitates) I know. Somehow he makes you. MRS B. Possibly. INSPECTOR Was it or was it not your influence? INSPECTOR You have no hope of not discussing it, Mrs Birling.

He might potentially be a super natural force because he is omniscient. Characteristic of the Inspector. The Inspector makes Gerald explain his intention by saying that he is using Daisy as a lover instead of his original intention of feeling sorry for her. Mrs Birling is trying to avoid the question because she doesnt want to implicate herself. The Inspector must therefore assert his authority over her in order to get her to answer his question.

INSPECTOR But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone but there are millions and 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, and what we think and say and do. We dont live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.

SHEILA (laughs rather hysterically) Why you fool he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how much he knows that we dont know yet. Youll see. Youll see. Important Quotes Quote BIRLING A friend of mine went over this new liner last week - the Titanic - she sails next week - forty-six thousand eight hundred tons - forty-six thousand eight hundred tons - New York in five days - and every luxury - and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.

The Inspector is very dominating and he speaks with authority. What he wants to find out he does, regardless of the persons social status or gender. He is not afraid to question Mr Birling, even after he threatened the Inspector with his supposed power and influence. The parallel structure demonstrated here is linked to the idea of collective responsibility and socialism. In his closing remarks, the Inspector refers to millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths, both Eva Smith and John Smith referring to common names, thus, representing common people and therefore, the theme of socialism. He also mentions that they are members of one body who are responsible for each other, referring to the idea of collective responsibility. The element of foreshadowing in the biblical imagery of fire and blood and anguish may refer to World War I and World War II, both wars in which Priestley and his audience have already experienced. This, in Act Two, refers to the idea that the Inspector is omniscient in a way that is otherworldly. He appears out of nowhere as we see in Act One and seems to know everything about the Birlings and just vanishes into the night.

Analysis Priestley's love of dramatic irony is biting here, and his irony is never more satirical than in these comments of Birling's, which, to his original audience in 1946, must have seemed more controversial than they do today because the sinking of the ship was within people's memory. Symbolically, just as the Titanic is destined to sink, so too is Birling's

GERALD [laughs]: You seem to be a nice well-behaved family BIRLING: We think we are -

BIRLING But take my word for it, you youngsters - and I've learnt in the good hard school of experience - that a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own - and We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell.

INSPECTOR ... what happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.

SHEILA [laughs rather hysterically] Why - you fool - he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how much he knows that we don't know yet. You'll see. You'll see. She looks at him almost in triumph. INSPECTOR Yes, Mr Croft - in the stalls bar at the Palace Variety Theatre... GERALD I happened to look in, one night, after a rather long dull day, and as the show wasn't very bright, I went down into the bar for a drink. It's a favourite haunt of women of the town MRS. BIRLING Women of the town? BIRLING Yes, yes. But I see no point in mentioning the subject .... INSPECTOR She kept a rough sort of diary. And she said there that she had to go away and be quiet and remember "just to make it last longer." She felt there'd never be anything as good again for her - so she had to make it

political ideology, under the Inspector's interrogation. The ship was a titan of the seas, and its imminent failure "next week" suggests the dangers of capitalistic hubris, illustrating the risk of the entrepreneur. Coming early in the play, these lines also exemplify Priestley's love of dramatic irony: the last thing the Birlings have been is well-behaved. These lines also suggest the alliance between Gerald and Birling, two men who share the same values, whose bond will become stronger after the Inspector's exit. Birling is taking an individualist, capitalist point of view about personal responsibility, and his lines here provide the general attitude of his speeches since the play began. According to him, experience proves that his point of view is correct, in contrast to the possibly more idealistic "youngsters." Yet, the bell marks the moment at which the Inspector arrives, and it is no accident that the socialist-leaning Inspector arrives at precisely this moment. In this fascinating excerpt, the Inspector outlines the nature of the moral crime the Birlings and Gerald have committed against Eva. Each of them is responsible in part for her death, and together they are entirely responsible. This construction is itself a metaphor for Priestley's insistence that we are all bound up together and responsible communally for everyone's survival. Note, too, that the repetition in the Inspectors lines reflects the "chain" he is talking about. Sheila, shortly before the end of Act One, crucially understands the importance of the Inspector and the fact that he has more information than he is revealing. She is the first person in the play to really begin to understand the Inspector which, in turn, leads her to see her relationship with Gerald in a more realistic, more cynical way. Eva Smith, by the time she encounters Eric in the Palace bar, seems to be working as a prostitute, and indeed, the fact that the Palace bar is a location known for prostitutes looking for business is here partly mentioned but partly suppressed. Moreover, this information points out the streetwise character of Gerald Croft, and it might even lead to questions about precisely what he was doing in that bar, at night, other than just happening to "look in" after a "dull day" and having "a drink."

This is an unusually personal moment from the Inspector, who gives us one of the first insights into Eva Smith's feelings and personality. He claims, of course, that he has found a diary in Eva Smith's room, though many interpretations have argued that the Inspector in fact has a more

last longer.

personal connection to Eva Smith: perhaps he even is her ghost, or a ghoulish embodiment of her dead child? Priestley never tells us, but there is certainly opportunity for the actor in this part to suggest a more personal connection. Note, too, the interest in time on Eva's part, keeping a diary and making a point of remembering the past nostalgically. BIRLING Here the Inspector, who by this middle act of the play is gaining in power You'll apologize at once ... I'm a public man and control over the situation, "massively" silences Birling with a INSPECTOR [massively] putdown. It is not the first or last time that Birling is cut off mid-thought. It Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges. is also important because Priestley points an extra finger of blame at Birling not just for his actions, but for his failure to see that his public position entails a duty of responsibility to other people. Interestingly, this attitude draws on the traditional notion of the upper classes taking responsibility for the welfarefif of the lower classes, but in the newer, more democratic life of Britain, the "public men" are not necessarily of higher social class even if they have more public privileges; at any rate, their position of power comes with responsibility. INSPECTOR The Inspector's final lines, from a longer speech he makes shortly before We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible his exit, are a blistering delivery of Priestley's socialist message. for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men Moreover, his promise of "fire and blood and anguish" also looks forward will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and to the First and Second World Wars, a resonance, which, to Priestley's anguish. Good night. 1946 audience, must have been quite chilling. BIRLING These lines illustrate the mood of this last part of the play, as well as the ... we've been had ... it makes all the difference. split between the Birlings and their children. Sheila and Eric realize the GERALD importance of the Inspector's lesson, notably which they need to become Of course! more socially responsible whether or not the particular scenario was a SHEILA [bitterly] valid example. In contrast, their parents absolutely fail to learn such a I suppose we're all nice people now. lesson, arguing that the failure of the example invalidates the Inspector's argument. Why still feel guilty and responsible? It also is significant that Gerald Croft takes Birling's side (uncritically) rather than Sheila's. Setting THE SOCIAL CONTEXT: 1912 AND 1945 An Inspector Calls is set in 1912, before the beginning of the First World War, but was written during the winter of 1944/45, first reaching the stage in 1945, the year in which the Second World War ended. For director Stephen Daldry the plays campaigning passion is inextricably link ed to the new spirit of post-war optimism. He believes that 1945 is probably the most crucial period in domestic British politics this century - a time when people were asking, Do we want to go back to the Edwardian period or to create something vital and new, a romantic vision of the future?. Priestleys choice of a pre-war Edwardian setting was therefore a calculated attempt to draw a parallel between the experiences of the two world wars. As designer Ian MacNeil explains: Priestley lived with the First World War, the war to end all wars, survived it against the odds and then found himself in another horrific war. And so he believed he had the right to ask, If I lived through the war to end all wars, why am I now living through another one? What got us into this situation? What is the failure of leadership and

belief? What brought us to this folly? You cant have this view of the Edwardians unless you are looking at it from the point of view of people who have just fought a war. Priestley felt strongly that theres no point in fighting another war simply to maintain the status quo: the point of this social upheaval is that some good must come of this. We should fight for a better society, not simply demonise the Germans as though badness and selfishness is something that only exists in Germany. The 1945 play may have been set in the past but its purpose was to look to the future, arguing strongly for a more positive society. Tony Benn MP believes that Priestley consciously intended to make [An Inspector Calls] a contribution to public understanding which, in its turn, he hoped might lead to a Labour victory after the war was over.