An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls is a morality play set in 1912 about a wealthy family interrogated by Inspector Goole about their involvement in the death of a young working-class woman. The play explores themes of social responsibility, class, and the consequences of selfish actions.

• 1The wealthy Birling family celebrates Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft
• 2Inspector Goole arrives investigating the suicide of Eva Smith
• 3Each family member is revealed to have contributed to Eva's downfall
• 4Mr Birling fired Eva from his factory; Sheila had her fired from a shop
• 5Gerald had an affair with Eva; Eric got her pregnant and stole money
• 6The Inspector leaves, warning of 'fire and blood and anguish' if people don't change

• •Social responsibility and collective guilt
• •Class inequality and exploitation
• •Generation gap and social change
• •Hypocrisy and moral blindness
• •The power of the individual to affect others
• •Time and dramatic irony

• Inspector Goole: Mysterious figure who represents moral conscience
• Mr Arthur Birling: Capitalist businessman concerned only with profit
• Mrs Sybil Birling: Cold, prejudiced head of charity organization
• Sheila Birling: Initially superficial but becomes socially aware
• Eric Birling: Troubled young man who shows genuine remorse
• Gerald Croft: Upper-class businessman engaged to Sheila

• Written in 1945 but set in 1912, just before World War I
• Priestley was a socialist concerned with social reform
• Reflects post-WWII desire for a more equal society
• Set against backdrop of Labour Party victory and welfare state creation
• Uses dramatic irony as audience knows of wars and social change to come

• Analyze how Priestley uses the Inspector as a dramatic device
• Examine how different generations respond to social responsibility
• Discuss Priestley's socialist message and criticism of capitalism
• Consider the significance of the play's structure and time setting
• Explore how characters represent different political viewpoints