An Inspector Calls What Is It About

An Inspector Calls: A Deep Dive into J.B. Priestley's Masterpiece

J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls, a three-act play first performed in 1945, remains a staple of English literature and drama studies. Its enduring popularity stems from its timeless themes of social responsibility, guilt, and the consequences of societal inequalities. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the play, exploring its plot, characters, themes, and enduring relevance. We will delve into the mystery surrounding the Inspector's visit, analyze the complex relationships between the characters, and examine the play's powerful message about collective responsibility.

The Plot: A Chain of Interconnected Events

The play opens in the prosperous Birling household, celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft. The family, comprised of Arthur Birling, a wealthy industrialist; his wife, Sybil; their children, Sheila and Eric; and their guests, Gerald Croft and a mysterious Inspector Goole, are enjoying a seemingly perfect evening. However, this illusion of harmony is shattered by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who announces the suicide of a young working-class woman, Eva Smith (later revealed to have also used the name Daisy Renton).

The Inspector systematically interrogates each member of the Birling family, revealing their individual and collective involvement in Eva Smith's tragic downfall. Each family member, in their own way, contributed to her despair, highlighting their self-centeredness and lack of empathy. Arthur Birling fired Eva for demanding a fair wage increase, fueling her poverty. Sheila, initially shallow and self-absorbed, cruelly had Eva fired from her job at a department store due to petty jealousy. Gerald Croft, Sheila's fiancé, had a brief, exploitative relationship with Eva, ultimately discarding her when she became inconvenient. Eric Birling, burdened with his own vulnerabilities, got Eva pregnant and then abandoned her. Finally, Sybil Birling, known for her charitable work, demonstrated her cold-heartedness by refusing Eva's plea for help at a women’s charitable organization.

The Inspector's relentless questioning exposes the family's hypocrisy and their complicity in a system that allows such injustices to occur. He emphasizes that their actions are interconnected, forming a chain of events that ultimately led to Eva Smith's death. The play concludes with the Inspector's departure, leaving the Birlings to grapple with their guilt and the implications of their actions. The final scene reveals the possibility that the Inspector may not have been a real police officer, leaving the audience to question the nature of reality and the enduring weight of their individual and collective responsibility.

The Characters: A Microcosm of Society

The characters in An Inspector Calls are meticulously crafted, representing various social classes and attitudes prevalent in the early 20th century. Each character serves a vital role in illustrating Priestley's social commentary.

• Arthur Birling: The patriarch of the family, Arthur embodies the capitalist ethos of the time. His self-importance, arrogance, and belief in a self-serving, laissez-faire approach to business lead to his significant role in Eva's suffering. He initially dismisses the Inspector’s claims, showing a lack of accountability and social responsibility. His character serves as a representation of the uncaring upper class.

• Sybil Birling: Arthur's wife, Sybil, is portrayed as a more overtly judgmental and cold-hearted character than Arthur. Her rigid adherence to social norms and class distinctions prevents her from extending compassion to Eva. Her actions highlight the hypocrisy often found within charitable organizations and the lack of genuine concern for the plight of the less fortunate.

• Sheila Birling: Sheila undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play. Initially spoiled and superficial, she gradually confronts her own guilt and demonstrates a growing awareness of her responsibility. Her development acts as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for personal growth and atonement. Her journey displays the possibility of change and self-improvement.

• Eric Birling: Eric represents the younger generation grappling with issues of social responsibility and societal inequalities. He is portrayed as emotionally vulnerable and ultimately affected by his actions more so than his parents. His actions represent a consequence of societal pressures on young men to act tough and emotionally unresponsive.

• Gerald Croft: Gerald, Sheila's fiancé, serves as a representative of the upper-class elite. While he displays initial remorse, he later reveals his self-serving motivations in his relationship with Eva. His actions highlight the superficiality of relationships and the abuse of power within class structures.

• Inspector Goole: The enigmatic Inspector Goole is arguably the most significant character. His unwavering scrutiny and relentless questioning force the Birlings to confront their actions and their collective responsibility. While his identity is ambiguous, he acts as a catalyst for social change and the play's central theme. The Inspector is more than a detective; he is a symbol of societal conscience.

Themes: A Powerful Message for the Ages

An Inspector Calls explores a multitude of profound themes that resonate with audiences even today. These themes include:

• Social Responsibility: The play's central theme is the importance of social responsibility and the interconnectedness of individual actions. Priestley argues that each individual has a moral obligation to care for others and contribute to a just and equitable society. The consequences of neglecting this responsibility are highlighted throughout the play.

• Guilt and Atonement: The play delves into the complexities of guilt and the possibility of atonement. Each character grapples with their own guilt, experiencing varying degrees of remorse and self-reflection. The play suggests that genuine atonement requires not only acknowledging one's mistakes but also taking steps to rectify them and prevent future harm.

• Class Inequality: Priestley directly addresses the issue of class inequality and its impact on individuals. Eva Smith's tragic story serves as a powerful illustration of the devastating consequences of a society characterized by stark class divisions and the exploitation of the working class.

• Responsibility and Capitalism: The play critiques the capitalist system prevalent in the early 20th century, highlighting how the pursuit of profit and economic success can lead to the exploitation and suffering of others. Arthur Birling's disregard for the wellbeing of his workers exemplifies this.

• The Nature of Truth and Reality: The ambiguous ending, where the Inspector's identity is left open to interpretation, prompts the audience to question the nature of truth and reality. Was the Inspector a real police officer, or was he a symbolic figure representing the collective conscience? This ambiguity enhances the play's enduring power and invites continued contemplation.

The Play's Enduring Relevance

Despite being written nearly eighty years ago, An Inspector Calls retains its remarkable relevance in contemporary society. The themes of social responsibility, class inequality, and the consequences of individual actions remain profoundly pertinent in a world still grappling with similar issues. The play's enduring power lies in its ability to provoke thought, spark debate, and challenge audiences to consider their own roles in creating a more just and equitable world. Its message transcends time and cultural boundaries, making it a vital work of literature and drama for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the significance of the Inspector's ambiguous identity? The ambiguity surrounding the Inspector's identity enhances the play's lasting impact. It suggests that even if the Inspector wasn't a real police officer, the guilt and responsibility the Birlings felt were still valid and real. It emphasizes that the consequences of their actions extend beyond the immediate repercussions.

• Why does Priestley use the setting of 1912? Setting the play in 1912, just before the outbreak of World War I, allows Priestley to draw parallels between the societal issues of the time and the consequences that followed. It provides a historical context to highlight how unchecked greed and social inequality can have devastating consequences.

• What is the play's message about the younger generation? The play suggests that the younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, has the potential for greater social awareness and responsibility. Their transformations throughout the play offer hope for future change and improved social dynamics.

• How does the play utilize dramatic irony? The play masterfully employs dramatic irony, allowing the audience to witness the Birlings' actions and their consequences while the characters themselves remain unaware of the full extent of their involvement in Eva Smith's fate. This enhances the suspense and reinforces the theme of collective responsibility.

• What is the significance of Eva Smith's different names? Eva Smith's use of different names (Eva Smith, Daisy Renton) emphasizes the anonymity and vulnerability of the working class. It suggests that the system itself dehumanizes individuals, rendering them interchangeable and easily disposable.

Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece

J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the importance of social responsibility and the interconnectedness of human lives. Its exploration of guilt, atonement, class inequality, and the consequences of individual choices remains profoundly relevant to modern audiences. The play's masterful character development, intricate plot, and ambiguous ending leave a lasting impression, encouraging critical reflection on our own moral obligations and the social world we inhabit. Its enduring popularity and continued study in classrooms and theaters worldwide solidify its position as a timeless masterpiece of dramatic literature.