An Inspector Calls by J.

B Priestly is a profound and thought provoking play, which is originally set in 1912 but was actually written in 1946. The dramatist intentionally does this to highlight the social and moral issues presented in society at the time. Priestly presents us with a sincerely felt and powerfully expressed social message. He delves into the idea of social responsibility highlighting the consequences of an individuals actions upon those who are further down the social hierarchy. Priestly utilises the Birling family and in particular My Birling to emphasize the need for change in society. The scene opens with the backdrop of the Birlings home to make their privileged lifestyle clear. The solid furniture to the champagne illustrates a lack of family warmth and protection, despite their abundance. This further emphasises the wealth enjoyed by the wealthy and the hardships endured by those who work for them. Priestly uses the Birling family to set an example of how the upper class in society were dismissive of those less privileged than them such as factory owners. A dominant and unchanging character amongst the Birlings is Arthur Birling who is a heavy looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties. Priestly is illustrating that Birlings appearance gives him an intimidating profile, almost stereotypical of the capitalistic businessman. J.B Priestly presents Arthur Birling as a very self centred character who seems unable to separate his personal life from his business life; I speak as a hard headed businessman The post war audience get the sense that Birling views his family as a business venture shown by his hope that the marriage of his daughter to Gerald Croft will lead to the, Crofts and Birling no longer competing but working together. This displays an audacious and self absorbed image of Mr Birling as despite the celebrations all he seems to care about is his own personal gain. In addition to this, Priestly shows that Mr Birling places upmost importance on moving up the social ladder. His revealing news that theres a very good chance of a knighthood to Gerald highlights that men in his position feel it necessary to prove their appraisal in society, Perhaps hinting at his insecurities that Lady Croft sees his family as socially beneath her. Once again, Priestly uses the comfortable view of the luxurious lifestyles lead by the wealthy before the First World War, to portray the ways in which life would change during the 20th century. Mr Birling seems reassured that the future looks promising for men involved in business such as his. However his statement that the titanic is unsinkable and that factory owners are in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity reduces his credibility with the audience. Priestly uses dramatic irony to allow the contemporary audience to mock at Birlings comments as the titanic famously sank, strengthening the foolish image displayed of the elder Birlings. Furthermore, Mr Birling continues to have a stance of aloofness throughout the play, more so when the inspector arrives. Priestly allows the inspector to represent the voice of the downtrodden and refuses to be intimidated by the imposing figure of Mr Birling. However Mr Birling believes himself to be superior to the inspector shown through his threat that the chief constable is an old friend of mine and I see him fairly regularly. This lack of gratitude towards the inspector illustrates the way the upper class regarded people in the nineteenth century. The dramatist emphasizes how they showed a lack of compassion,

community and social responsibility neglecting the downtrodden. The consequence of which is shown through the death of Eva Smith. The different demeanours towards the death of Eva Smith highlight the start contrast between the older and younger generation. Eric and Sheila both appreciate the presence of the inspector and concur with him voicing the problems faced by those less fortunate. On the other hand, Mr Birling seems more concerned about the possibility of a scandal that could put an end to any hopes for a knighthood. Ive got to cover this up as soon as possible. Priestly highlights how Mr Birling is prepared to behave dishonesty illustrating the lengths he will go to, have his reputation intact. The modern audience are able to see how Birling represents the seven deadly sins, two of which being greed and Pride, and through his disloyalty to his factory workers has neglected his Christian duty. Moreover, Priestly eludes how Mr Birling looked down on ordinary workers like Eva Smith, showing no signs of sympathy even after her death. It is ironic that Mr Birling sacked Eva Smith for showing qualities of leadership, the same qualities for which he was earlier prepared to promote her; Shed had a lot to say-far too much -so she had to go. Mr Birling fails to give Eva Smith and identity, instead referring to her as her. His inability to accept responsibility towards her death illustrates the merciless way a factory owner regarded his workers in the nineteenth century. Priestly indicates how the upper class felt that those inferior to them had no right to express their thoughts, typical of society at the time. Alternatively Mr Birling also failed to detect the true nature of the men in his household. He falls ignorant to the deceitful ways of Eric who has a drinking problem. Priestly highlights how Eric has turned to drinking due to constant pressures bestowed upon him by his father; Not the kind of father a chap would go to when hes in trouble. Priestly illustrates that Mr Birlings role as the head of the family is in fact a facade as he neglects the problems that are surrounding him. The contemporary audience are able to see that Mr Birling has made countless unintentional sacrifices on his way up the social ladder, fatherhood being one of them. The underlying truth being that this was common of upper class society at the time, for who power and wealth was everyone. Later on, the inspectors speech not only champions the cause of the poor but he almost takes on a prophetic tone. Priestly in contrast to Mr Birlings original speech about socialist voices his own socialist outlooks that all people share a common humanity, We are all members of one body and so are part of an interdependent community. The inspector highlights a universal truth about the reality of the exploitation suffered by the lower class. It is Mr Birling who is too conceited to acknowledge the seriousness of the crimes he has committed and understand that if theyre ready to go on in the same old way then the inspectors threat of fire blood and anguish will become reality. This quote also very effectively sums up what the wars are about and how people should have seen the error of their ways

and changed while it was still possible. However Priestly shows how the Second World War tries to get the message across again like the second inspector at the end of the play, A police inspector is on his way here to ask question. Overall, in An Inspector Calls by J.B Priestly, Mr Birling is presented as the stereotypical, proud business man from the upper classes that seem fixated with climbing up the social ladder. Priestly highlights a universal truth about the upper classes hypocrisy and their exploitation of Eva Smith who represents the working class. The present audience are able to understand the profound message of the inspector that society must change and mock Birlings naive comments regarding the wars. The use of Mr Birling as a delegate for all factory owners exposes societys in birth prejudice towards working class women in the nineteenth century.