An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley Play Analysis

An Inspector calls is displayed as a play in which depicts acts of each individual character that successfully bring meaning to a theme; for example responsibility. As an individualistic and discrete idea, we know by words being responsible is to keep hold of ones actions and be kept accountable for. Within this play, we are briefly, yet thoroughly in certain areas, made made aware of the significance in responsibility and how highlighting characters respond to it. Again, acts within this play linking to this theme of responsibility conclude with clear morals and lessons that J.B Priestly intended to inform. Mr Birling, being the spotlight for answers to this theme in his own unique way.

‘A self made man’ with both leading priorities and a dismissive behaviour. We are slowly introduced a powerful, almost egotistical and highly confident character who had been the best choice for Priestly when beginning to show us the discussions linking to responsibility. Discovering this attitude and behavioural side of Mr Birling, there are acts and scenes in which largely focus on how he views this world and ethic of social classes and being responsible. ‘A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own’. The confidence it takes in order to speak and progress this way is believed to be caused through his previous superior roles that created this ambition of his, to be independent. He takes little control of what’s surrounding and happens to live with the clear belief of only setting eyes and care on himself in order to keep hold of his highly looked upon status. Before discovering the incidents that went against his behaviour that slipped, we also view the insightful and caring ambition that falls with other families of a similar class. ‘Perhaps we only look forward to the times when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together.’ He swiftly approaches a family of same class with the same responsibility he says he holds account for in the beginning. This form of responsibility is triggered by multiple factors, families of lower classes for example, which indeed would bring up the dismissed, unaccountable side of the man.

When looking at the difference in generation, a very personal view on being responsible is given by this ‘hard headed man’. Even within discussions lead in his own household, the family have brought up talks in which evolved around Mr Birlings own thoughts and decisive answers he gave dependant on mostly his son. ‘More money to spend and time to spare than I had when I was Eric’s age’; here, strict connotations flow around what is said that makes us feel Mr Birling really had assets of his own that he feels no other is yet to reach, comparing a previous lifestyle to a child of your own implies the unbalanced relationship and temporary belief in which he feels is worth to be said and heard. He takes his words in forward to the younger generation showing them what day to day responsibility has now got him to. ‘If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth’. A morally informative and reliable attitude is present here.

From climaxes and features beyond the play, results of responsible acts are more clearly viewed upon post Eva Smiths death. Scenery between Inspector Gooles visit coupled with reactions within the Birlings. The inspector himself controllably yet slowly brings out the dismissive and uncaring character that remains unflattering upon Mr Birling. He begins to question, and helplessly entertain this visit brought a selfish act, yet by contrast the Inspector questions upon what he is certain and sure of. Through being responsible, we are sure of the fact that Mr Birling exceedingly values his reputation and would do the most for a cause like this to not topple it down. ‘I’m going to cover this up as soon as I can’. Whilst in hesitation of what has just occurred, the mentioning of Evas death and signs that are allegedly relating to him, a vital part to responsibility instantly is demolished, honesty. He refuses to own up for minor acts of his own that cave come in contact with this tragic death. ‘There’ll be a public scandal’. This relevant fear is what we see as part of one of the triggers against his idea of responsibility. He feels that all actions he make will benefit his status and honour however when placed in negative situations there is a moral of protect he ones status, and fearing a shameful experience. 

From all of the above, there is now a board of dictations on responsibility and links to how they’ve been morally presented, all through traces of our highlighting character Mr Birling. It’s the forthcoming shameful and disappointing experience that he seems to socially avoid and fears whilst he remains in his self assuring and overly confident manner. These behaviour contrast and are always exceedingly dependent on current circumstances, although his main priority as this character was to set responsible presentations through the difference in generation, valuing ones reputation and being accountable for actions noted to be indictable and lawless.