Who Learns more from Inspector Goole’s visit and why Essay Example
Who Learns more from Inspector Goole’s visit and why Essay Example

Who Learns more from Inspector Goole’s visit and why Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (980 words)
  • Published: October 12, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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"An Inspector Calls" is a theatrical production authored by J.

B Priestley, a socialist who had experienced hardship and underpayment himself, believed that the world needed to transform after the Second World War. The play he wrote is set in 1912 and centers around a wealthy family being investigated by a enigmatic Inspector regarding the suicide of a working-class girl. As the investigation unfolds, each family member is questioned individually.

Priestly's idea is that all characters should live together in a community and act morally, yet not all of them learn this. The head of the Birling family is a conceited capitalist who is self-employed. Mr. Birling is initially introduced as a "hard-headed business man," which indicates his arrogant character and his sole focus on money. His speeches on the Titanic and the war are eccentric.

Mr Birling referred

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to the Titanic as "unsinkable", which creates dramatic irony for the 1940 audience who know the ship sank, causing Mr Birling to appear foolish. Additionally, Mr Birling portrays aggression towards the Inspector, evidenced by his question "How do you get on with our Chief constable?". This implies that Mr Birling is attempting to manipulate the Inspector and threaten him in order to preserve his reputation and keep the public from finding out about the incident. After the Inspector departs, however, Mr Birling shows no remorse for his actions towards the lower class girl and demands that she provide an explanation for the money she stole.

Despite Mr Birling's involvement in the girl's demise, he remains a dedicated capitalist only concerned with his wealth and high-class circles. His encounter with the Inspector fails to instill any lessons. Initially, Sheila Birling, M

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Birling's daughter, is juvenile, self-centered and immature. She eventually experiences remorse upon realizing her role in Eva Smith's death. The statement "You knew it was me all the time" confirms her awareness and understanding of her contribution to the girl's fate.

Sheila caused Eva Smith's dismissal from a wealthy shop due to jealousy and by threatening the employer. This action resulted in Eva's demise. However, Sheila learned from this experience and matured as a result. Following her interrogation by the Inspector, she declared vehemently, "I'll never, never do it again to anybody", indicating a realization of her immature and selfish behavior. This prompted her to change, becoming more serious and displaying maturity. Initially, Mrs. Birling acted as a snob and conforming to the behavior expected of upper-class women.

Both Mrs Birling and Mr Birling share similar attitudes towards individuals from lower classes. Mrs Birling, in particular, played a role in the death of Eva Smith by denying her financial support when she was in need and had nowhere to turn to. Her statement "Girls of that class" depicts how she believes Eva Smith is insignificant as she is beneath her social status. She also attempts to defend herself when questioned with the remark, "And if I was, what business is it of yours?" This reveals Mr Birling's reluctance to become involved, and he too does not want his reputation to disintegrate, similar to his wife. When the topic is brought up again, Mrs Birling changes the subject as she still wants to avoid taking responsibility for Eva's death, again revealing her snobbish nature. Meanwhile, Eric, Mr Birling's son, appears uneasy and ashamed at the start of

the play.

The character of Eric in "An Inspector Calls" is described as being "squiffy," a term that implies heavy alcohol consumption. Eric's actions are implicated in the death of Eva Smith due to his drunkenness and impregnating her. However, Eric does display a sense of responsibility by stealing money from Mr. Birling to help Eva, showing some socialist values. In contrast, Mr. and Mrs. Birling refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Mr. Birling, in particular, is more concerned with his money than the suicide of Eva Smith, highlighting his capitalist mindset. Eric accepts his mistake and confronts his parents, telling them "Don't forget I'm ashamed of you." Eric displays significant growth throughout the play and is portrayed as a mature individual by the end.

During his final speech, Inspector Goole urges the higher class to heed his warning about the potential for "blood and anguish" if they continue to disregard his message. He advocates for socialism and urges people to live as a community, free from the distinctions of wealth. Sheila and Eric undergo a transformation as a result of the Inspector's influence, treating people with greater equality and fairness, demonstrating their embrace of socialist ideals. Both siblings come to recognize the importance of all individuals, acknowledging the grave impact their mistakes can have on others and acknowledging that their upbringing was flawed.

The Birlings remain unchanged in their focus on reputation and money, reflecting a capitalist mindset. Their stubbornness prevents them from modifying their views and moving beyond their own selfish interests. This is evident in their desire to ignore the issue at hand and continue with the celebratory engagement. Priestly's play, Inspector

Calls, was written in 1940 during a time of optimism and opportunity following a period of danger and uncertainty. It is set in 1912, a time when people were optimistic and believed that war and other tragedies were unlikely to occur, such as the sinking of the Titanic.

J.B Priestley wrote the play with the aim of promoting socialism, as he believed in a community-oriented way of life and opposed the class system due to its unfair treatment of individuals. The play delivers a straightforward message about the importance of treating each other with respect, prioritizing people over money, and treating everyone equally, fairly, and morally. Priestley also advocated for voting for the Labour party, as he believed they were dedicated to supporting individuals from lower socioeconomic classes and fostering a sense of communal living.

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