4.1 AN INSPECTOR CALLS BY J.B PRIESTLY

INTRODUCTION

An Inspector Calls is a social-political drama written by J. B. Priestley in 1945. The play is set in England and explores themes such as social responsibility, class inequality, capitalism, and moral accountability. Priestley uses the play to criticize the selfish attitudes of the upper class and to promote a sense of collective responsibility in society.

The play is structured as a mystery drama, but its primary aim is to expose social injustice and the consequences of individual actions on others.

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SETTING

The play is set in 1912, in the dining room of the Birling family’s house in Brumley, England.
The setting is significant because:

• It represents a comfortable upper-middle-class home
• The year 1912 contrasts with the play’s production in 1945, allowing Priestley to use dramatic irony

PLOT SUMMARY

The play opens with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft, a wealthy young man. Their celebration is interrupted by the arrival of an Inspector Goole, who announces that a young working-class woman named Eva Smith has committed suicide.

One by one, the Inspector reveals how each family member played a role in Eva Smith’s suffering:

• Mr Birling sacked her for demanding higher wages
• Sheila had her dismissed out of jealousy
• Gerald had an affair with her and abandoned her
• Mrs Birling refused her charity assistance
• Eric impregnated her and stole money to support her

By the end of the play, the Inspector leaves after delivering a powerful message about social responsibility. The family later discovers that there may be no real inspector and no confirmed suicide, but just as they begin to relax, the telephone rings—confirming that a young girl has died and a real inspector is on the way.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

1. Inspector Goole

• Represents moral conscience and social justice
• Acts as Priestley’s voice in the play
• Calm, authoritative, and analytical
• Emphasizes collective responsibility
• Possibly supernatural or symbolic

2. Mr Arthur Birling

• A capitalist businessman
• Selfish, arrogant, and insensitive
• Believes in individual success over social duty
• Represents the capitalist ruling class

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3. Mrs Sybil Birling

• Cold, proud, and hypocritical
• Shows no sympathy for Eva Smith
• Represents upper-class cruelty and moral blindness

4. Sheila Birling

• Initially immature and self-centered
• Becomes remorseful and responsible
• Represents the younger generation capable of change

5. Eric Birling

• Weak but honest
• Accepts responsibility for his actions
• Represents moral growth through guilt

6. Gerald Croft

• Charming but morally flawed
• Represents the privileged elite
• Shows temporary remorse but resists change

7. Eva Smith / Daisy Renton

• Never appears on stage
• Represents the suffering working class
• Symbol of social injustice

THEMES

1. Social Responsibility

The central theme of the play. Priestley emphasizes that individuals are responsible for one another and that neglecting this duty leads to suffering.

2. Class Inequality

The play highlights the division between the rich and the poor and the exploitation of the working class.

3. Capitalism vs Socialism

Priestley criticizes capitalism through Mr Birling’s views and promotes socialist ideals through the Inspector.

4. Guilt and Responsibility

The younger characters accept guilt, while the older generation refuses to change.

5. Gender Inequality

Eva Smith suffers discrimination as a woman in a male-dominated society.

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DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES

1. Dramatic Irony

Mr Birling’s predictions about war and prosperity are proven wrong, highlighting his foolishness.

2. Suspense

The Inspector’s method of revealing information gradually keeps the audience engaged.

3. Symbolism

• Inspector Goole → Moral conscience
• Eva Smith → Oppressed working class

4. Structure

The play follows a well-made play structure with a strong beginning, climax, and twist ending.

5. Dialogue

Used to expose character flaws and class attitudes.

STYLE AND LANGUAGE

• Clear and formal English
• Didactic tone (teaches moral lessons)
• Realistic dialogue
• Strong moral message

MORAL LESSONS

• Society is interconnected
• Wealth does not equal morality
• The powerful must protect the weak
• Actions have consequences
• Change is possible through responsibility

RELEVANCE TO MODERN SOCIETY

The play remains relevant due to:

• Social inequality
• Abuse of power
• Corporate greed
• Lack of empathy for the poor

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CONCLUSION

An Inspector Calls is a powerful social drama that condemns selfishness and promotes collective responsibility. Through effective characterization and dramatic techniques, J. B. Priestley delivers a timeless message on justice, morality, and social equality, making the play highly suitable for WAEC and JAMB examinations.