An Inspector Calls

Definition

An Inspector Calls is a play by J.B. Priestley that revolves around the mysterious Inspector Goole, who interrogates a family about the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. The play explores themes of social responsibility, morality, and the interconnectedness of individuals within society, highlighting the moral and ethical questions surrounding their actions and decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The play is set in 1912 but was written in 1945, which creates a contrast between the characters' attitudes and the audience's perspective post-World War II.
2. Each member of the Birling family has their own connection to Eva Smith, illustrating how their actions contribute to her demise.
3. Inspector Goole serves as a moral figure in the play, challenging the characters to reflect on their actions and consider their social responsibilities.
4. The play ends on an ambiguous note, leaving the audience questioning whether the characters will truly change after the inspector's visit.
5. Priestley uses the character of the inspector to promote socialist ideas, advocating for greater empathy and responsibility towards others in society.

Review Questions

• How does Priestley use the character of Inspector Goole to address moral and ethical questions in An Inspector Calls?
  • Inspector Goole acts as a catalyst for change in An Inspector Calls, confronting each character with their complicity in Eva Smith's death. Through his questioning, he forces them to face uncomfortable truths about their actions and attitudes. His presence raises critical moral and ethical questions about social responsibility, challenging both the characters and the audience to reflect on their own roles within society.
• Discuss how class consciousness is portrayed in An Inspector Calls and its impact on the characters' interactions.
  • Class consciousness plays a significant role in An Inspector Calls, as each character's social status influences their perceptions and behavior. The Birling family's upper-class privilege leads them to dismiss their responsibilities toward those less fortunate, like Eva Smith. This dynamic is highlighted during the inspector's investigation, revealing how deeply entrenched societal values affect their moral choices and ultimately contribute to tragedy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of dramatic irony in An Inspector Calls and how it enhances the play's exploration of moral issues.
  • Dramatic irony is effectively used in An Inspector Calls to deepen the audience's understanding of the characters' flaws and societal issues. While the Birlings are unaware of the inspector's true intentions or the consequences of their actions, the audience recognizes the weight of their decisions. This gap between knowledge creates tension and emphasizes themes of accountability and social ethics, compelling viewers to reflect on their own responsibilities in real-life situations.

Related terms

Social Responsibility: The idea that individuals and organizations have an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.

Class Consciousness: An awareness of one's social class and the implications it has on one's identity and relationships in society.

Dramatic Irony: A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension and engagement.