Setting Setting Act 1 Act 1 Quote Explanation Quote Explanation
The general effect is substantial and
The general effect is substantial and heavily comfortable, but not heavily comfortable, but not cosy and hom
cosy and hom e-e-like like
They say that a house
They say that a house reflects a person‟s true nature and the reflects a person‟s true nature and the BirlingsBirlings are no exception. The Birling‟s house
are no exception. The Birling‟s house is described as being “heavilyis described as being “heavily comfortable”, indicating their wealth, but it is not “cosy” or
comfortable”, indicating their wealth, but it is not “cosy” or “home“home --like”,like”, indicating their how conscious they are of
indicating their how conscious they are of their status. The furnishingstheir status. The furnishings in their house are used predominantly to display how rich they are but in their house are used predominantly to display how rich they are but it gives no indication that
it gives no indication that there is any warmth.there is any warmth. The lighting should be
The lighting should bepink and intimate pink and intimate , until the, until theINSPECTOR INSPECTOR arrives, a
arrives, and then it shnd then it sh ould be brigould be brig hter and harder hter and harder
The lighting in this play is important for two reasons. One, to indicate a The lighting in this play is important for two reasons. One, to indicate a change in atmosphere and two, to
change in atmosphere and two, to create dramatic tension. Here, thecreate dramatic tension. Here, the lighting tells us that the
lighting tells us that the arrival of Inspector Goole has disrupted whatarrival of Inspector Goole has disrupted what was previously a pleasant evening of the
was previously a pleasant evening of the Birling who were celebratingBirling who were celebrating Sheila‟s engagemen
Sheila‟s engagement and Mt and Mr Birling‟s risr Birling‟s rise in social e in social status. status. The pinkThe pink lighting indicates an intimate atmosphere whereas the brighter one lighting indicates an intimate atmosphere whereas the brighter one represents the harder light that police uses when
represents the harder light that police uses when questioning their questioning their suspects.
suspects. (If a realistic set is used, then it should be swung back…you can have
(If a realistic set is used, then it should be swung back…you can have the dining-table centre downstage during Act One, when
the dining-table centre downstage during Act One, when it is needed it is needed there, and then swinging back can
there, and then swinging back can reveal the fireplace for Act Two,reveal the fireplace for Act Two, and then for Act Three can show a small table with telephone on it and then for Act Three can show a small table with telephone on it downstage of fireplace…
downstage of fireplace…
The simplistic set does not distract from the
The simplistic set does not distract from the action on stage. However,action on stage. However, each set change indicate
each set change indicates the change in pace of the play. s the change in pace of the play. In Act One,In Act One, the dining table suggests a harmonious family unit. In
the dining table suggests a harmonious family unit. In Act Two, theAct Two, the removal of the dining table suggests that
removal of the dining table suggests that everybody is now on edgeeverybody is now on edge given the arrival of the
given the arrival of the Inspector. They are no longer sitting at theInspector. They are no longer sitting at the dining table enjoying supper. Rather, are forced to face
dining table enjoying supper. Rather, are forced to face the incessantthe incessant and harsh questions of the Inspector. In Act T
and harsh questions of the Inspector. In Act T hree, the telephonehree, the telephone represents the Birlings‟ last hope that Inspector was merely someone represents the Birlings‟ last hope that Inspector was merely someone who was trying to con them. However, as we shall see later on, the who was trying to con them. However, as we shall see later on, the telephone plays an important role in
telephone plays an important role in final cliffhanger of whether or notfinal cliffhanger of whether or not the Birlings‟ were truly in
the Birlings‟ were truly in nocent or guilty and their nocent or guilty and their contribution to Evacontribution to Eva Smith‟s death.
Smith‟s death. We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell.
We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell. BIRLINGBIRLING stops to listen.stops to listen. The sudden ring of the The sudden ring of the doorbell interrupts Birling‟s speech,doorbell interrupts Birling‟s speech, announcing the arrival of the Inspector. It is
announcing the arrival of the Inspector. It is important for the doorbellimportant for the doorbell to be loud and heard by all as i
to be loud and heard by all as i t indicates the arrival of something of t indicates the arrival of something of someone, in this case Inspector Goole, who does
someone, in this case Inspector Goole, who does nnot care Birling‟sot care Birling‟s perceived wealth and status.
perceived wealth and status. The
TheINSPECTORINSPECTORenters, and enters, and EDNAEDNAgoes, closing the door after her.goes, closing the door after her. The closing of the door suggests that Birlings have no idea what isThe closing of the door suggests that Birlings have no idea what is
going to come through the doorway. Thus, they are
going to come through the doorway. Thus, they are caught entirely bycaught entirely by surprise.
surprise. This element of surprise and myThis element of surprise and mystery is representatstery is representative of ive of Inspector Goole as we see later
Inspector Goole as we see later on.on. The door slowly opens and the
and searchingly at them
and searchingly at them know much more than what he lets on. The slow revealing of theknow much more than what he lets on. The slow revealing of the Inspector highlights the idea that he sees
Inspector highlights the idea that he sees all and knows all.all and knows all. Act 2
Act 2
Quote Explanation
Quote Explanation
At rise, scene
At rise, scene and situation are and situation are exactly as theexactly as they were at ty were at the end of Act he end of Act One. The
One. TheINSPECTORINSPECTOR remains at the door for a remains at the door for a few moments looking few moments looking at
at SHEILASHEILAand and GERALDGERALD.. Then he comes forward, leaving door Then he comes forward, leaving door openopen behind him.
behind him.
Leaving the door open suggests the Inspector has
Leaving the door open suggests the Inspector has nothing to hidenothing to hide while Gerald and Sheila clearly
while Gerald and Sheila clearly do. This openness that the do. This openness that the Inspector Inspector demonstrates is not something is often seen in
demonstrates is not something is often seen in the Birling householdthe Birling household and gives the Inspector an almost authoritative advantage over them. and gives the Inspector an almost authoritative advantage over them. Because he has nothing to hide and thus leaves the door open when Because he has nothing to hide and thus leaves the door open when he comes question Sheila and Gerald,
he comes question Sheila and Gerald, this indicates that eventuallythis indicates that eventually everything will be revealed; all the
everything will be revealed; all the crimes that they have committedcrimes that they have committed will eventually be revealed.
will eventually be revealed.
INSPECTOR
INSPECTORholds up a hand. We hear the front door. They wait,holds up a hand. We hear the front door. They wait, looking towards the door.
looking towards the door.ERICERICenters, looking extremely pale and enters, looking extremely pale and distressed. He meets their inquiring stares. Curtain falls quickly. distressed. He meets their inquiring stares. Curtain falls quickly.
The cliffhanger at the end of
The cliffhanger at the end of Act Two creates tension and suspense.Act Two creates tension and suspense. The curtain falls quickly at the end of Act Two is used by Priestley to The curtain falls quickly at the end of Act Two is used by Priestley to create tension suspense. The audience, at this point in
create tension suspense. The audience, at this point in the play wouldthe play would want to know why Eric looks
want to know why Eric looks “pale and distressed” and“pale and distressed” and whether or notwhether or not he has contributed to Eva Smith‟s death.
he has contributed to Eva Smith‟s death. The curtain falling quicklyThe curtain falling quickly serves to indicate the beginning of play‟s climax and to e
serves to indicate the beginning of play‟s climax and to e mphasize themphasize the Inspector‟s final speech later on in
Inspector‟s final speech later on in Act Three.Act Three. Act 3
Act 3
Quote Explanation
Quote Explanation
Exactly as at the end of Act Two.
Exactly as at the end of Act Two.ERICERICis standing just inside theis standing just inside the room and the others are staring at him
room and the others are staring at him
This suggests that Eric is singled out,
This suggests that Eric is singled out, indicating that the Inspector willindicating that the Inspector will next question him. From what we have
next question him. From what we have seen so far, although each of seen so far, although each of the Birlings and Gerald has
the Birlings and Gerald has contributed to Eva Smith‟s death, contributed to Eva Smith‟s death, withwith each succession of questioning, the more directly each has become each succession of questioning, the more directly each has become involved. Thus, Eric‟s involvement would be greater than Gerald‟s, involved. Thus, Eric‟s involvement would be greater than Gerald‟s, and by putting him on
and by putting him on the spot, the others are collectively drawingthe spot, the others are collectively drawing away from him, letting him burn, the way they
away from him, letting him burn, the way they have in succession.have in succession. The telephone rings sharply. There is
The telephone rings sharply. There is a moment’s complete silence.a moment’s complete silence.
BIRLING
BIRLINGgoes to answer it.goes to answer it.
It creates dramatic tension for the audience. When the Birlings first It creates dramatic tension for the audience. When the Birlings first think that because Inspector Goole is fake, they think that
think that because Inspector Goole is fake, they think that they havethey have nothing to fear about. However, the telephone ring suggests
nothing to fear about. However, the telephone ring suggests otherwise.
otherwise. He puts the telephone down slowly
He puts the telephone down slowly and looks in a and looks in a panic-strickenpanic-stricken fashion at the others.
fashion at the others.
As Mr Birling
As Mr Birling receive news of receive news of Eva Smith‟s deEva Smith‟s death through theath through the telephone after the Inspector leaves, they realize that they were just telephone after the Inspector leaves, they realize that they were just questioned about a future event, further emphasizing the
questioned about a future event, further emphasizing the otherworldliness of the Inspector.
otherworldliness of the Inspector. As they stare
As they stare guiltily and dumbfguiltily and dumbfounded, the curounded, the curtain falls.tain falls. The cliffhanger here makes the audience question two things: One,The cliffhanger here makes the audience question two things: One, whether or not will the Birlings will act as they have before and two, whether or not will the Birlings will act as they have before and two,
the nature of the Inspector. the nature of the Inspector. Themes
Themes Theme
Theme Quote Quote ExplanationExplanation
Responsibility Responsibility
Clearly linked to the theme
Clearly linked to the theme of remorse isof remorse is that of responsibility.
that of responsibility. Priestley‟s socialistPriestley‟s socialist beliefs inform the play and create a clear beliefs inform the play and create a clear message for the audience about an message for the audience about an individual‟s responsibilities for their own individual‟s responsibilities for their own actions but also for the way in which their actions but also for the way in which their actions affect others. For Mr Birling, actions affect others. For Mr Birling, looking after himself and his family is looking after himself and his family is allall the matters. However, the events of the the matters. However, the events of the play and the arrival of
play and the arrival of the Inspector the Inspector forces Birling to see his
forces Birling to see his responsibility toresponsibility to others.
others.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
Because what happened to her than
Because what happened to her than may have determined whatmay have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to
happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A
afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.chain of events.
This conveys the theme of collective This conveys the theme of collective
responsibility, that everyone is responsible for responsibility, that everyone is responsible for everyone else. There is also an element of everyone else. There is also an element of foreshadowing.
foreshadowing.
BIRLING BIRLING
Yes, well we needn‟t go into all that. Yes, well we needn‟t go into all that. …
…
BIRLING BIRLING
Oh
Oh – – just before you camejust before you came – – I‟d been giving these young men aI‟d been giving these young men a little good advice.
little good advice.
Clearly, when the Inspector says that Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain
Birling agrees that a chain of events mightof events might have caused Eva Smith‟s death. However, he have caused Eva Smith‟s death. However, he does not agree that even he has been a does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death, it would render what he said earlier in death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void.
the play void. Since he believSince he believes thates that everyone should mind their own business, everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in
being a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death woEva Smith‟s death woulduld result in proving that his
result in proving that his actions do affectactions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not
on further note, Birling does not want thewant the Inspector to humiliate him
Inspector to humiliate him further.further.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
Yes. She was out of
Yes. She was out of work for the next two months. Both her work for the next two months. Both her parents were dead, so that she‟d no home to go back to. And she parents were dead, so that she‟d no home to go back to. And she hadn‟t
hadn‟t been able to save much out of what Birling and Companybeen able to save much out of what Birling and Company had paid her. So
had paid her. So that after two months, with no work, no that after two months, with no work, no moneymoney coming in, and living in lodgings, with no relatives to help her, few coming in, and living in lodgings, with no relatives to help her, few friends, lonely, half-starved, she was feeling desperate
friends, lonely, half-starved, she was feeling desperate
Inspector Goole goes into much detail Inspector Goole goes into much detail of Evaof Eva Smith‟s life in order to make the people in the Smith‟s life in order to make the people in the room feel guilty and even guiltier when they room feel guilty and even guiltier when they find out the role they play in her death. find out the role they play in her death.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
…she‟ll feel she‟s entirely to blame, she‟ll be alone with her …she‟ll feel she‟s entirely to blame, she‟ll be alone with her responsibility.
responsibility.
Sheila has never been responsible for Sheila has never been responsible for anyoneanyone else before so by learning that she is
else before so by learning that she is responsible for Eva Smith‟s death, she is responsible for Eva Smith‟s death, she is unable to deal with said responsibility if she unable to deal with said responsibility if she left now. But if she stayed and the
left now. But if she stayed and the
responsibility of Eva Smith‟s death is shared responsibility of Eva Smith‟s death is shared between the Birling family, she would feel between the Birling family, she would feel better.
SHEILA SHEILA
And probably betw
And probably between us we killed hereen us we killed her..
She seems to take responsibility for her She seems to take responsibility for her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions have impact on other people, contrary actions have impact on other people, contrary to her character early on in the play.
to her character early on in the play.
SHEILA SHEILA
It means that we‟ve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if It means that we‟ve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if we‟ve any sense we won‟t try…And if you‟re not telling the t we‟ve any sense we won‟t try…And if you‟re not telling the t ruth,ruth, why should the Inspector apologize? And can‟t you
why should the Inspector apologize? And can‟t you see, both of see, both of you, you‟re making it worse?
you, you‟re making it worse?
Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to avoidavoid the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and tries to convince her parents to
tries to convince her parents to stop avoidingstop avoiding the Inspector‟s persistent questioning. the Inspector‟s persistent questioning.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone
But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone – – but there arebut there are millions and millions
millions and millions and millions of Eva Smitand millions of Eva Smiths and John Smithshs and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives,lives, and what we think and say and do. We don‟t live alone. W and what we think and say and do. We don‟t live alone. W e aree are members of one body. We are
members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And Iresponsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.
anguish.
The parallel structure demonstrated here is The parallel structure demonstrated here is linked to the idea
linked to the idea of collective responsibilityof collective responsibility and socialism. In his closing remarks, the and socialism. In his closing remarks, the Inspector refers to “million
Inspector refers to “million s and millions ands and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John
millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”, bothSmiths”, both “Eva Smith” and “John Smith” referring to “Eva Smith” and “John Smith” referring to common names, thus, representing common common names, thus, representing common people and therefore, the theme of socialism. people and therefore, the theme of socialism. He also mentions that they are
He also mentions that they are “members of “members of one body” who are “r
one body” who are “r esponsible for eachesponsible for each other”, referring to the idea of collective other”, referring to the idea of collective responsibility. The element of
responsibility. The element of foreshadowingforeshadowing in
in the biblical imagery the biblical imagery of “fire and blof “fire and blood andood and anguish” may re
anguish” may refer to fer to World War I and World War I and WorldWorld War II, both wars in which Priestley and his War II, both wars in which Priestley and his audience have already experienced. audience have already experienced. Class, status, and power
Class, status, and power
Status and social standing is something Status and social standing is something that characters in the play value highly. that characters in the play value highly. To many, it defines their worth
To many, it defines their worth as humanas human beings. Mr Birling recognizes the higher beings. Mr Birling recognizes the higher social standing of Gerald‟s family and social standing of Gerald‟s family and this, besides the business benefits his this, besides the business benefits his marriage to Sheila will bring, values him marriage to Sheila will bring, values him highly. Mrs Birling is described as highly. Mrs Birling is described as socially superior to Mr Birling, and socially superior to Mr Birling, and thisthis may account fo
may account for their marriar their marriage. ge. Both Mr Both Mr and Mrs Birling are very high in social and Mrs Birling are very high in social standing and recognize it in
standing and recognize it in an attempt toan attempt to intimidate the Inspector.
intimidate the Inspector. Mr Birling‟sMr Birling‟s panic towards the end of the play is panic towards the end of the play is
BIRLING BIRLING
Giving us the port, Edna? That‟s right. (
Giving us the port, Edna? That‟s right. (He pushes it towardsHe pushes it towards
ERIC
ERIC) You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact,) You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact,
Finchley told me it’s exactly the same port your father gets Finchley told me it’s exactly the same port your father gets from him.
from him.
As it is an occa
As it is an occasion of celebratsion of celebration, we seeion, we see that Birling does not even try hide that fact that Birling does not even try hide that fact that his daughter is now of the same social that his daughter is now of the same social status as Gerald‟s famil
status as Gerald‟s family. y. Even the port thatEven the port that he is drinking is determined by who drinks he is drinking is determined by who drinks that specific por
that specific port. t. It also emphasizIt also emphasizes as aes as a new member of the upper-middle class, he new member of the upper-middle class, he tends to look to the older member of his class tends to look to the older member of his class as a guide how he can advance his own as a guide how he can advance his own social status.
social status.
MRS B. MRS B.
((smiling smiling ) Very well, then. Just a ) Very well, then. Just a little, thank you. (little, thank you. ( ToToEDNAEDNA, who is, who is
about to go, with tray.
about to go, with tray. ) All right, Edna. I‟ll ) All right, Edna. I‟ll ring from the drawingring from the drawing --room when we want coffee.
room when we want coffee.
Note the difference in style and
Note the difference in style and languagelanguage between Arthur and Sybil. Sybil, who is between Arthur and Sybil. Sybil, who is from afrom a higher status than Birling, speaks much more higher status than Birling, speaks much more distantly and coldly. She is a very proper distantly and coldly. She is a very proper woman who is very aware of her role in life. woman who is very aware of her role in life. Arthur, on the
because of the threat to a scandal as this because of the threat to a scandal as this ruins his social standing.
ruins his social standing.
Each of the character‟s status is linked to Each of the character‟s status is linked to power that they hold in society. The play power that they hold in society. The play concerns itself with the way people concerns itself with the way people exercise power in society. We are exercise power in society. We are shownshown various forms of power: industrial, various forms of power: industrial, physical, sexual, emotional, parental, physical, sexual, emotional, parental, and monetary.
and monetary. The reasons The reasons behindbehind people‟s abuses of power are also people‟s abuses of power are also explored. These range from envy, pride, explored. These range from envy, pride, lust and idleness to greed and a desire to lust and idleness to greed and a desire to feel important. Priestley‟s asks us to feel important. Priestley‟s asks us to recognize the abuses of power and to recognize the abuses of power and to question the shallow values of status and question the shallow values of status and class.
class.
provincial in his tone and less aware of how provincial in his tone and less aware of how people perceive him when he speaks people perceive him when he speaks Birling‟s
Birling‟s character is that he likes to character is that he likes to talktalk about his status and how he has held high about his status and how he has held high positions. He is afraid that people, like positions. He is afraid that people, like thethe Crofts, will look down on him because he has Crofts, will look down on him because he has only recently been part of the
only recently been part of the middle-class.middle-class.
BIRLING BIRLING
Yes, well we needn‟t go into al Yes, well we needn‟t go into all that.l that. …
…
BIRLING BIRLING
Oh
Oh – – just before you camejust before you came – – I‟d been giving these young men aI‟d been giving these young men a little good advice.
little good advice.
Clearly, when the Inspector says that Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain
Birling agrees that a chain of events mightof events might have caused Eva Smith‟s death.
have caused Eva Smith‟s death. However, heHowever, he does not agree that even he has been a does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death, it would render what he said earlier in death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void.
the play void. Since he believSince he believes thates that everyone should mind their own business, everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in
being a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death wouldEva Smith‟s death would result in proving that his
result in proving that his actions do affectactions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not
on further note, Birling does not want thewant the Inspector to humiliate him
Inspector to humiliate him further.further.
BIRLING BIRLING
Perhaps I ought to warn you that he‟s an old friend of mine… Perhaps I ought to warn you that he‟s an old friend of mine…
Here we see that Birling feels intimidated by Here we see that Birling feels intimidated by the Inspector because he is not used to be the Inspector because he is not used to be interrogated and questioned by someone he interrogated and questioned by someone he sees as of a lower class. Thus, he uses his sees as of a lower class. Thus, he uses his status and power to assert his
status and power to assert his authority over authority over Inspector Goole.
Inspector Goole.
BIRLING BIRLING
((with marked change of tonewith marked change of tone) Well, of course, if I‟d known that) Well, of course, if I‟d known that earlier, I wouldn‟t have talked about
earlier, I wouldn‟t have talked about reporting you. Youreporting you. You understand that, don‟t you, Inspector? I thought that –
understand that, don‟t you, Inspector? I thought that – for somefor some reason best known to yourself
reason best known to yourself – – you were making the most of thisyou were making the most of this tiny bit of information I could
tiny bit of information I could give you. I‟m sorry. This makes agive you. I‟m sorry. This makes a difference. You sure of your facts?
difference. You sure of your facts?
Birling‟s tone is much n
Birling‟s tone is much nicer than when he isicer than when he is being interrogated because now he knows being interrogated because now he knows that there will be others that will go through that there will be others that will go through the same interrogation as he did. We learn the same interrogation as he did. We learn that Mr Birling is
that Mr Birling is extremely selfish and feelsextremely selfish and feels relieved that he is not the only one to be relieved that he is not the only one to be publicly humiliated. He later gets angry publicly humiliated. He later gets angry because he realizes a family is a unit and because he realizes a family is a unit and whatever happens to them (their private whatever happens to them (their private affairs) also affect his reputation as well. It affairs) also affect his reputation as well. It isis not possible that he feels guilty for what he not possible that he feels guilty for what he
has done. He feels angry because he doesn‟t has done. He feels angry because he doesn‟t know any way else to react.
know any way else to react.
MRS B. MRS B.
((smiling, social smiling, social ) Good evening, Inspector.) Good evening, Inspector.
Mrs Birling clearly has a
Mrs Birling clearly has a lot of self-controllot of self-control even when she knows the
even when she knows the Inspector is here toInspector is here to question her family. She behaves in question her family. She behaves in well-mannered way and pretends as though mannered way and pretends as though nothing is wrong.
nothing is wrong.
MRS B. MRS B.
That
That – – I consider I consider – – is a trifle impertinentis a trifle impertinent
Pretentious Pretentious
GERALD GERALD
((cutting in, rather impatiently cutting in, rather impatiently ) Mrs Birling, the Inspector knows all) Mrs Birling, the Inspector knows all that. And I don‟t think it‟s a very good idea to remind him – that. And I don‟t think it‟s a very good idea to remind him – ..
Gerald realizes that trying to intimidate the Gerald realizes that trying to intimidate the inspector using her social status is futile. As inspector using her social status is futile. As he has already experienced the
he has already experienced the Inspector‟sInspector‟s interrogation,
interrogation, he knows that the Inspehe knows that the Inspector willctor will use words to manipulate people into
use words to manipulate people into admittingadmitting what they did wrong.
what they did wrong.
BIRLING BIRLING
((angrily angrily ) Inspector, I‟ve told you) Inspector, I‟ve told you before, I don‟t like your tone nor before, I don‟t like your tone nor the way you‟re handling this inquiry. And I don‟t propose to give the way you‟re handling this inquiry. And I don‟t propose to give you much more rope.
you much more rope.
Birling becomes angry at the Inspector‟s Birling becomes angry at the Inspector‟s questioning and interrogation because questioning and interrogation because although he understands him and his although he understands him and his familyfamily are under qu
are under questioning for Eva Smith‟s death,estioning for Eva Smith‟s death, he still thinks that someone of
he still thinks that someone of lower sociallower social standing like the Inspector must treat his standing like the Inspector must treat his family with much more respect. He is family with much more respect. He is notnot used to people of
used to people of lower social class treatinglower social class treating him any less than respect.
him any less than respect.
MRS. B MRS. B
It‟s disgus
It‟s disgusting to me.ting to me.
Mrs Birling thinks that only the
Mrs Birling thinks that only the lower classlower class engages in immoral behaviour and the engages in immoral behaviour and the higher higher the class, the better morals are. She is
the class, the better morals are. She is disgusted by the fact that Gerald is
disgusted by the fact that Gerald is engagingengaging in what she thinks is
in what she thinks is lower-class behaviour.lower-class behaviour.
MRS B. MRS B.
Yes, I think it
Yes, I think it was simply a piece of was simply a piece of gross impertinencegross impertinence – – quitequite deliberate
deliberate – – and naturally that was one of and naturally that was one of the things thatthe things that prejudiced me against her case.
prejudiced me against her case.
Mrs Birling doesn‟t think that Eva respects Mrs Birling doesn‟t think that Eva respects her her and she thinks her duty is dependent on how and she thinks her duty is dependent on how well she likes a girl.
well she likes a girl.
MRS B. MRS B.
Oh
Oh – – she had some fancy reason. As if she had some fancy reason. As if a girl of a girl of that sort wouldthat sort would ever refuse money!
ever refuse money!
It tells that she thinks highly of herself and her It tells that she thinks highly of herself and her class.
class.
BIRLING BIRLING
Neither do I. If you‟d had any sense of loyalty – Neither do I. If you‟d had any sense of loyalty –
The Birlings have double standards. Mr and The Birlings have double standards. Mr and Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their children even though they, as we children even though they, as we sawsaw previously from Mr Birling, would be willing previously from Mr Birling, would be willing toto withstand the interrogation as long as their withstand the interrogation as long as their
children had to go through the same thing. children had to go through the same thing.
ERIC ERIC
Well, I‟m not old enough to be married, aren‟t I, and I‟m not Well, I‟m not old enough to be married, aren‟t I, and I‟m not married, and I hate these fat
married, and I hate these fat old tarts round the townold tarts round the town – – the ones Ithe ones I see some of your respectable friends with.
see some of your respectable friends with.
Clearly we see that the
Clearly we see that the upper-class does notupper-class does not have morals Mrs Birling upholds them to. have morals Mrs Birling upholds them to. Although Eric at
Although Eric at first seems first seems to be immature,to be immature, we learn that he sees more than his parents we learn that he sees more than his parents do because he does not pick and choose the do because he does not pick and choose the things he wishes to see.
things he wishes to see.
MRS B. MRS B.
I was the only one of you who didn‟t give in
I was the only one of you who didn‟t give in to him. And now sayto him. And now say we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and
we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and decide if decide if there‟s anything to be done about it.
there‟s anything to be done about it.
Because Mrs Birling is proud, she
Because Mrs Birling is proud, she wants facewants face in her family so she refuses to admit she feels in her family so she refuses to admit she feels ashamed for what she has done.
ashamed for what she has done. Young vs. Old
Young vs. Old
The Generation gap is represented by The Generation gap is represented by Sheila and Eric, the younger generation, Sheila and Eric, the younger generation, and Mr and Mrs Birling, the older one. It and Mr and Mrs Birling, the older one. It suggests how set in the
suggests how set in the traditional valuestraditional values the older they get but that the young the older they get but that the young people are more receptive to change. people are more receptive to change. Throughout the play we see
Throughout the play we see instancesinstances where Priestley is attempting to increase where Priestley is attempting to increase support for Socialism with the younger support for Socialism with the younger generation because he believes that they generation because he believes that they would be more receptive to revolutionary would be more receptive to revolutionary ideas. Mr and Mrs Birling
ideas. Mr and Mrs Birling represent therepresent the older, more conservative generation who older, more conservative generation who believe in taking care
believe in taking care of only themselvesof only themselves and to that where class and status are and to that where class and status are inherently importa
inherently important. nt. Gerald, on tGerald, on thehe other hand, is in the middle. He other hand, is in the middle. He represents those who do not outwardly represents those who do not outwardly support socialism but can see the support socialism but can see the potential benefits it can bring to
potential benefits it can bring to society.society.
SHEILA SHEILA
Yes, but you don‟t believe me. And this
Yes, but you don‟t believe me. And this is the wrong time not tois the wrong time not to believe me.
believe me.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
((coolly coolly ) We often do on the young ones. They‟re more) We often do on the young ones. They‟re more impressionable
impressionable
Priestley is speaking through Goole in an Priestley is speaking through Goole in an attempt to appeal to the young people the attempt to appeal to the young people the perks of socialis
perks of socialism. m. The role that he pThe role that he plays islays is one of presence and
one of presence and Priestley understandsPriestley understands that young people tends to
that young people tends to attract to thoseattract to those that have one of
that have one of presence.presence.
BIRLING BIRLING
By Jingo! A fake! By Jingo! A fake!
The colloquialism that he uses
The colloquialism that he uses here showshere shows that he is not born into the middle-class. It that he is not born into the middle-class. It also shows how hopeful he is at catching the also shows how hopeful he is at catching the Inspector‟s lie. His reputation will not be Inspector‟s lie. His reputation will not be ruined and he does not have to worry about ruined and he does not have to worry about his social status that he has worked so hard his social status that he has worked so hard to climb into.
to climb into.
MRS B. MRS B.
I was the only one of you who didn‟t give in
I was the only one of you who didn‟t give in to him. And now sayto him. And now say we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and
we must discuss this business quietly and sensibly and decide if decide if there‟s anything to be done about it.
there‟s anything to be done about it.
Because Mrs Birling is proud, she
Because Mrs Birling is proud, she wants facewants face in her family so she refuses to admit she feels in her family so she refuses to admit she feels ashamed for what she has done.
ashamed for what she has done.
BIRLING BIRLING
Now listen, you two. If you‟re
Now listen, you two. If you‟re still feeling on edge, then the still feeling on edge, then the leastleast you can do is to keep quiet. Leave this to us. I‟ll admit that fellow‟s you can do is to keep quiet. Leave this to us. I‟ll admit that fellow‟s antics rattled us a bit.
antics rattled us a bit. But we‟vBut we‟ve found him oute found him out – – and all we haveand all we have to do is to keep our heads. Now it‟s our turn.
to do is to keep our heads. Now it‟s our turn.
Birling is excited and relieved that the Birling is excited and relieved that the Inspector is a fraud. He doesn‟t like Inspector is a fraud. He doesn‟t like beingbeing humiliated and upstaged so he will jump at humiliated and upstaged so he will jump at the chance to do the same to the supposed the chance to do the same to the supposed “Inspector”
“Inspector”
ERIC ERIC
I don‟t see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills I don‟t see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be
herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can‟t.letting yourselves out nicely, but I can‟t. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.
Nor can mother. We did her in all right.
We can see Eric‟s humanity in this quote in We can see Eric‟s humanity in this quote in that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and understands the role that he played in her understands the role that he played in her death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, EricEric doesn‟t try to
brave enough to admit his role and brave brave enough to admit his role and brave enough to admit his
enough to admit his problems.problems. Capitalism/Conservatism
Capitalism/Conservatism In the play, Mr Birling
In the play, Mr Birling represents arepresents a capitalist society. This is an economic capitalist society. This is an economic system that is based on private system that is based on private
ownership of industry. The problem with ownership of industry. The problem with capitalism is that it often leads to the few capitalism is that it often leads to the few exploiting the many and creates a exploiting the many and creates a situation where those who have money situation where those who have money have the power to stop
have the power to stop others fromothers from sharing the wealth. Capitalism is often sharing the wealth. Capitalism is often part of conservatism. Conservatives that part of conservatism. Conservatives that people should take greater responsibility people should take greater responsibility for themselves. Traditionally,
for themselves. Traditionally,
conservative governments keep taxation conservative governments keep taxation low in the belief that people enjoy the low in the belief that people enjoy the benefits of hard work and success. benefits of hard work and success. Opponents of conservatism believe it Opponents of conservatism believe it reduces social mobility and that it reduces social mobility and that it benefits the rich over the poor. Thus benefits the rich over the poor. Thus throughout the play we see
throughout the play we see a constanta constant struggle between Sheila and Eric and struggle between Sheila and Eric and Mr Mr and Mrs Birling.
and Mrs Birling.
BIRLING BIRLING
No, we won’t. It’s one of the happiest nights of my life No, we won’t. It’s one of the happiest nights of my life . And. And one day, I hope, Eric, when you‟ve a daughter of your own, you‟ll one day, I hope, Eric, when you‟ve a daughter of your own, you‟ll understand why. Gerald, I‟m going to tell
understand why. Gerald, I‟m going to tell you frankly, without anyyou frankly, without any pretences, that your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous pretences, that your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me...
lot to me... Your father and I Your father and I have been friendly have been friendly rivals inrivals in business for some time now - though Crofts Limited are both business for some time now - though Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than Birling and Company
-older and bigger than Birling and Company - and now you’veand now you’ve brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to theto the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and
are working together - for lower costs and higher prices.higher prices.
Thus we see that the “happiest nights” of his Thus we see that the “happiest nights” of his life are not that
life are not that his daughter is getting marriedhis daughter is getting married but rather, his daughter is getting married to but rather, his daughter is getting married to someone from a higher social standing and someone from a higher social standing and more wealth. In a sense, it can be argued that more wealth. In a sense, it can be argued that Birling treats his daughter as a
Birling treats his daughter as a commodity,commodity, someone who can be traded for
someone who can be traded for better better business and higher ra
business and higher ranking. nking. Thus, Birling isThus, Birling is essentially a selfish man; he looks
essentially a selfish man; he looks out for out for himself first and second for his
himself first and second for his family.family.
BIRLING BIRLING
...
...We employers at last are coming together to see that our We employers at last are coming together to see that our interests - and the interests of Capital - are properly
interests - and the interests of Capital - are properly protected.
protected. And we‟re in f And we‟re in for a time of or a time of steadily increasingsteadily increasing prosperity.
prosperity.
Here we see tha
Here we see that Birling‟s values reflect thoset Birling‟s values reflect those of many wealthy middle-class business of many wealthy middle-class business owners at the time. In the
owners at the time. In the newly-capitalisticnewly-capitalistic society, the middle-class were the new class society, the middle-class were the new class of wealth and status and thus,
of wealth and status and thus, many familiesmany families wanted to protect their own interests to wanted to protect their own interests to continue to be wealthy and
continue to be wealthy and continue to climbcontinue to climb up the social ladder.
up the social ladder. Priestley, as you will seePriestley, as you will see later on, is clearly disapproving of
later on, is clearly disapproving of this type of this type of thinking.
thinking.
BIRLING BIRLING
...
...let’s say, in 1940let’s say, in 1940 - you may be giving a little party like this - you may be giving a little party like this -your son or daughter might be g
your son or daughter might be g etting engaged - and I telletting engaged - and I tell you, by that time you’ll be living in a world that’ll have you, by that time you’ll be living in a world that’ll have forgotten all these Capital vs Labour agitations and all these forgotten all these Capital vs Labour agitations and all these silly little war scares.
silly little war scares.
Again we see an el
Again we see an element of dramement of dramatic irony.atic irony. When the Titanic was first
When the Titanic was first constructed, it wasconstructed, it was thought to be unsinkable. However, as the thought to be unsinkable. However, as the audience now knows, it sunk on its maiden audience now knows, it sunk on its maiden voyage, which is counterintuitive to what voyage, which is counterintuitive to what Birling is trying to say.
Birling is trying to say. Similarly, in 1940,Similarly, in 1940, many European countries were on the verge many European countries were on the verge of war. Young men were being
of war. Young men were being drafted intodrafted into the army regardless of their wealth and the army regardless of their wealth and statusstatus and the threat of Germany was looming, thus, and the threat of Germany was looming, thus, we see once again that Birling‟s credibility is we see once again that Birling‟s credibility is challenged.
challenged.
BIRLING BIRLING
((solemnly solemnly ) But this is the point…) But this is the point…a man has to make his owna man has to make his own way
way – – has to look after himself has to look after himself – – and his and his family family too, of too, of course, when he has one…
course, when he has one…
This demonstrates Birling‟s character very This demonstrates Birling‟s character very well in that he is selfish and does not see that well in that he is selfish and does not see that his actions impact not only his
his actions impact not only his family, hisfamily, his class but also everyone around him
class but also everyone around him includingincluding those he sees as of a lower social standing. those he sees as of a lower social standing. Symbolically, he represents conservative and Symbolically, he represents conservative and
capitalist ideals. He believes in making capitalist ideals. He believes in making hishis own money regardless of who he steps on to own money regardless of who he steps on to get there and not looking out for anyone get there and not looking out for anyone except himself and his immediate family. except himself and his immediate family.
BIRLING BIRLING
Yes, well we needn‟t go into all that. Yes, well we needn‟t go into all that. …
…
BIRLING BIRLING
Oh
Oh – – just before you camejust before you came – – I‟d been giving these young men aI‟d been giving these young men a little good advice.
little good advice.
Clearly, when the Inspector says that Clearly, when the Inspector says that everyone is responsible for everyone else, everyone is responsible for everyone else, Birling agrees that a chain
Birling agrees that a chain of events mightof events might have caused Eva Smith‟s death. However, he have caused Eva Smith‟s death. However, he does not agree that even he has been a does not agree that even he has been a cause, it does not follow that he is the cause cause, it does not follow that he is the cause and thus is not responsible directly for her and thus is not responsible directly for her death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death. But if he is a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death, it would render what he said earlier in death, it would render what he said earlier in the play void.
the play void. Since he believSince he believes thates that everyone should mind their own business, everyone should mind their own business, being a catalyst in
being a catalyst in Eva Smith‟s death wouldEva Smith‟s death would result in proving that his
result in proving that his actions do affectactions do affect other people and subsequently, what he said other people and subsequently, what he said early on the play would not make sense. Also, early on the play would not make sense. Also, on further note, Birling does not
on further note, Birling does not want thewant the Inspector to humiliate him
Inspector to humiliate him further.further. Socialism
Socialism In basic
In basic terms, socialism terms, socialism is the belief is the belief that as a society, we have to look after that as a society, we have to look after one another. In particular, socialists one another. In particular, socialists believe that the rich has a responsibility believe that the rich has a responsibility to look after the poor. In
to look after the poor. In socialistsocialist societies, taxation is higher in order to societies, taxation is higher in order to
The
TheINSPECTORINSPECTORenters, and enters, and EDNAEDNAgoes, closing door after her.goes, closing door after her. The
TheINSPECTORINSPECTORneed not be a big man but he creates at once anneed not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. He is a impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. He is a man in his fifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period He man in his fifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period He speaks carefully, weightily, and has a disconcerting habit of speaks carefully, weightily, and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the
looking hard at the person he addresses before actually speaking.person he addresses before actually speaking.
He is in a plain
He is in a plain darkish suit without anydarkish suit without any physical distinguishers or fancy layers. He is physical distinguishers or fancy layers. He is symbolic of the notion of socialism. The symbolic of the notion of socialism. The Inspector not only is representative of this but Inspector not only is representative of this but also a physical embodiment. In other words, also a physical embodiment. In other words, he could be any person on the street and he could be any person on the street and doesn‟t see the need to
doesn‟t see the need to decorate himself withdecorate himself with badges so long as he fulfils his purpose. badges so long as he fulfils his purpose. fund a more considerable Welfare State
fund a more considerable Welfare State –
– the term for all organisations designedthe term for all organisations designed to help people. Socialist wants to see the to help people. Socialist wants to see the collapse of the class system so that collapse of the class system so that people can achieve and live good lives people can achieve and live good lives irrespective of their background. irrespective of their background. Throughout the play we see that Throughout the play we see that Priestley constantly pushes for the Priestley constantly pushes for the support of socialism and its principles. support of socialism and its principles. Inspector Goole acts as the mouthpiece Inspector Goole acts as the mouthpiece for Priestley, often spouting socialist for Priestley, often spouting socialist theories and principles during his theories and principles during his
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
Because what happened to her than
Because what happened to her than may have determined whatmay have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to
happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A
afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.chain of events.
This conveys the theme of collective This conveys the theme of collective
responsibility, that everyone is responsible for responsibility, that everyone is responsible for everyone else. There is also an element of everyone else. There is also an element of foreshadowing.
foreshadowing.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
((dryly dryly ) I‟ve had that notion ) I‟ve had that notion myself from time to time. In fact, I‟vemyself from time to time. In fact, I‟ve thought that it would do us all a bit of good
thought that it would do us all a bit of good if sometimes we triedif sometimes we tried to put ourselves in the
to put ourselves in the place of these young women counting their place of these young women counting their pennies in their dingy
pennies in their dingy little back bedroomslittle back bedrooms
In this excerpt, through Inspector Goole, In this excerpt, through Inspector Goole, Priestly is preaching to the wealthy about Priestly is preaching to the wealthy about howhow the notion of the wealthy is wrong.
the notion of the wealthy is wrong.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone
But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone – – but there arebut there are
The parallel structure demonstrated here is The parallel structure demonstrated here is linked to the idea
questioning
questioning of of the the Birlings. Birlings. millions millions and and millions millions and and millions millions of of Eva Eva Smiths Smiths and and John John SmithsSmiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives,lives, and what we think and say and do. We don‟t live alone. W and what we think and say and do. We don‟t live alone. W e aree are members of one body. We are
members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And Iresponsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.
anguish.
and socialism. In his closing remarks, the and socialism. In his closing remarks, the Inspector refers to “mill
Inspector refers to “mill ions and millions andions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John
millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”, bothSmiths”, both “Eva Smith” and “John Smith” referring to “Eva Smith” and “John Smith” referring to common names, thus, representing common common names, thus, representing common people and therefore, the theme of socialism. people and therefore, the theme of socialism. He also mentions that they are
He also mentions that they are “members of “members of one body” who are
one body” who are “responsible for each“responsible for each other”, referring to the idea of collective other”, referring to the idea of collective responsibility. The element of
responsibility. The element of foreshadowingforeshadowing in
in the biblical imagery the biblical imagery of “fire and blof “fire and blood andood and anguish” may re
anguish” may refer to fer to World War I and World War I and WorldWorld War II, both wars in which Priestley and his War II, both wars in which Priestley and his audience have already experienced. audience have already experienced. Remorse and Guilt
Remorse and Guilt An Inspector C
An Inspector Calls is seen as a alls is seen as a moralitymorality play, one that deals
play, one that deals with instructs aboutwith instructs about the condition of man and deals with good the condition of man and deals with good and evil. The characters in the play are and evil. The characters in the play are guilty of various stages of the
guilty of various stages of the sevenseven deadly sins
deadly sins – – pride, pride, sloth, glutsloth, gluttony, envytony, envy,, covetousness, lust and anger. The covetousness, lust and anger. The Inspector asks the characters to Inspector asks the characters to
reassess their perception of what makes reassess their perception of what makes a person good and
a person good and respectable citizen,respectable citizen, and exposes what appears to be a and exposes what appears to be a respectable family to their misdeeds, respectable family to their misdeeds, naturally places the play in a religious naturally places the play in a religious context of some sort with the Inspector context of some sort with the Inspector as a prophetic bein
as a prophetic being. g. He asks theHe asks the characters to repent for their sins and characters to repent for their sins and toto reach spiritual enlightenment. In this reach spiritual enlightenment. In this respect remorse, a deep sense of regret respect remorse, a deep sense of regret and guilt for a misdeed, is a theme that and guilt for a misdeed, is a theme that Priestley explores.
Priestley explores.
Remorse is not an emotion which is Remorse is not an emotion which is expressed by every character. However, expressed by every character. However,
INSPECTOR
INSPECTOR takes a photograph, about postcard size, out of histakes a photograph, about postcard size, out of his
pocket and goes
pocket and goes totoBIRLINGBIRLINGBothBothGERALDGERALDand and ERICERICrise to haverise to have a look at the photograph, but the
a look at the photograph, but the INSPECTORINSPECTORinterposes himself interposes himself between them and the photograph. They are
between them and the photograph. They are surprised and rather surprised and rather annoyed...
annoyed...
One of the reasons why the
One of the reasons why the characters arecharacters are shown the photo one at a time is to create shown the photo one at a time is to create tension and to put them in the spotlight. The tension and to put them in the spotlight. The eventual downfall of Eva Smith was due eventual downfall of Eva Smith was due toto each of those people
each of those people in order. The Inspector in order. The Inspector must show the picture
must show the picture to them one at a time,to them one at a time, to make them feel responsible for their to make them feel responsible for their contribution to Eva Smith‟s death. contribution to Eva Smith‟s death.
SHEILA SHEILA
And probably betw
And probably between us we killed hereen us we killed her..
She seems to take responsibility for her She seems to take responsibility for her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions and acknowledge the fact that her actions have impact on other people, contrary actions have impact on other people, contrary to her character early on in the play.
to her character early on in the play.
SHEILA SHEILA
It means that we‟ve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if It means that we‟ve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if we‟ve any sense we won‟t
we‟ve any sense we won‟t try…And if you‟re not telling the truth,try…And if you‟re not telling the truth, why should the Inspector apologize? And can‟t you
why should the Inspector apologize? And can‟t you see, both of see, both of you, you‟re making it worse?
you, you‟re making it worse?
Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to Sheila recognizes the futility of trying to avoidavoid the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has the Inspector. Clearly, now that she has admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and admitted fault for her actions towards Eva and tries to convince her parents to
tries to convince her parents to stop avoidingstop avoiding the Inspector‟s persistent questioning. the Inspector‟s persistent questioning.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
Because she‟d been turned out and
Because she‟d been turned out and turned down too many times.turned down too many times. This was the end.
This was the end.
She kills herself because everyone uses her She kills herself because everyone uses her then discards her.
it is a key theme in the play, which links it is a key theme in the play, which links with Priestley‟s intentions to create a play with Priestley‟s intentions to create a play in which character‟s learn something by in which character‟s learn something by the end. Different characters react to the end. Different characters react to their guilt differently.
their guilt differently.
ERIC ERIC
((nearly at breaking point nearly at breaking point )) ThenThen – – you killed her. She came to youyou killed her. She came to you to protect me
to protect me – – and you turned her awayand you turned her away – – yes, and you killed her yes, and you killed her –
– and the child she‟d have had too –and the child she‟d have had too – my childmy child – – your ownyour own grandchild
grandchild – – you killed them bothyou killed them both – – damn you, damn you.damn you, damn you.
The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks The way that Eric thinks and his family thinks is different, and so creates the underlying is different, and so creates the underlying tension between them. This links to the tension between them. This links to the ideaidea of public image, where on
of public image, where on the surface, theythe surface, they seem like a good
seem like a good family unit but underneath,family unit but underneath, they are not a
they are not a family at all. Furthermore, itfamily at all. Furthermore, it shows how distant Mrs Birling is
shows how distant Mrs Birling is from her son.from her son.
ERIC ERIC
I don‟t see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills I don‟t see much nonsense about it when a girl goes and kills herself. You lot may be
herself. You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can‟t.letting yourselves out nicely, but I can‟t. Nor can mother. We did her in all right.
Nor can mother. We did her in all right.
We can see Eric‟s humanity in this quote in We can see Eric‟s humanity in this quote in that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and that Eric feels remorse for Eva Smith and understands the role that he played in her understands the role that he played in her death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, death. Unlike his parents and Gerald, EricEric doesn‟t try to
doesn‟t try to sugar-coat his problems; he issugar-coat his problems; he is brave enough to admit his role and brave brave enough to admit his role and brave enough to admit his
enough to admit his problems.problems. Public image and hypocrisy
Public image and hypocrisy The play is set at a time when public The play is set at a time when public image and respectability were image and respectability were
paramount. People in the Edwardian era paramount. People in the Edwardian era valued appearances highly. Married valued appearances highly. Married couples could have affairs as long as couples could have affairs as long as public image and respectability were public image and respectability were maintained. Whatever people did that maintained. Whatever people did that was shameful did not matter as long as was shameful did not matter as long as no one found out. The elder Birlings and no one found out. The elder Birlings and Gerald all try to conceal their actions Gerald all try to conceal their actions from the Inspector because of this need from the Inspector because of this need to maintain public appearances. to maintain public appearances. Concern with appearances causes Concern with appearances causes characters to lie and to
characters to lie and to act hypocritically.act hypocritically. Gerald appears to love Sheila, yet he Gerald appears to love Sheila, yet he has an affair with Daisy
has an affair with Daisy Renton. MrsRenton. Mrs Birling presents her
Birling presents herself self as a respectableas a respectable citizen, an upstanding member of the citizen, an upstanding member of the community and Brumley Wome community and Brumley Women‟sn‟s Charity Organization, yet she Charity Organization, yet she refusesrefuses Eva Smith help. Mr Birling presents Eva Smith help. Mr Birling presents himself as a family man, yet
himself as a family man, yet Eric doesEric does not feel he can go to him for help. not feel he can go to him for help.
GERALD GERALD
If possible If possible – – yes.yes.
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
Well, we know one young woman who wasn‟t, don‟t we? Well, we know one young woman who wasn‟t, don‟t we?
The Inspector uses a play on words to The Inspector uses a play on words to manipulate Gerald into admitting what he did. manipulate Gerald into admitting what he did.
MRS. B MRS. B
(staggered) Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we (staggered) Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we areare learning something tonight
learning something tonight
Mrs Birling does not see what is in front of Mrs Birling does not see what is in front of her, even though everyone else seemed to her, even though everyone else seemed to know about Alderman. She clearly does not know about Alderman. She clearly does not think that someone of her class would think that someone of her class would behavebehave in the same manner of
in the same manner of what she thinks thatwhat she thinks that those of
those of lower class lower class do. do. She thinks She thinks that that thethe morals of the upper-class should be more morals of the upper-class should be more rigid and upright than the morals of the rigid and upright than the morals of the lower-class
class
INSPECTOR INSPECTOR
((massively massively ) Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as ) Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well aswell as privileges.
privileges.
Again this is an el
Again this is an element of foresement of foreshadowing. Hehadowing. He is talking halfway through something that he is talking halfway through something that he clearly doesn‟t want his father to know clearly doesn‟t want his father to know about.about.
MRS B. MRS B.
Certainly. And he ought to be
Certainly. And he ought to be dealt with very severelydealt with very severely – –
SHEILA SHEILA
((with sudden alarmwith sudden alarm) Mother ) Mother – – stopstop – – stop!stop!
Mrs Birling doesn‟t realize she is
Mrs Birling doesn‟t realize she is talking abouttalking about Eric whilst Sheila, on the
Eric whilst Sheila, on the other hand, realizesother hand, realizes that the person responsible is Eric
that the person responsible is Eric and tries toand tries to get her mother to stop. We see an example of get her mother to stop. We see an example of Mrs Birling‟s moral uprighteousness. She Mrs Birling‟s moral uprighteousness. She thinks that if someone committed a sin, they thinks that if someone committed a sin, they should be dealt with a punishment equal to should be dealt with a punishment equal to their sin.
their sin.
BIRLING BIRLING
Neither do I.
Neither do I. If you‟d had any sense of loyIf you‟d had any sense of loyalty –alty –
The Birlings have double standards. Mr and The Birlings have double standards. Mr and Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their Mrs Birling demand full loyalty from their
