Overview
This lecture summarizes the plot, character actions, and key themes of J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls", focusing on responsibility, class, and consequences.
Characters & Setting
- Arthur Birling: A wealthy, self-important businessman.
- Sybil Birling: His wife, socially superior and cold.
- Sheila Birling: Their young, impressionable daughter.
- Eric Birling: Their troubled son, drinks heavily.
- Gerald Croft: Sheila’s fiancé, from an upper-class family.
- Edna: The Birling’s maid.
- Inspector Goole: The mysterious police inspector.
- All action occurs in the Birling’s dining room, Brumley, 1912.
Act One Summary
- The Birlings and Gerald celebrate Sheila and Gerald's engagement.
- Arthur Birling delivers speeches about self-reliance, dismissing future war or unrest.
- Inspector Goole arrives, announcing Eva Smith's suicide.
- Birling admits to firing Eva Smith for striking for higher wages but denies responsibility.
- Sheila learns she had Eva fired from Milwards out of jealousy.
Act Two Summary
- Inspector reveals Eva used the name Daisy Renton.
- Gerald confesses to an affair with Daisy, whom he helped and later abandoned.
- Mrs Birling denies knowing Eva, but it is revealed Eva sought help from her women's charity.
- Mrs Birling refused help, prejudiced due to Eva using the name "Mrs Birling."
- Eva was pregnant; Mrs Birling blames the unborn child's father.
Act Three Summary
- Eric admits he is the father, had a relationship with Eva, stole money to support her.
- Eva refused stolen money and sought charity help instead.
- Inspector Goole condemns all, emphasizing collective responsibility.
- After the Inspector leaves, the family questions his authenticity as a real inspector.
- Gerald discovers there was no recent suicide; relief for some, regret and guilt for Sheila and Eric.
- The real police telephone with news of a girl's suicide and a real inspector’s impending visit.
Themes & Exam Takeaways
- Responsibility: Each character’s actions contribute to Eva Smith’s downfall.
- Generational Divide: Younger (Sheila, Eric) learn and accept guilt, elders do not.
- Class & Gender: The Birlings’ treatment of Eva highlights classism and sexism.
- Social Critique: Inspector Goole’s message stresses communal responsibility.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Responsibility — The duty each character has for others’ wellbeing.
- Chain of Events — The cumulative effect of individual actions on Eva’s fate.
- Dramatic Irony — Audience knows historical events that contradict Birling’s optimism.
- Inspector Goole — Mysterious figure, possibly supernatural or a moral conscience.
- Eva Smith/Daisy Renton — Represents the exploited working class.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Inspector Goole's final speech for themes of social responsibility.
- Prepare character analysis notes for Sheila and Eric’s transformation.
- Study the ending for its open questions about truth, learning, and collective guilt.