Overview
The play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley is a three-act drama centered on the Birling family, whose celebration is disrupted by Inspector Goole investigating a young woman's suicide, revealing each character's involvement.
Main Characters
- Arthur Birling: The patriarch, successful businessman, self-assured and dismissive of social responsibility.
- Sybil Birling: His wife, cold and socially superior.
- Sheila Birling: Their daughter, young, emotional, and impressionable.
- Eric Birling: Their son, uneasy and secretive, struggles with drinking.
- Gerald Croft: Sheila's fiancé, upper class, has a past with Eva Smith.
- Edna: The maid.
- Inspector Goole: The mysterious inspector investigating Eva Smith's death.
Plot Summary and Structure
- The play takes place in the Birling's dining room in 1912, during Sheila and Gerald’s engagement celebration.
- Inspector Goole arrives, announcing Eva Smith, a young woman, died by suicide after drinking disinfectant.
- Birling admits firing Eva Smith for leading a strike for better wages.
- Sheila confesses to getting Eva dismissed from Milwards out of jealousy.
- Gerald reveals he had an affair with Eva (as Daisy Renton).
- Mrs. Birling, as charity committee chair, refused Eva help when she was pregnant.
- Eric confesses to a relationship with Eva, got her pregnant, and stole money to support her.
- Inspector delivers a final speech on collective responsibility before abruptly leaving.
- Family debates whether the inspector was real; a call confirms a real inspector is on his way after a girl dies.
Themes & Key Concepts
- Responsibility: Each character's actions contributed to Eva Smith's downfall.
- Social Class: The Birlings' attitudes show class prejudice and lack of empathy for the lower class.
- Generational Divide: Sheila and Eric accept blame; older Birlings deny responsibility.
- Reality vs. Perception: Uncertainty about Inspector Goole’s identity and the truth tests the family's morals.
- Guilt and Conscience: Younger characters feel remorse, while elders focus on reputation.
Important Moments
- Inspector’s method: interviews each person separately, uses a photograph only shown to one at a time.
- Sheila returns Gerald’s engagement ring, symbolizing a change in their relationship.
- The final twist: confirmation that a real inspector is coming after all.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dramatic Irony — When the audience knows more than the characters (e.g., Birling’s confidence about no war/Titanic).
- Social Responsibility — The belief that individuals must care for others in society.
- Collective Responsibility — The idea that everyone’s actions can affect others, and society should act together.
- Class Distinction — The difference in attitudes and opportunities between the social classes, highlighted in the play.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key character motivations and how each contributed to Eva Smith’s death.
- Analyze the differences in reactions among the Birlings after the Inspector leaves.
- Reflect on Priestley’s message regarding social responsibility.
- Prepare notes on how dramatic techniques (e.g., the Inspector's entrance, the photograph) reinforce themes.
- Complete any assigned reading of the play or prepare answers to potential essay questions.