How does Priestley present ideas about responsibility in An Inspector Calls?
Line of Argument
Priestley presents responsibility as the central moral test of the play - those who accept it (Sheila, Eric) represent hope, while those who refuse it (Mr & Mrs Birling) represent the moral failure that caused two World Wars.
Introduction
Establish the 1912/1945 dual time frame. State that Priestley uses the Inspector as a mouthpiece to argue for collective social responsibility and against capitalist individualism.
Point 1
Point
Birling rejects responsibility - represents capitalist individualism
Quote
"a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own"
Analysis
Repetition of 'his own' = selfishness. Positioned before Inspector arrives so the play dismantles it. Dramatic irony of Titanic discredits his authority.
Point 2
Point
The Inspector asserts collective responsibility as moral truth
Quote
"We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other"
Analysis
Anaphora of 'We are' = collectivism. Organic metaphor 'one body' echoes Body of Christ. Declarative statements = moral imperatives. Priestley's mouthpiece.
Point 3
Point
Sheila accepts responsibility - represents younger generation's hope
Quote
"But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people"
Analysis
Antithesis exposes dehumanisation. Simple language = moral truth isn't complex. Her progression models the audience's journey.
Point 4
Point
Mrs Birling weaponises her position to refuse responsibility
Quote
"I used my influence to have it refused"
Analysis
Charity becomes instrument of class cruelty. Had final chance to save Eva. Priestley exposes institutional hypocrisy.
Point 5
Point
The cyclical structure warns that responsibility cannot be avoided
Quote
"if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish"
Analysis
Prophetic tricolon = dramatic irony (1945 audience knows Wars happened). Final phone call = cyclical structure. Moral lesson will repeat until learned.
Conclusion
Return to the argument: Priestley uses every dramatic tool - irony, structure, characterisation - to prove that social responsibility is not optional. The 1945 audience must choose: learn like Sheila, or repeat the catastrophe like Birling.
An Inspector Calls — Essay Plan — GCSE Literature Revision