Themes ‘An Inspector Calls’

Morality None of the family treated Eva morally: Eric and Gerald both had a sexual relationship with Eva\Daisy, knowing that they would not commit to her Shelia was jealous so had her sacked Mrs Birling refused her help because she objected to Eva calling herself Mrs Birling Mr Birling sacked her for being a ring leader of workers who asked for a pay rise

Responsibility and Blame Sheila behaved stupidly, but did not have a particular responsibility for Eva. All the other characters had some responsibility for her and they all failed in this responsibility. We all have responsibility to mankind most easily displayed by our treatment of the people who come into our lives on a daily basis Do we have a responsibility only to the people we know, or do we have a responsibility to everyone we meet, such as the bus driver or the shop assistant? What is that responsibility? In the modern day, what is our responsibility to charities, both home and abroad? Do we have a responsibility or should we take the view, as Mr Birling did, that we should only look after our own? Who is to blame for the death of Eva Smith?

Love Who truly loves who in An Inspector Calls? Consider the relationship between: Mr & Mrs Birling and their children – it is obvious that neither Arthur nor Sybil Birling really know or understand their children, “They’re over-tired. In the morning they’ll be as amused as we are.” Equally, it is obvious that neither Sheila nor Eric have respect for their parents, “You don’t understand anything. You never did.”. Mr & Mrs Birling – how much love and respect for each other is shown? Gerald & Sheila – break off their engagement when Sheila tells Gerald that they don’t really know each other, “…You and I aren’t the same people who sat down to dinner here...” If that is the case, why were they so eager to become engaged at the start of the play? What was the basis for their ‘love’? Gerald & Daisy Renton – they were closest to love than any other couple in the play. Her feelings were true but he was weak – despite his feelings he wouldn’t stay with her because of the class distinction. Is that true love? Eric & Daisy Renton – he, quite simply, used her for sex. Sex does not equate to love! Love thy neighbour – was any love or concern really shown by any of the characters for anyone but themselves?

The Generation Gap Mr and Mrs Birling (and at times Gerald) behave and react differently to the younger characters (Sheila and Eric). Consider who learns from the experience and who will change their answers and attitude at the end of the play when an inspector calls again. Also – consider how Eric is sheltered from many of the discoveries due to his age and perceived ability to cope.

Class Distinction Sheila uses her power to get Eva sacked Mr Birling uses power and class to influence his employees Mrs Birling turns Eva’s appeal down because she felt that her position with the other women on the board was slighted by Eva’s stating that her name was Mrs Birling

Gender Difference How are the women treated? How are they expected to act – regardless of class? Consider how Mr Birling ignores Sheila at times – and would rather speak to Gerald about the engagement Consider how Mr and Mrs Birling react to Eric and Gerald’s affairs with Eva – they blame her.

Time The play begins with the family together just before an Inspector calls to interview them. This is exactly how the play ends and it suggests that time is never ending and life moves in full and continuing circles. For example: consider how Mr Birling states (in 1912) that there will not be a world war, but 1914 saw the beginning WW1. This was followed, only twenty years later, by WW2. Think of our world today. Although we are not involved in a world war as such, consider all the wars in the world: Iraq, Middle East, Zimbabwe, world wide terrorism for a start. Mankind does not learn from his mistakes and so the circles of life and time continue, we don’t move out of them until we have learnt our life’s lessons. In the same way, the Birlings and Gerald Croft can’t move forward as people until they have understood the mistakes they made when dealing with Eva\Daisy. They represent mankind who cannot move forward due to his own ignorance and greed.