Themes

Birling's Toast - Dramatic Irony

Watch the video to learn about how Priestley has used dramatic irony to exemplify Arthur Birling's ridiculous perception of society.

Class

In the play the inequality between the classes is explored, and J.B.Priestly's critical opinion of the class system is evident throughout the play.

Before WWII the class system divide in Britain was massive - there was an obvious gap between the upper class wealthy and factory owners and the working class, those working within the companies the privileged 1% owned.

When the Second World War began the class systems merged due to rationing and soldiers wearing the same uniform whilst fighting dissolved some of the symbolism behind clothing.

How is this shown in the play?

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley explores the theme of class through the treatment of working-class Eva Smith by the wealthy Birlings and Gerald Croft when she is in the following situations:

when she is a factory worker
when she works in a shop
when she is effectively homeless
when she is potentially a single mother

Test yourself at BBC Bitesize here.

Age

Age is used as a symbol of hope by J.B.Priestly throughout the play. Sheila and Gerald are two characters who show the most remorse towards Eva Smith, where as Arthur and Sybil Birling are both very stubborn and rigid in their old ways.

Within the play 'age' symbolised the younger generation's ability to learn and change.

Arthur Birling's continuous comments about the world shows his ignorance, where as his wife's utter refusal to acknowledge the actions of her children and her own uncharitable actions show Priestley's view of the fixed upper class.

Both Eric and Gerald attempt to protect Eva Smith/Daisy Rention - however their good intentions are flawed by ridiculous executions.

How is the theme of age shown in the play?

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley explores the theme of age through:

Sheila and Eric's response to Eva's death
Mr and Mrs Birling's response to Eva's death
how the older characters perceive the younger ones

Sample question to consider: How are the younger Birling’s, Sheila and Eric, different to their parents in An Inspector Calls?

Head on over to BBC Bitesize to read a sample answer here.

Social Responsibility

The Second World War signified a time of great change in Britain, which is when An Inspector Calls first appeared on stage in 1946. Many writers echoed the concerns of J.B.Priestly, worrying about the welfare of the public, especially the poor. During this time there was no such thing as benefits to help those in need, and Priestly wanted to address this lack of assistance. One of his greatest beliefs was that if people were more considerate of one another then that would greatly improve the quality of life for everyone, not just the rich and affluent. This is predominantly why 'social responsibility' is a key theme of the play because J.B.Priestly wanted his audience to have responsibility, unlike those in the play. One of the most important messages is that 'actions have consequences'. Unfortunately here, the innocent suffered at the hand of the ignorant and powerful.

How is the theme of social responsibility shown in the play?

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley explores social responsibility through:

the treatment of Eva Smith
how each character does or doesn’t take responsibility for their behaviour
the Inspector's lessons

Take a look at a variety of quotations that shows social responsibility here.

Gender

The Second World War saw many women taking up the roles in the factories left by the men who went to fight as soldiers in order to ensure that the country was able to continue to run. This helped change existing perceptions. For the first time men had to acknowledge that women were just as capable as them, therefore giving women newfound freedom and money. Women were able to do a lot more than they ever had, taking on laborious work and running the household in the absence of brothers, husbands, lovers and fathers.

However, not all men saw this change as a positive impact on society, and remained steadfast in their old beliefs. Arthur Birling represents this old fashioned attitude.

Priestly explores these new gender roles through Eva Smith/Daisy Renton and the sexist attitude of Arthur Birling.

Although Sheila Birling and Sybil Birling are much wealthier than Eva Smith, they are just as limited in society as they still didn't have the vote so remain voiceless in politics.

Read how the characters view the role of women in An Inspector Calls here.

Wealth, power and influence

The Birlings are a family that symbolises wealth, power and influence within the play. They are infamous within the play as they represent all that is negative about the upper class. J.B.Priestley is critical of the upper classes and uses the Birlings as an example of how greed and desire for social ranking can be the reason for one's demise.

Mr Birling continuously shows his arrogant nature by stating many points that is obviously incorrect (Priestley's use of dramatic irony accentuates this). He represents the upper class factory owners who had power and influence over their workers (the working class).

Next, Sheila uses her social ranking to influence the staff at Millwards department store to terminate Eva Smith's employment by threatening to cancel the family's account.

Gerlad uses his influence to woo Eva Smith in the Palace bar, and uses his wealth to contain her within his rooms. Her survival depended on him due to the fact that he was giving her money and lodgings.

Eric Birling used then Daisy Renton for his own pleasure, and once she became pregnant stole money from his father in order to try and support her.

Mrs Birling refused to give her charity, obviously offended due to the fact that Eva Smith used the name Mrs Birling when she made her desperate claim for charity. Dramatic irony is used here to further emphasise her desperation as the audience is aware that Mrs Birling actually refused to support her own grandchild.

It is obvious that each member of the family used their power and wealth in order for their own agenda. J.B.Priestley showcases how a small proportion of society had the majority of influence on the rest of the members, highlighting the corruption and illicit behavour at the core of their actions.

More discussion about Power, Wealth and Influence can be found here.

7 Deadly Sins

An Inspector Calls is a morality play - a play that delivers important 'life lessons' to its audience. Priestley has used the concept of '7 Deadly Sins' in order to structure the downfall of each of the Birling's. The 7 Deadly Sins are of Christian origin; however you must remember that these are excessive versions of a person's natural (base) instincts or desires. They were used in order to guide people away from the tempting lures of the deadly sins before any dreadful consequences occurred. Interestingly, pride was considered the most severe as it was thought indulgence in it would sever the soul from the grace of God – this is deadly sin that we can associate with Sybil Birling, who arguably commits the worst ‘crime’ against Eva.

The play as a whole is considered a 'morality play', where Inspector Goole constantly brings to the surface the deadly sins committed by the family, the impact it's had on the innocent, thus becoming a message of morality to the audience. The Birlings have committed a variety of deadly sins throughout the play, from greed to pride, to gluttony (Eric and his drinking problem) to vanity. J.B Priestley doesn't want the audience to suffer the same consequences as the Birlings, therefore the play appears as a warning.

Learn more about how each character is affected by the 7 Deadly Sins here.

Also, learn the definitions to each 'deadly' sin on Quizlet here.

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