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How Does Priestley Present The Theme Of Power In An Inspector Calls

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How does Priestley use language and structure to present the theme of power in “An Inspector Calls”?

JB Priestley’s “An Inspector Calls” uses numerous literary and structural techniques to convey the theme of power within London in 1912, when the play is set (shortly before the end of the Edwardian era). During this period, capitalism within Britain led to the division of the upper class and the working class. Throughout the play, the struggle for ‘Power’ can be represented through the characters of Arthur and Sybil Birling, who represent the capitalist beliefs, while the inspector who represents the socialist members of society and tries to challenge the Birling family's selfish attitudes and shows them how their actions have contributed …show more content…

For example, in Act One, it was revealed that she was employed at Birling & Co. and was one of several workers who have gone on strike to demand a pay raise. However, when Mr Birling became aware of this, he “refused, of course” and fired Eva. This demonstrates how Eva had little economic power, as he could dictate her wages, her working conditions, and ultimately her employment under his company. This left Eva with even less power and fewer ways to support herself financially. She was unable to negotiate for better wages or job security, despite having “a lot to say”. This suggests that Eva fought hard to create a better life for herself, but met rejection through Arthur Birling, who held firm beliefs in his actions, and was unwilling to take responsibility for his actions and instead tried to shift the blame onto others. This demonstrates Birling's unwillingness to acknowledge his actions and the negative impact it had on Eva's life. Additionally, in Act Two, Mrs Birling refers to Eva as "just a girl" and refuses to help her when she comes before the Women's Charity Organization for assistance. This shows how Eva has little social power, as she is viewed as a lesser individual and is unable to receive support from those in positions of authority, even in organisations set to help others. This reinforces the idea that those with more power and privilege in society are often able to exploit and mistreat those with less power, leaving them

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How is Mrs birling presented in An inspector calls In an inspector call, Mrs Birling is presented in a way that makes her unlikeable. She is shown to be rude and condescending as well as arrogant. She can be seen as condescending as she often corrects her family members, especially at the begging of the first act, she is very concerned with keeping up appearances and making sure that her family behaves properly.

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How does Priestley Present Gerald in An Inspector Calls In his didactic play ‘An Inspector Calls’, Priestley presents Gerald, and the upper class as a whole, to be extremely callous and unwilling to accept the opportunity for redemption. He explores themes and ideologies such as patriarchy in order to excoriate those for living protected in an ‘ivory tower’ of wealth, luxury and, most significantly, denial. The methods used by Priestley to do all of this encourages the audience in a contemporary society to look at themselves with an inverted eye and strive for equality.

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Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls" is a complex one, and opinions differ on whether or not he is a hypocrite. Some argue that he is inconsistent in his behavior and actions, while others believe that his actions are justified by his overarching mission to expose the hypocrisy of the Birling family. In this essay, we will explore the evidence for and against the idea that Inspector Goole is a hypocrite. On the one hand, there are several instances in the play where Inspector Goole's actions could be seen as hypocritical.

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In An Inspector Calls, John Boynton Priestley uses the characters, actions and their consequences to show the lack of social responsibility and exploitation of power in 1912. He uses the character’s actions and their reactions to what the inspector reveals to show the different ways in which people are exploited, such as for financial gain, self-esteem and sexual desires. He shows the misuse of these things and teaches the audience an important lesson about inequality. In Act 1, Priestley uses the sacking of Eva Smith by Mr Birling as a way to show how the lower class were exploited for financial gain, and the stubbornness of the rich by defending himself.

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Priestley presents Eric in an ambiguous manner in An Inspector Calls. Priestley’s portrayal of Eric contrasts his portrayal of Mr Birling through form, language and structure. Eric realises that there is no meritocracy in 1912 society and capitalism exists predominantly to exploit workers and create money for members of the upper class such as his parents. I think that he is seen as a representative of a socialist society, a victim of alcoholism, immature and an individual who lacks but also accepts collective social responsibility. Priestley’s effective change in Eric’s character over the course of the play ensures the audience’s opinion change also.

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