Inspector Calls Individualism

In the morality play, “An Inspector Calls”, Priestley employs the concept of responsibility to express the haunting effects of individualism on people’s lives. Priestley introduces the theme of responsibility by utilizing the omniscient inspector Goole to advance the socialist viewpoint that each of us must be accountable for both our own deeds and the way we treat others. However, he contrasts this philosophy with the usage of figures like Mr. and Mrs. Birling, who are the complete antitheses of Priestley's message; they lack accountability and are self-centred, heartless, and prejudiced. Priestley portrays Mr. and Mrs. Birling as intolerant and selfish figures as a method to criticise the upper-middle class. The unity of the socialist ideologies

Priestley perpetuates the character of inspector Goole as a mouthpiece of his socialist values, his intention is to paint the Inspector as a role model to the audience. The fact that he “at once” created an “impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness”, despite lacking stature, indicates to an audience that his presence will change things and his character holds all the power to instil these changes. The inspector urges the family to share responsibility between them when he tells Sheila “You’re partly to blame. Just as your father is." Priestley cleverly employs this phrase with two parataxis sentences that create dramatic effect as it draws an emphasis to the shared responsibility in this scene this serves as an introduction to the idea of shared culpability to the audience. Furthermore, the inspector’s aggressive and accusatory tone does not allow Mr. Birlings role in Eva smiths death to go unnoticed. The inspector continues to tell the family "We have to share something. If there's nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt." The plural pronouns of "we" and “we’ll” rather than "you" or "I" demonstrates a sense of comfort that cannot be found anywhere else is brought about by showing how expressing our accountability and sharing our vulnerabilities unites communities. Additionally, Priestley utilises

and Mrs. Birlings' characters in a variety of ways. The elder generations are represented as being bigoted and patronizing throughout the entire play through their viewpoints and responses to Eva's passing. Hence, Priestley's argument about the corrupting effects of an unequal power structure on society and human existence is brought into sharp focus. Mrs. Birling's careless use of her social influence makes it clear that, in order to make society a more equitable environment, people of her calibre must be removed from positions of influence and authority. Under the persona of Mrs. Birling, Priestley was able to persuade the audience to reject capitalism and spread his message of socialism. By this portrayal of the upper middleclass, Priestley aims to connect with the audience of 1945, who have the resources and power to affect change and stay away from ending up like Mr. and Mrs.