The Significance Of Confessions In An Inspector Calls

The playwright initially explores the significance of confessions in An Inspector Calls through Mr Birling, who is a successful and wealthy businessman. Priestley portrays Birling as selfish because of his attitude towards the severe and intense investigation led by Inspector Goole. Birling, who is extremely pig-headed, claims that he “can’t accept any responsibility [for the suicide of Eva Smith]”. This highlights Birling’s ignorance because he started the “chain of events” when Eva Smith was fired from her job in his factory. In addition, Priestley shows that Birling clearly does not understand what he did was wrong. He claims, “As it happened more than eighteen months ago – nearly two years ago – obviously it has nothing to do with the wretched

It comes between the confessions of her parents, Mr and Mrs Birling, whose attitudes are extremely contrasted to hers: Sheila does not deny anything and tells the truth. In addition to this, she gives every single detail of her interaction with Eva Smith, the opposite of her father, who gives short and reluctant answers to the Inspector’s questions. Sheila is clearly shocked when she sees the picture and the surprise overwhelms her forcing her to leave the room and later return which creates a dramatic effect and makes us wonder what could possibly be so shocking to cause an extreme reaction. Furthermore, her return illustrates that she has mentally gathered herself during the exit and that she is ready to honestly answer the Inspector. This shows the maturity Sheila Birling carries with her. The admission, ‘I caught sight of the girl smiling at Miss Francis’, highlights her insecurity and lack of confidence. However, we feel sorry for her as, in the early 20th century, young women were judged on their looks, which perhaps explains why she felt envious and this is considered as sinful. During Sheila’s interrogation, she remembers “[Eva] was a very pretty girl […] that didn’t make it any better.” and admits, “I went to the manager and told him this girl had been very impertinent – and – and - ”. The hesitation shows shame and regret and while looking back at her actions, she does not have enough words to

In Act 3, the son of Mr and Mrs Birling, admits that he forced himself on Eva Smith and also stole from his father’s business; he is the only character to commit serious crimes, which could land him in trouble with the authorities. The young man, who is ashamed of his actions, recalls, “I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty-and I threatened to make a row.” From this, we know that Eric’s alcoholism lands him in trouble and controls his mind to make him do the irreversible. He frequently turns to this during times of need in order to get distracted and move away mentally from reality. However, judging from Eric’s tone of shame, he is repentant and regretful for his doings; he has taken blame, unlike his parents, showing his courage. This makes us respect Eric and value his honesty, despite the crimes he has committed. Priestley also reflects that Eric “wasn’t in love with her or anything - but I liked her - she was pretty and a good sport.” Despite his honesty, Eric frequently hesitates before telling the truth which shows that he is confused and still might not have realised that lying will dig him deeper into the already deep hole. In Eric’s defence, we might blame his parents, because they are snobbish and only care about reputation. Eric speaks ‘sulkily’ showing that, despite growing up fast, he still lacks maturity and has childish traits and this makes us forgive him because we