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Theme Of Responsibility In An Inspector Calls

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‘An Inspector Calls’ is about how people should be more responsible. Priestley explores the theme of responsibility throughout the play, notably through the differences between the older and younger generations, through which he gives his 1945 audience hope of a better society built on a model of social responsibility. As Sheila learns from her actions, accepts responsibility and challenges her parents to do the same, it could be argued that she learns the most in the play.

Early in the play, Priestley’s portrayal of Sheila as smug and immature conveys the sheltered lives of many of the upper classes. In the opening stage directions, Priestley describes Sheila as ‘pleased’ with herself due to her recent engagement to the wealthy businessman …show more content…

In contrast to her parents, who are delighted to discover the inspector was just a ‘hoax’, Sheila remains contrite about her role in Eva Smith’s death. Priestley has Sheila accuse her parents of not learning anything, saying ‘I guess we’re all nice people now’. The sarcastic tone in Sheila’s words demonstrate how infuriated she is with her parents for being so willing to forget the actions they took, revealing that they were simply concerned with their own reputation, and have not learned the errors of their ways. Additionally, Priestley has Sheila accuse her mother of ‘trying to build a wall’ between the Birlings and the inspector. This metaphorical wall symbolises the insight Sheila has gained into the huge divide between upper and lower classes, suggesting she has realised how unwilling many upper class people are to recognise their responsibility to others. Priestley’s presentation of Sheila as such a changed character offers a powerful message to his 1945 audience, suggesting that he believes the socialist society that he envisions is achievable if younger people take greater social

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