Responsibilty In An Inspector Calls

367 Words2 Pages
Priestley presents ideas about responsibility in an 'An Inspector Calls' by portraying the inspector as a conscience ,using him to represent a good example of responsibility in society. He uses the sound of the doorbell to interrupt Birling's rant on his views on society. Priestley uses the shocking announcement of Eva Smith's death to highlight the consequences of a lack of responsibility. The clarity of Eric and Sheila's realisation of the consequences of their actions sends a strong message to the audience about responsibility. The character of the inspector is written by Priestley as a representation of morality in the play. The manner of The inspector is one the Birling's find rather disconcerting. This question of his character grows throughout the play, mirroring Sheila's and the audience's growing suspicion of him.” we didn't tell him anything he didn't already know" This all knowing quality of the character of the inspector gives a sense of being super natural, a quality confirmed by Priestley during the Inspector's outburst at the end in which he foretells the prophecy of 'fire, blood and anguish' giving the audience an underlying sense of unease at the reference to war. Therefore showing them the consequences of a lack of responsibility. This ironic hindsight into the war also gives the audience a sense of the inspector's wisdom. He is portrayed as the conscience because all throught the play the Inspector is seen as guiding the Birling's away from sin, trying to teach them selflessness and responsibilty for others, in this sense the style of the play is one of morality.We see an opinion of responsibility through the inspector's attitude torwards the sinful actions of the Birling family. He attempts to make Sheila accept her share of the blame 'you're partly to blame'. The Inspector's speech on page 56 of the play clarifies for the audience and
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