Themes in 'An Inspector Calls': Social Responsibility - GCSE English Literature Revision

Summary

In this video, Liam breaks down the theme of social responsibility in J.B. Priestley's *An Inspector Calls*, highlighting key quotes from the characters. He explains social responsibility as acting ethically for the benefit of society, emphasizing the importance of moral duty over self-interest. Through character analysis, such as Mr. Birling's selfishness and Sheila's reluctant realization of her role in a tragedy, Liam explores how the play critiques the upper classes' neglect of the working class. Priestley uses the play to urge his audience to accept responsibility for their actions and address social inequality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social responsibility involves balancing personal or economic gain with the welfare of society, prioritizing others over oneself.
• 😀 The concept of social responsibility is closely linked with themes of duty, socialism, and the moral obligation to help others.
• 😀 Mr. Birling represents the rejection of social responsibility, as he believes people should only look after themselves and their own families.
• 😀 Sheila begins to take responsibility for her actions but struggles with the weight of responsibility, particularly when it involves a death.
• 😀 Gerald displays some social responsibility by helping Eva (Daisy), but his actions are still limited and reflect a sense of superiority over the working class.
• 😀 Mrs. Birling’s rejection of social responsibility is evident when she refuses to help Eva Smith and shows prejudice against her, prioritizing personal beliefs over ethics.
• 😀 The play critiques the attitude that personal responsibility should be tied to shame, as seen when Mrs. Birling demands the young man who impregnated Eva publicly confess.
• 😀 Eric shows social responsibility by supporting Eva financially, though his actions are complicated by the fact that he stole money from his father’s business to do so.
• 😀 Mr. Birling’s final reaction to the inspector’s departure highlights his reluctance to accept responsibility, as he shows relief when the crisis seems to have passed.
• 😀 Priestley uses social responsibility to critique the capitalist class, showing how the wealthy and powerful exploit the working class while shirking their moral duties.
• 😀 Through the play, Priestley suggests that accepting responsibility for one’s actions correlates with being a good person, while shirking responsibility makes one morally inferior.

Q & A

What does the theme of social responsibility mean in the context of 'An Inspector Calls'?

Social responsibility refers to the ethical duty of individuals and society to act in ways that benefit the larger community, balancing economic gain with the welfare of others. In 'An Inspector Calls', it involves characters taking responsibility for their actions and considering the impact on others, especially the working class.

How does Mr. Birling’s attitude towards social responsibility reflect his character?

Mr. Birling's statement, 'A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own,' shows his self-centered approach to life. He rejects collective responsibility and places personal gain and family welfare above societal concerns, reflecting his capitalist views and lack of empathy for others.

Why is Sheila's statement 'miserably, so I'm really responsible' significant?

This quotation demonstrates Sheila’s growing awareness of her role in Eva's death. The adverb 'miserably' shows her reluctance and emotional discomfort, highlighting the difficulty of accepting responsibility, especially when the consequences are severe.

What is the significance of Gerald's actions towards Eva, and how do they relate to social responsibility?

Gerald’s actions, including providing Eva with shelter and money, show a degree of social responsibility. However, the way he 'insisted' and 'made' her accept help suggests a paternalistic approach, indicating that while he acts responsibly on a small scale, he still does not challenge the broader societal structures that disadvantage the working class.

How does Mrs. Birling’s refusal to help Eva reflect her lack of social responsibility?

Mrs. Birling’s rejection of Eva’s case due to personal prejudice shows a lack of social responsibility. As the head of a charity committee, she should have been empathetic and helped Eva, but her focus on class divides and her selfishness prevent her from acting morally.

What does Mrs. Birling’s desire to make the father of Eva’s child publicly confess reveal about her views on responsibility?

Mrs. Birling’s demand that the man responsible for Eva’s pregnancy confess publicly shows that she values personal responsibility tied to shame and public accountability. She places more emphasis on private relationships than on the broader societal issues that contributed to Eva’s suffering.

How does Eric’s attempt to provide for Eva demonstrate his sense of responsibility?

Eric’s decision to provide financial support for Eva, even though it involves stealing from his father, shows his sense of responsibility for her well-being. Despite his mistake, he prioritizes helping Eva, which contrasts with his father’s more selfish approach to business and wealth.

Why is Mr. Birling’s reaction after the Inspector leaves important for understanding his character?

Mr. Birling's reaction, marked by a sigh of relief, reveals his eagerness to escape responsibility. His triumph at avoiding public scandal highlights his self-interest and lack of moral growth, as he learns nothing from the Inspector’s visit and remains focused on protecting his reputation.

How does Priestley use the theme of social responsibility to critique class divisions in society?

Through the characters’ treatment of Eva Smith, Priestley critiques the class divisions that result in the exploitation of the working class. The upper-class characters, like the Birling family and Gerald, act with minimal social responsibility, which ultimately contributes to Eva’s tragic fate. Priestley uses this to argue for greater empathy and responsibility toward the working class.

What is Priestley’s broader message to the audience regarding social responsibility?

Priestley’s message is that individuals, especially those in power, must accept social responsibility and act in ways that benefit society as a whole. By showing the negative consequences of shirking responsibility, Priestley calls for a more compassionate, ethical, and socially conscious society.