Character Analysis and Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls
Arthur Birling: Selfishness and Status
Mr. Birling seems to be very lonely and selfish. He believes that one has to make his own way, prioritizing himself, his life, and his family above all others.
Focus on Profit and Reputation
- Selfishness: His primary concern is the reputation of his family.
- Marriage: His wife was from the landed gentry, which served to increase his own social standing.
- Sheila: His interest in her marriage stems from his desire to expand his business rather than his daughter’s happiness.
- Eric: He is concerned about money and making Eric pay it back (a form of semi-exploitation). He is not worried about Eric’s moral implication in Eva’s death, but about the possible scandal involved, which would hinder his chances of getting the knighthood he so desires.
- Responsibility: He does not feel any responsibility to society as a whole.
Business Outlook
His outlook in business is focused on profit, not people. He is a hard-headed, practical man of business with no room for sentiment. His idea of success is simply making money and “being respected.”
He fails to understand the importance of interaction and collaboration, or the need for all members of society. He is proud only of his own importance and status in society.
Sheila Birling: Change and Social Conscience
She disagrees with her father’s decisions and defends the idea that women should not be treated unfairly, advocating for equality and rights.
A Symbol of Hope
Sheila represents change and hope for the future—the triumph of youth over established society. She recognizes the injustices of society (through her family’s actions against Eva Smith) and wants to see change.
- She voices Priestley’s thoughts on the dignity of labor and his outlook on life, making her a sympathetic character.
- With the visit of Inspector Goole, she undergoes a kind of epiphany and recognizes the importance of caring for fellow members of society, even those outside her social class.
- She recognizes the fact that one has a responsibility to others and that one’s actions have consequences.
- As the play progresses, she finds herself at odds with her father’s outlook on society.
Remorse and Growth
She feels remorse (guilt and shame), which is a prerequisite for healing and for change to take place. At the start of the play, she could be considered to represent the vain and spiteful facet of Britain’s “bright young things”—upper-class young people. This initial portrayal emphasizes the learning process she undergoes as she honestly admits her share of responsibility.
Eric Birling: Remorse and Vulnerability
Like Sheila, Eric feels remorse (shame and guilt). He accepts his own responsibility in Eva’s demise, along with that of others (including the family’s responsibility for the sackings and Eva being turned away by the charity committee).
Moral Contrast and Family Conflict
It is evident through Eric’s actions that Eva (Working Class) possesses higher moral values than Eric (Upper Class), as she refuses to accept stolen money.
- Eric could be considered a victim of his family; Arthur’s reaction to his son stealing money demonstrates a lack of trust, love, and understanding.
- He is the “black sheep” of the family: his lifestyle (open drinking and promiscuity) does not conform to the image of respectability the family wishes to project (although this respectability is hypocritical).
- He comes across as a sympathetic character because of his remorse, despite the many shortcomings of his personality.
- His future appears to be less stable than Sheila’s.
Social Responsibility and Class Division
Mrs. Birling’s Role
The character who delivers the final, most direct blow leading to Eva’s suicide is Mrs. Birling, who refuses her aid at the charity committee. Blame is placed on her as she never shows any regret or guilt for her actions.
The Status of Women
Women of Sheila and Mrs. Birling’s condition simply learned the skills of wifehood; the root of the good life was marrying the right man. Philanthropic movements, usually run by women, helped to ease the consciences of the privileged few.
- The only path open to women in Eva Smith’s condition was prostitution; she commits suicide to avoid such an end.
- An upper-lower class marriage would have been scandalous.
- Men like Eric, Gerald, and the like took advantage of lower-class girls like Eva Smith.
- Edna represents the social underdog—she must obey and agree with the Birlings and never question them.
- Historical Context: Women were powerless to vote; Emily Pankhurst began the suffragette movement in 1903.
Class Division in Edwardian Britain
Society was ruled by class division: the Upper Class ruled most of Britain and earned most of the money. The Working Class paid the price:
- Little education.
- Little or no sanitation.
- No dole (unemployment benefit).
- No National Health Service.
Priestley’s Vision
Priestley portrayed a community with a noble, common purpose. He advocated for a society where there was no individualism but a great communal task.