“You aren’t even sorry now… Who is to blame, then?”

• Analysis

  This quote highlights the Inspector’s moral condemnation of the Birlings & Gerald for their failure to acknowledge their responsibility in Eva Smith’s suffering. The phrase “not even sorry” underscores their emotional detachment & lack of repentance, which Priestley frames as the first step towards moral redemption. The Inspector’s rhetorical question forces the family—& the audience—to confront their hypocrisy & complicity in perpetuating societal injustice. It critiques the upper classes’ prioritisation of wealth over ethics, exposing the tension between responsibility & denial
• Alternative interpretation


  Alternatively, the Inspector acts as a Christ-like figure, offering salvation through self-reflection. Drawing on the biblical story of Adam and Eve, the Birlings are given a moral test—to accept their role in Eva’s downfall—but fail, mirroring humanity’s original sin. This failure highlights the need for individual transformation as the key to societal redemption, urging the 1945 audience to make moral choices and embrace change.
• Themes 


  Moral Responsibility: The Inspector stresses personal and collective accountability, critiquing the apathy of the powerful and highlighting the importance of self-awareness and repentance for change.

  Christian Morality and Redemption: Tying to Christian themes, Priestley links social injustice to moral corruption, suggesting that redemption comes only through self-awareness.

  Class and Power: Priestley critiques the upper classes' selfishness, showing how unchecked privilege harms the vulnerable, symbolized by Eva’s tragedy.
• Writers intention


  Priestley uses this moment to leave the Birlings—and the audience—with a moral test, urging them to take responsibility for their actions. By drawing parallels to Christian teachings, Priestley links political reform (specifically voting for socialism) with moral redemption, positioning socialism as a moral imperative for post-war Britain.