social responsibility

• What is the main theme of 'An Inspector Calls'?

  Social responsibility
• What does the Inspector encourage the Birlings to do?

  Be accountable for their actions
• Who does the Inspector represent in the play?

  Society's moral conscience
• How does Priestley portray Eva Smith in relation to social responsibility?

  As a vulnerable victim of society
• What does Priestley suggest about the consequences of actions?

  All actions have consequences
• What does Priestley imply about living in isolation?

  It is impossible to live in isolation
• How does Priestley suggest society benefits?

  By taking responsibility for others
• What does the play condemn about those in power?

  Not protecting the vulnerable
• What societal direction was Priestley advocating for in the 1940s?

  A Welfare State
• How does Mr Birling represent Priestley's message?

  As the antithesis of social responsibility
• What does Mr Birling prioritize over others?

  His own interests
• How does Mr Birling view the impact of his actions?

  He is oblivious to their impact
• What ideology does Mr Birling represent?

  Capitalist ideologies
• How does Mr Birling react to the idea of shared responsibility?

  He dismisses it as nonsense
• What does Mr Birling's language reveal about him?

  He is harsh and insensitive
• What does the simile "like bees in a hive" imply?

  Social responsibility is primitive
• How does Mr Birling's comments on the Titanic and war affect the audience's perception?

  They discredit his statements
• What does Mr Birling imply about Capitalists' responsibilities?

  They prioritize profit over workers
• How does Mr Birling justify keeping labor costs down?

  By claiming it's his duty
• What does Mr Birling's motto about family loyalty reveal?

  He prioritizes himself over others
• How does Mr Birling react to the consequences of his actions?

  He refuses to accept blame
• What does Mr Birling's statement about the "wretched girl" reveal?

  His lack of compassion
• What does Mr Birling's arrogance suggest about his character?

  He disrespects others
• How does Mr Birling view accepting blame?

  As a sign of weakness
• What does Mrs Birling represent in the play?

  The upper classes' contempt for the poor
• How does Mrs Birling react to the idea of responsibility?

  She refuses to accept any blame
• What does Mrs Birling's condemnation of Eva's father reveal?

  Her hypocrisy regarding responsibility
• How does Mrs Birling's attitude change when she learns Eric's involvement?

  She retracts her previous demands
• What does Mrs Birling's statement about Eva imply?

  She believes in class prejudice
• How does Priestley portray the upper classes' idea of duty?

  As superficial and hypocritical
• What does Mrs Birling's use of "naturally" imply?

  She feels above suspicion
• How does Priestley use situational irony with Mrs Birling?

  To reveal her involvement with Eva
• What does Mrs Birling's prejudice against Eva reveal?

  Her entitlement and bigotry
• How does Mrs Birling neglect her duty as a charity member?

  By being corrupt and self-serving
• What does Mrs Birling's boast about charity work suggest?

  She seeks recognition, not care
• How does Priestley portray the upper classes' institutions of care?

  As intrinsically corrupt
• What does the adjective "deserving" foreshadow in Mrs Birling's character?

  Her prejudice and harsh judgment
• What are the key themes explored in 'An Inspector Calls'?

  • Social responsibility
  • Class prejudice
  • The impact of capitalism
  • The importance of community
• How do Mr and Mrs Birling embody the themes of the play?

  • Mr Birling: Represents capitalist neglect and self-interest
  • Mrs Birling: Embodies class prejudice and hypocrisy
  • Both reject social responsibility and accountability
• How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector?

  • Represents moral conscience of society
  • Challenges the Birlings' views on responsibility
  • Highlights the consequences of neglecting social duty