An Inspector Calls was first performed in the UK just after the end of World War Two
1946
At that time there was no assistance for people who could not afford to look after themselves
Priestley's aim
To address the issue of lack of assistance for the poor and to encourage people to be more considerate of one another
Social responsibility
A key theme of the play
Priestley wanted his audience to be responsible for their own behaviour and responsible for the welfare of others
How the theme of social responsibility is shown in the play
1. Through the treatment of Eva Smith
2. How each character does or doesn't take responsibility for their behaviour
3. The Inspector's lessons
Sheila
Feels socially responsible, is shocked to learn she had a part to play in Eva's death, takes responsibility for her actions and tells the truth
Mr Birling
Does not feel socially responsible, refuses to take any responsibility for Eva Smith's death
Eric
Feels socially responsible, takes responsibility for his actions in the final act of the play
Mrs Birling
Does not feel socially responsible, will not take any responsibility for the death of Eva Smith
The Inspector: '"It's better to ask for the earth than to take it."'
The Inspector's lessons suggest it is socially irresponsible to be greedy and 'take' things without permission, which is a practice the privileged Birlings would be used to
