Responsibility

• "If men do not learn their lesson, the will be taught in fire, blood and anguish."

  • Inspector is Priestley's mouthpiece
  • Set after WW1 and specifically before WW2
  • Priestley sends ironic warning of what will happen if his message of responsibility is not learnt
• "I blame the young man who was the father of the child she was going to have." - Mrs Birling

  • Upper class have responsibility to look after less fortunate
  • When Mrs Birling doesn't, Eva kills herself
• "Mummy"

  • Sheila is childish due to sheltered upbringing
  • She holds her parents views at beginning of play
  • Parents have responsibility to bring up their children well
• "young, fresh and charming"

  • Gerald describes Eva as someone he could use for what he needed and then abandon
  • Shows power of men have over women regardless of class
  • Men have responsibility to not abuse women
• "These girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."

  • Priestley shows how younger generation have power to change
  • They have a responsibility to listen to new ideas
  • Sheila does this and defends socialist views
• "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody [...] it would be very awkward"

  • Mr Birling refuses to take responsibility for his part
  • He thinks everyone should be responsible for themselves