an inspector calls

• J.B. Priestley

  British playwright, wrote "An Inspector Calls" in 1945, explores social class and responsibility themes.
• Inspector Goole


  Central character, investigator of Eva Smith's death, represents authority and morality, uncovers secrets and lies of the Birling family.
• Eva Smith

  Young woman who died, killed herself after being mistreated and exploited by the Birling family, represents the consequences of capitalist system.
• Social Class


  Play explores the divisions between social classes in pre-war Britain, highlighting inequalities and injustices faced by the lower classes.
• Birling Family


  Rich family hosting the dinner party, each member has secrets and lies, representing different levels of society and social class.
• Verbal Irony


  In "An Inspector Calls", Verbal Irony is used when characters' words contradict their true intentions or feelings, highlighting the themes of social class and responsibility.
• Moral Obligation


  The play emphasizes the importance of taking moral responsibility for one's actions, as Inspector Goole reveals the interconnectedness of the characters' actions and their role in Eva's death.
• Capitalist System


  The play critiques the capitalist system, highlighting its exploitation of the working class, as seen in the treatment of Eva Smith and her tragic fate.
• Shirley Birling


  The daughter of the wealthy Birling family, spoiled and proud, initially resistant to change and moral responsibility, but ultimately forced to confront her actions.
• Sybil Birling


  The wife of Gerald, pretentious and snobbish, concerned with social appearances and class status, but ultimately revealed to be complicit in Eva's exploitation.
• Mr. Birling


  Head of the wealthy Birling family, believes in the capitalist system and the notion that the rich are superior, exemplified by his statement that the "Titanic is unsinkable".
• Gerald Croft


  Gerald is a wealthy and charming young man who is the son of a wealthy industrialist. He is involved with Sheila Birling and is initially defensive and evasive during the inspector's investigation.
• Gerald's class


  Gerald represents the upper-class society of the time, with his wealth, privilege, and limited understanding of social and economic issues.
• Gerald's relationship with Sheila


  Gerald is romantically involved with Sheila Birling, who is from the emerging middle class. Their relationship is complicated by their different social backgrounds and values.
• Sheila Birling


  Sheila is the daughter of Arthur Birling, a wealthy industrialist, and is initially concerned with social status and appearances. She is involved with Gerald Croft and becomes increasingly aware of social and economic issues throughout the play.
• Sheila's transformation


  Sheila undergoes a significant transformation as she realizes the consequences of her and others' actions, and begins to grasp the reality of the economic and social issues affecting the working class.
• Sheila's class


  Sheila represents the emerging middle class, with her parents' wealth and her own aspirations for a better life. However, she also shows empathy and understanding for the working class, particularly Eva Smith.
• Moral responsibility


  The theme of moral responsibility explores the idea that individuals have a duty to consider the consequences of their actions on others and society as a whole.
• Social class and inequality


  The play highlights the class divide and social inequality of the time, exploring the relationships between the wealthy and the poor.
• Inspector Goole


  The Inspector is a mysterious and symbolic character who challenges the characters' moral assumptions and forces them to confront their responsibilities.
• Mr Birling


  Mr Birling represents the old money and is portrayed as selfish, arrogant, and out of touch with reality.
• The discovery of Eva's death

  The Inspector's revelation about Eva's death changes the characters' perspectives and forces them to re-examine their actions.
• The Inspector's investigation

  The Inspector's method of questioning and confrontational tactics are designed to shock the characters into realizing their moral shortcomings.
• "Inspector Goole is an error, a misunderstanding... I've been talking to you, inspector... I've been trying to help you... "


  This quote highlights Mr Birling's attempts to deny responsibility and is a example of the characters' initial attempts to avoid facing the truth.
• The glove


  The glove is a symbol of Eva's life and death, representing the connection between the characters and the consequences of their actions.