Social responsibility

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

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

  To be accountable for their actions and take responsibility for others
• Who does the character Eva Smith represent in the play?

  Vulnerable individuals mistreated through no fault of their own
• What does Priestley suggest about the consequences of actions?

  All actions have consequences, and it is impossible to live in isolation
• How does Priestley suggest society benefits from individuals being mindful of their actions?

  By helping take responsibility for others
• What does the play condemn regarding those in power?

  For not protecting the people they were supposed to and leading the country into war
• What societal direction was Priestley advocating for in the 1940s?

  A Welfare State
• How does Mr Birling represent Priestley’s message on social responsibility?

  He represents the antithesis by only caring about himself
• What does Mr Birling's attitude towards others reveal about his character?

  He is oblivious to the struggles of others and never accepts responsibility
• How does Priestley connect Mr Birling's character to Capitalist ideologies?

  His lack of compassion and responsibility is tied to his class and Capitalist beliefs
• What does Mr Birling say about shared responsibility?

  He dismisses it as nonsense, comparing it to bees in a hive
• What does Mr Birling's language reveal about his character?

  His harsh and insensitive language shows he is heartless
• How does the simile "like bees in a hive" reflect Mr Birling's views?

  It implies he sees social responsibility as primitive and demeaning
• What does Mr Birling imply about Capitalists' responsibilities?

  They feel responsible to make profit but not to their workers
• How does Mr Birling's statement about keeping labor costs down reflect his values?

  It implies he prioritizes business interests over social responsibility
• What does Mr Birling's motto about family loyalty reveal about his beliefs?

  He believes men are obligated to themselves first and then their family
• How does the delay in Mr Birling's motto about family loyalty suggest his priorities?

  It suggests his family comes as an afterthought
• How does Mr Birling react to the consequences of his actions?

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

  It shows his lack of compassion and suggests he won't take responsibility
• What does Mr Birling's arrogance suggest about his view on accepting blame?

  He sees it as a sign of weakness and imperfection
• How does Mr Birling insist on his innocence regarding Eva's death?

  He claims he can't accept any responsibility
• What does the modal verb "can’t" imply about Mr Birling's nature?

  It suggests accepting blame goes against his nature
• How does Mr Birling justify his actions after learning about the consequences?

  He claims there’s every excuse for what he did
• What does the noun "excuse" suggest about Mr Birling's attitude towards his actions?

  It connotes a pathetic, worthless reason for his behavior
• How does Mrs Birling represent the upper classes' contempt towards the poor?

  She refuses to accept any blame and is committed to her own innocence
• What does Priestley suggest about the upper classes' ideas of duty and responsibility?

  They are corrupt and superficial
• How does Mrs Birling's reaction to Eric's responsibility reflect her character?

  She instantly regrets her demands when she finds out he is responsible
• What does Mrs Birling's statement about not knowing Eva imply?

  It shows her automatic assumption of innocence due to her social standing
• How does Priestley use situational irony in Mrs Birling's character?

  Her involvement is revealed despite her claims of innocence
• What prejudices does Mrs Birling express towards Eva?

  She believes Eva's lower social status justifies her abandonment
• How does Mrs Birling's language reflect her class prejudice?

  Words like "naturally" show she feels entitled to act unfairly towards the lower classes
• What does Mrs Birling's position in the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation imply?

  She has a duty of care to those in need but neglects this responsibility
• How does Mrs Birling's boast about her charity work reveal her character?

  It suggests she derives a false sense of moral accomplishment from her status
• What does the adjective "deserving" foreshadow in Mrs Birling's character?

  It indicates her prejudice and harsh judgment towards those she helps
• How does Priestley portray the upper classes' attitude towards the poor through Mrs Birling?

  He suggests they care only about their own status and neglect the needs of the lower classes
• What is Mrs. Birling's role in the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation?

  She is a prominent member.
• What does Mrs. Birling neglect in her role at the charity?

  She neglects her duty of care to those who come to her.
• What does Priestley suggest about institutions that are supposed to help others?

  They are intrinsically corrupt.
• What does Mrs. Birling boast about to the Inspector?

  She boasts about the useful work they have done in helping deserving cases.
• What does the semantic field of virtue suggest about Mrs. Birling's charity work?

  It suggests her charity work brings her a false sense of moral accomplishment.