How does Priestley convey the theme of Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls Social responsibility is a key theme in Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls, reflecting the shifting societal views in 1945. Priestley was a passionate proponent of Socialism; therefore, by utilizing each character as microcosms of capitalism’s drawbacks, he advocates socialist ideals and critiques the cataclysmic nature of capitalism’s social irresponsibility. He believes morality should be prioritized above social standing or wealth, and that we are all responsible for each other. The classist and hypocritical behavior of the Birlings would appall and offend the post-war audience, encouraging them to adopt Priestley’s ethics and reflect on current societal values. He argues that only the abolition of capitalistic methods can eradicate those who are forced to suffer Eva Smith’s tragic fate. The moment the Inspector is introduced, he dominates and shifts the power dynamic in both the household and the narrative. He is described to immediately have a sense of “massiveness, solidity and purposefulness.” Unlike the Birlings, the Inspector does not belong to a specific social class. Despite this, the stage direction “cutting through, massively” implies he is able to undermine the Birling’s social status and superiority. His manner disrupts their complacency, representing him disrupting their privileged world views and illustrates socialism’s breakthrough in society. The Inspector’s authority symbolizes how morality and social responsibility transcend social hierarchy. When he responds “(dryly) I don’t play golf”, he mocks Mr Birling’s boast about his relationship with the high-ranking colonel, criticizing the superficial values of the upper class. On the other hand, golf can symbolize capitalism, as it is a symbol of wealth and elitism. The Inspector firmly rejects this; this highlights how he is exempt from classist views. He embodies an ideal of social responsibility and accountability that surpasses superficiality. Priestley constructs the character of the Inspector as his mouthpiece. Through him, Priestley vocalizes his beliefs and catalyses moral redemption. He is a force of justice, revealing the “chain of events” that connect individuals and the importance of personal and collective responsibility. Overall, Priestley conveys socialism as a necessary moral breakthrough in the rigid capitalist system. Sheila is a progressive character in An Inspector Calls, and takes accountability for her actions. She immediately feels remorse and empathy towards Eva Smith. She says “I’ll never, never do it again to anybody.” The repetition of the word “never” emphasises her will to change, and the overall acknowledgement of her actions. On the other hand, it reflects how she was infantilised by her family, as it mimics a child apologizing for their actions. The upper class youth lack the exposure to consequences, and their views are blinkered against exploitation. Priestley uses Sheila to contrast the character of Eva: the two characters reflect how the class divide affects women from different backgrounds. Ultimately, this conveys how their moldability - if educated on moral crises, can change the future. Sheila is the conscience of the Birlings, and her redemption during the play represents hope for the younger, more progressive generation. Sheila’s new, socially responsible, ideas are dismissed by the selfish older generation, reflecting the powerlessness of women in 1912 to affect political change. The audience would sympathise that she is a victim of her environment and by the end of the play, Sheila’s character is aligned firmly with the ideologies of Priestley’s post-war audience. Priestley’s 1945 audience saw the development of Britain’s Welfare State, which improved workers’ rights. Furthermore, they had a bigger focus on community values following World War Two. Modern audiences, including that in 1945, would sympathise with Sheila’s position at the end of the play. Mr Birling is a stagnant and obstinate character. In contrast to the Inspector and Sheila, Mr Birling represents the rapacious industrialists who treat workers like Eva Smith as cheap labour and refuse to raise wages. Mr Birling is a microcosm for capitalism; we can see this in his supercilious behaviour. He describes himself as a "hard-headed practical man of business", which is language used by the labour party’s manifesto, to mock upper classmen. Priestley adapts this into the play, something the audience can understand and relate to, in order to urge them to vote the socialist labour party over the conservative party. The redundancy of “hard headed” and “practical” reflects Mr Birling’s need for approval, yet represents the insensitive values of capitalism. Contrary to Sheila, he takes no accountability and directly states “I can't accept any responsibility.” and deems the concept of social responsibility as “awkward.” The dramatic irony linked to Mr Birling is abundant, as not only is he a leading cause of Eva’s suicide, but his dismissive attitude paints him as laughable because of socialism’s uproar shortly after the play was set. Furthermore, he scorns “socialist or some sort of crank." The concrete noun “crank” is an attempt for Arthur to condemn socialism but the dramatic irony causes the audience to oppose his views and sympathise with socialists instead. Essentially, the audience therefore realises that Mr Birling’s opinions are not to be trusted, and Priestley constructs his character to ridicule and deride anti-socialist views. Priestley does not reveal the identity of Eva Smith. This allows him to use her as a representation of the oppressed working class. At the same time, it symbolises how the working class lacks a voice. Her story is entirely told by the upper class, both literally within the play and figuratively within society. She essentially is killed by capitalism. Through her, Priestley demonstrates the fatal consequences of living by capitalism. Eva commits a graphic suicide, with “a lot of very strong disinfectant.” This awakens the upper class to the suffering of the working class. However, “disinfectant” connotes purification and can represent Eva Smith purifying herself of her exploitation and violation, expressing the purification of the world as a whole. In Inspector Goole’s final monologue, he presents a clear choice: social equality or destruction. Using ethos, logos, and pathos, he crafts the Inspector as a credible, logical, and emotionally persuasive figure. The Inspector’s final monologue expands the play’s message beyond the Birling family, calling for social responsibility and collective action. However, there are limitations to this message. Despite promoting unity, the Inspector still speaks about the working class rather than with them, which is a patronising and paternalising approach. This undermines the play’s vision of true equality and contradicts the “we are members of one body” message. In conclusion, Priestley visually presents capitalism’s flaws to mock antisocialist opinions. The plot showcases the consequences of society prioritising money over morality. Eva Smith represents “millions and millions and millions” of impoverished people, oppressed by an economic system that puts profit before people. The Inspector personifies socialist ideology by acting for the benefit of others. His key message is that everyone is connected by a “chain of events”; the actions of the upper classes affect the less fortunate. The Inspector seizes control of the Birlings’ celebration, symbolising Priestley’s hope that socialism could overcome capitalism. Ultimately, Priestley urges his audience to recognise that true progress and wealth lies in empathy, accountability, and the collective responsibility we owe one another.