In J.B Priestley's 'an inspector calls', power is presented as unfairly divided and misused. Through class, gender and generational differences, he uncovers how real power comes from morality and social responsibility not wealth and status. Priestley conveys how the upper class abuse their power towards the working class. Mr birling claims 'she'd had a lot to say - far too much - so she had to go'. The repetition of 'had' highlights Birlings authority and arrogance. Business owners would exploit the working class by keeping them quiet, stripping any little power they had left. Mr birling felt the need to silence his workers to feel in control. The phrase 'had a lot to say' suggests how speech itself was dangerous for the working class. Priestley criticises capitalist values that an imbalance of power leads to suffering and injustice. Through Mr Birling, priestley exposes that social class determines power, encouraging the audience to challenge this unfair system. Priestley critiques how men use their gender to dominate women, especially of the lower classes. Gerald admits 'i didn't feel about her as she felt about me'. The contrast between 'i' and 'her' highlight emotional detachment. His calm tone almost makes exploitation seem acceptable, conveying how normalised male domination was. Gerald used his social and gender privileges to control Eva, taking advantage of her vulnerability. The pronoun 'i' centres geralds perspective whilst reducing Eva to a passive figure, emphasising her lack of power and voice. Society put men in control not only socially, but economically and emotionally. Priestley exposes gender double standards as women get punished whilst men get praised. By showing the harm caused, Priestley encourages equality and empathy between genders. Priestley presents the inspectors as holding moral power and authority which challenges the social order. He declares 'we are members of one body, we are responsible for each other'. The inclusive pronoun 'we' and collective metaphor 'one body' create a sense of unity. Unlike the birlings, who use their power for personal gain, the inspector uses his authority to teach moral responsibility, despite his lack of status. The metaphor 'one body' links to ideas of interdependence and community, showing how we are all responsible for one another. Priestley uses the inspector as a mouth piece to spread his socialist views, that moral power and social conscience matters more than wealth. Through the inspector, Priestley shows true power comes from collective responsibility. Priestley depicts how power shifts from the older generation to younger as they accept their responsibility. Sheila protests ' you're beginning all over again to pretend nothing much has happened'. Her accusatory tone and repetition of 'nothing much' show her frustration yet awareness of this situation. Sheila challenges her parents' attempts to deny responsibility, whilst gaining independence and moral strength. The verb 'pretend' exposes the illusion of power, showing how the birlings cling on to lies to feel in control. Priestley presents the younger generation a force for social change, representing hope for a more equal society. By giving moral authority to sheila and eric, Priestley shows how the future depends on people who are willing to learn and change. Priestley shows how power can corrupt when used selfishly, but inspire when used morally and to help others. He urges society to use power responsibly and work towards fairness and equality.