Indeed, it may be said that An... free essay sample

Indeed, it may be said that An Inspector Calls is a play more centred on themes and ideas than one driven by plot. Hence, Priestley uses a number of devices throughout the text to convey his ideas about social responsibility juxtaposition being perhaps one of the more significant strategies employed by Priestley to highlight his ideas about the community and social responsibility. Thus, when Mr Birling – a stereotypical construct of Aristocratic English society – presents his monologue about the „unsinkable Titanic? and the „scaremongers making a fuss about nothing?, the audience are immediately made aware of his ignorance and self-inflated, pompous attitude, thus casting doubt over his capitalist ideas about „mind[ing] his own business?. This, then, is in direct contrast to the Inspector?s message on socialism, further highlighted by the clever timing of the doorbell which is designed not only to unnerve the audience and the characters, but to creat e a conflict between Mr Birling and the Inspector. We will write a custom essay sample on Indeed, it may be said that An or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This conflict between the Inspector and Arthur Birling serves as a powerful dichotomy of ideas – between capitalism and socialism – and is thus amply exploited by Priestley to highlight both the way things were in British society during the Pre-World War 1 era, and the immense need for change. This juxtaposition and power play, thus, add strength to the ideas presented by Priestley. The use of the Inspector as author surrogate gives further credence to the socialist ideal and is enforced through Priestley?s clever crafting of characters; Birling who is set up as a sanctimonious, arrogant, yet ignorant fool is juxtaposed by the Inspector – a modest, yet informed individual who represents the common people; Mrs Birling who is clearly disliked by Priestley himself, is portrayed as an egotistical, uncaring and self-important person whose manner is repugnant not only to Priestley, but also to the audience whose views of her affects, in turn, their views on the self ish policies which she represents. The contrast between the characters of Mr and Mrs Birling to that of Sheila and Eric also help to highlight the gradual change affecting pre-World War 1 society which led to a demand for better working conditions for the working classes, and a smudging of those lines which, until then, so uncompromisingly defined the social classes. Accordingly, the younger generation – represented by the characters of Eric and Sheila – portray societal shifts towards greater equality and, subsequently, become author surrogates to some extent, joining forces with the Inspector to give further weight to Priestley?s socialist ideal. The conflict between the Inspector and Mr Birling are sustained not only by the use of dramatic irony to create a negative impression of Birling and a lack credibility which impacts on the audience? perception of his values, but through his shaping of the Inspector?s character who, despite his muted and inferior appearance, is revealed to be the most authoritative voice in the play; the almost transcendent, god-like voice given to the Inspector by Priestley, which carries forward this vital message about society, individuals and the need for human understanding and compassion, though ignored by the two older members of the family, finds root in the hearts of the younger members– the generation who will, in time, be responsible for shaping a new society, and thus, those who matter most. This authority stems not only from his role of Inspector, but through his persistent use of Socratic questioning which is merciless and unforgiving towards the other characters despite their social superiority. Moreover, Priestley?s perpetual use of the word „authority? to describe the Inspector?s manner, tone and register, along with his frequent referral to the Inspector?s „cutting in? of other?s speech, immediately gives him a power denied to the other characters, consequently, allowing Priestley to voice his ideas more vociferously through the Inspector?s mouth. This interruption of speech, accompanied by the interruption of Birling?s speech by the doorbell, further increases the power given to the Inspector. This very blatant and biased shaping of character and plot highlights once again the central focus of the play as one of theme rather than narrative.