Act Three: Revelations and Reflections

The final act of An Inspector Calls brings the investigation to its climax, with Eric's involvement fully exposed and the Inspector delivering a powerful message about collective responsibility.

Eric confesses to his relationship with Eva/Daisy, revealing that he got her pregnant and stole money from his father's business to support her. This confession completes the circle of the Birling family's involvement in Eva's tragedy.

Highlight: Eric's admission serves as a catalyst for the family to confront their collective guilt and the consequences of their actions.

The Inspector's final speech is a powerful indictment of the characters' behavior and a call for social change:

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other."

This quote encapsulates the play's central theme of social responsibility and serves as Priestley's message to the audience.

After the Inspector's departure, the characters begin to question the reality of what they've experienced. The play's ambiguous ending, with the announcement of a real girl's suicide and an impending police visit, leaves the audience to ponder the nature of guilt, responsibility, and the potential for change.

Analysis: The play's structure, moving from denial to acceptance and then to uncertainty, mirrors the process of social awakening that Priestley hoped to inspire in his audience.

An Inspector Calls remains a powerful exploration of social issues, challenging readers and viewers to examine their own roles in society and their responsibilities to others. Its themes of class, age, public image, and the conflict between socialism and capitalism continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece of literature and drama.