An Inspector Calls: Guilt and Responsibility Analysis
J.B. Priestley's "An... Show more
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Guilt in An Inspector Calls
1,463
•
Jul 12, 2025
•
An Pham
@apham
An Inspector Calls: Guilt and Responsibility Analysis
J.B. Priestley's "An... Show more
As "An Inspector Calls" progresses through Acts 2 and 3, the theme of guilt in An Inspector Calls becomes more pronounced. Each character's involvement in Eva Smith's life and death is revealed, forcing them to confront their actions and the consequences.
Quote: "I behaved badly too. I know I did. I'm ashamed of it!"
This admission from Sheila demonstrates her growth and willingness to accept responsibility for her actions. It contrasts sharply with her parents' attitudes.
Highlight: The characters' reactions to guilt vary significantly, revealing their moral character and capacity for change.
Gerald's response to guilt is complex. While he initially tries to distance himself from the situation, he eventually admits to being affected:
Quote: "In that case - as I'm rather more-upset -by this business than I probably appear to be-and-well, I'd like to be alone for a while - I'd be glad if you'd let me go."
The hesitations in Gerald's speech, indicated by dashes, suggest his struggle with guilt and the need to process his emotions.
Eric's confrontation with his guilt is particularly poignant:
Quote: "Whoever that chap was, the fact remains that I did what I did. And mother did what she did. And the rest of you did what you did to her."
This statement shows Eric's acceptance of responsibility and his understanding that their collective actions led to Eva's death.
Definition: Social responsibility - The idea that individuals have an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.
The concept of social responsibility is central to the Inspector's message and Priestley's critique of Edwardian society.
Mrs. Birling's refusal to accept guilt stands in stark contrast to her children's growth:
Quote: "I don't believe it. I won't believe it..."
Her denial highlights the generational divide in attitudes towards social responsibility.
The play concludes with a powerful image of guilt:
Quote: "As they stare guiltily and dumbfounded, the curtain falls."
This final stage direction emphasizes the lasting impact of the Inspector's visit and the weight of guilt that now rests on the Birling family.
Example: Sheila's sarcastic comment, "I suppose we're all nice people now?" encapsulates the play's critique of superficial morality and the importance of genuine responsibility.
Through these varied responses to guilt, Priestley crafts a compelling analysis of guilt and responsibility in An Inspector Calls, challenging audiences to consider their own social responsibilities.
In Act 1 of "An Inspector Calls," J.B. Priestley begins to explore the themes of guilt and responsibility in an inspector calls. The arrival of Inspector Goole disrupts the Birling family's celebratory dinner, setting the stage for an examination of each character's role in Eva Smith's death.
Quote: "I don't come into this suicide business."
This quote from Mr. Birling early in the play demonstrates his initial reluctance to accept any responsibility for Eva's death. It sets up the contrast between his attitude and the Inspector's insistence on collective responsibility.
Highlight: The characters' initial reactions to the Inspector's questioning reveal their attitudes towards guilt and social responsibility.
Sheila Birling shows the first signs of genuine remorse and acceptance of guilt. Her reaction to seeing Eva's photograph is particularly telling:
Quote: "She looks at it closely, recognises it with a little cry, gives a half-stifled sob, and then runs out."
This stage direction illustrates Sheila's immediate recognition of her involvement and the overwhelming guilt she feels. It marks the beginning of her character development throughout the play.
Vocabulary: Remorse - Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
The concept of remorse is central to understanding how different characters in the play deal with their actions and their consequences.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
An Pham
@apham
An Inspector Calls: Guilt and Responsibility Analysis
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" explores the themes of guilt and responsibility in an inspector callsthrough the Birling family's interactions with Inspector Goole. The play reveals how each character grapples with their... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
As "An Inspector Calls" progresses through Acts 2 and 3, the theme of guilt in An Inspector Calls becomes more pronounced. Each character's involvement in Eva Smith's life and death is revealed, forcing them to confront their actions and the consequences.
Quote: "I behaved badly too. I know I did. I'm ashamed of it!"
This admission from Sheila demonstrates her growth and willingness to accept responsibility for her actions. It contrasts sharply with her parents' attitudes.
Highlight: The characters' reactions to guilt vary significantly, revealing their moral character and capacity for change.
Gerald's response to guilt is complex. While he initially tries to distance himself from the situation, he eventually admits to being affected:
Quote: "In that case - as I'm rather more-upset -by this business than I probably appear to be-and-well, I'd like to be alone for a while - I'd be glad if you'd let me go."
The hesitations in Gerald's speech, indicated by dashes, suggest his struggle with guilt and the need to process his emotions.
Eric's confrontation with his guilt is particularly poignant:
Quote: "Whoever that chap was, the fact remains that I did what I did. And mother did what she did. And the rest of you did what you did to her."
This statement shows Eric's acceptance of responsibility and his understanding that their collective actions led to Eva's death.
Definition: Social responsibility - The idea that individuals have an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.
The concept of social responsibility is central to the Inspector's message and Priestley's critique of Edwardian society.
Mrs. Birling's refusal to accept guilt stands in stark contrast to her children's growth:
Quote: "I don't believe it. I won't believe it..."
Her denial highlights the generational divide in attitudes towards social responsibility.
The play concludes with a powerful image of guilt:
Quote: "As they stare guiltily and dumbfounded, the curtain falls."
This final stage direction emphasizes the lasting impact of the Inspector's visit and the weight of guilt that now rests on the Birling family.
Example: Sheila's sarcastic comment, "I suppose we're all nice people now?" encapsulates the play's critique of superficial morality and the importance of genuine responsibility.
Through these varied responses to guilt, Priestley crafts a compelling analysis of guilt and responsibility in An Inspector Calls, challenging audiences to consider their own social responsibilities.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
In Act 1 of "An Inspector Calls," J.B. Priestley begins to explore the themes of guilt and responsibility in an inspector calls. The arrival of Inspector Goole disrupts the Birling family's celebratory dinner, setting the stage for an examination of each character's role in Eva Smith's death.
Quote: "I don't come into this suicide business."
This quote from Mr. Birling early in the play demonstrates his initial reluctance to accept any responsibility for Eva's death. It sets up the contrast between his attitude and the Inspector's insistence on collective responsibility.
Highlight: The characters' initial reactions to the Inspector's questioning reveal their attitudes towards guilt and social responsibility.
Sheila Birling shows the first signs of genuine remorse and acceptance of guilt. Her reaction to seeing Eva's photograph is particularly telling:
Quote: "She looks at it closely, recognises it with a little cry, gives a half-stifled sob, and then runs out."
This stage direction illustrates Sheila's immediate recognition of her involvement and the overwhelming guilt she feels. It marks the beginning of her character development throughout the play.
Vocabulary: Remorse - Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
The concept of remorse is central to understanding how different characters in the play deal with their actions and their consequences.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user