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English Literature

Short fiction ii

Explain the function of contrasting characters

An Inspector Calls Grade 9 Essay Example - Character, Themes, and Social Responsibility

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Megan Collins

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An Inspector Calls Grade 9 Essay Example - Character, Themes, and Social Responsibility

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley explores social responsibility through the character of Inspector Goole, who challenges the wealthy Birling family's attitudes towards society and their actions affecting Eva Smith.

Inspector Goole serves as Priestley's mouthpiece to convey messages about social responsibility
The play contrasts socialist and capitalist views through Inspector Goole and Mr. Birling
Characters like Sheila Birling undergo transformation in their understanding of social responsibility
Priestley uses dramatic techniques and dialogue to emphasize the importance of collective responsibility

8/2/2022

The Impact of Inspector Goole on Social Responsibility Themes

In J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls," the character of Inspector Goole plays a crucial role in shaping the audience's understanding of social responsibility. This An Inspector Calls character essay example explores how Priestley uses Inspector Goole to convey his message about collective accountability and the flaws of capitalist society.

Inspector Goole serves as Priestley's mouthpiece, delivering powerful speeches that highlight the interconnectedness of society. His final monologue is particularly impactful, warning of dire consequences if people fail to learn the lesson of social responsibility. Priestley employs various literary techniques to reinforce this message:

Imagery: The Inspector compares society to a single human body, emphasizing our interdependence.
Word choice: The use of "intertwined" underscores the interconnected nature of human lives.
Polysynthetic sentences: These complex sentences impress upon the audience the gravity of the message.

Quote: "We do not live alone. We are members of one body, and I tell you that if men don't learn this lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."

This powerful statement encapsulates the play's central theme of social responsibility, making it an excellent An Inspector Calls responsibility quote Act 1 for analysis in essays.

The play contrasts Inspector Goole's socialist views with Mr. Birling's capitalist mindset, providing a clear analysis of social responsibility theme in an inspector calls essay. Mr. Birling's dismissive attitude towards community responsibility is evident in his dialogue:

Quote: "The way some of these cranks talk and write now you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we're all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense."

This statement, an example of "i can't accept any responsibility mr birling analysis," showcases the capitalist perspective that Priestley critiques through the play.

The character development of Sheila Birling demonstrates how Inspector Goole's interrogation can lead to a transformation in understanding social responsibility. Initially portrayed as frivolous, Sheila undergoes a metamorphosis, becoming more aware of her actions' consequences and challenging her father's views.

Vocabulary: Metamorphosis - A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.

This character arc provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore how Priestley presents social responsibility in An Inspector Calls in their essays.

By presenting these contrasting viewpoints and character developments, Priestley uses Inspector Goole to affect the audience's understanding of social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of collective accountability in society. This approach makes "An Inspector Calls" a rich source for An Inspector Calls Grade 9 essay topics, particularly when focusing on the theme of social responsibility.

Choose a play in which there is a character who is important in
relation to the theme of the play.
Referring to appropriate techniques, expl

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Inspector Goole as a Vehicle for Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls" uses the character of Inspector Goole to explore and emphasize the theme of social responsibility. Set in 1912 in the fictional town of Brumley, the play centers around the affluent Birling family and their involvement in the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. Through Inspector Goole's interrogation, Priestley reveals the flaws of capitalism and social inequalities prevalent in pre-war Britain.

Highlight: The play is set in 1912 but was written in 1945, allowing Priestley to comment on pre-war society with post-war hindsight.

Inspector Goole serves as Priestley's mouthpiece, delivering powerful messages about social responsibility. In his final speech, the Inspector states, "We do not live alone. We are members of one body, and I tell you that if men don't learn this lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish." This stark warning emphasizes the interconnectedness of society and the consequences of neglecting social responsibility.

Quote: "One Eva Smith has gone but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness all intertwined with ours and what we think and say and do."

Priestley uses various literary techniques to reinforce his message:

Imagery: Comparing society to a human body
Word choice: Using "intertwined" to emphasize interconnectedness
Polysynthetic sentences: To impress upon the audience the importance of collective responsibility

The play contrasts Inspector Goole's socialist views with Mr. Birling's capitalist mindset. Mr. Birling's arrogance and lack of social responsibility are evident in his dismissive attitude towards community responsibility, referring to such ideas as "nonsense" and those who promote them as "cranks."

Example: Mr. Birling's statement, "The way some of these cranks talk and write now you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we're all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense," showcases his capitalist views and lack of social responsibility.

Through the character development of Sheila Birling, Priestley demonstrates the potential for change and growth in understanding social responsibility. Initially portrayed as frivolous and childish, Sheila undergoes a transformation through the Inspector's interrogation, becoming more aware of her actions' consequences and challenging her father's capitalist views.