Alternative transcript:

of happiness all intertwined with ours, and what we think and say and do. 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". The message Priestley tries to get across here is stark: either accept responsibility for others in society or live with the harsh consequences it comes with. Priestley's use of imagery in comparing society to one human body, his word choice of 'intertwined', and use of short and dramatic polysynthetic sentences all emphasise the importance of working together in society and accepting responsibility for others, as well as opening up the problem from one family's dining room to the rest of the world. Here, the Inspector is used to question the family's thoughts, actions and opinions which contrasts to his to create a change in society. Another way Priestley develops conflict between the family and Inspector Goole is through exploring Mr Birling's lack of social responsibility. By failing to accept the consequences of his actions, Mr Birling is going against what the Inspector tells him. He says in act one, "The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we are all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense". His word choice of 'as if' suggest Mr Birling is convinced we should never be responsible for each other and that it is a ridiculous idea. The word choice of 'cranks' also shows us his arrogant attitude and implies that he thinks anyone that thinks differently to him is wrong. Through his actions and attitude towards others, Mr Birling loses the respect of the audience, and Priestley uses this to develop the play by also showing off the Inspector's contrasting attitude. Seeing that these characters are in conflict over their different views implies that the lessons should be learnt from the inspector and the opposite from Mr Birling. The final way in which Priestley explores conflict between the family and the Inspector is through the character of Sheila Birling, who at the start of the play, appears to be spoilt and childish, shown when she quarrels with her brother and repeatedly calls her mother 'mummy'. Through the inspector's interrogation, Sheila's attitude towards responsibility begins to change. She appears to take more responsibility for her actions and stands up to her father's capitalist views, shown when she says "but they're not cheap labour-they're people". It seems the Inspector's questions changed Sheila's attitude and she was remorseful for what she had done, yet at times, the selfish side of her does shine through. For example, she says "I wish you hadn't told me", and "I'd felt awful about it at the time and now I feel worse". Both times, she focuses on her own feelings rather than her actions, which is the message the Inspector tries to get across. Here, the conflict of the Inspector's interrogation is shown to change Sheila's attitude for society, and teacher her, as well as the audience, an important lesson. J B Priestley's play An Inspector Calls explores contrasting views on social responsibility between the Inspector and Birling family. First, we see how the inspector is used to convey Priestley's important message, and then Mr Birling's arrogant attitude and capitalist mindset is shown with the negative affects it has on society. Finally, we see the Inspector's successful work in changing society for the better by leaving an impression on Sheila Birling. Through this play, Priestley aims to show that to take responsibility is to have the chance to change and to grow and that it is crucial that society work together.