The Final Revelations and Aftermath
The concluding act of "An Inspector Calls" brings the investigation to its climax, with the final revelations about Mrs. Birling and Eric's involvement in Eva Smith's tragic story. This act also explores the aftermath of the Inspector's visit and the characters' reactions to the truths that have been uncovered.
Mrs. Birling's role in Eva's downfall is revealed through her work on a charitable committee:
Quote: "I used my influence to have it refused. And in spite of what's happened to the girl since, I consider I did my duty." -Mrs. Birling (Act 3)
This statement exemplifies Mrs. Birling's rigid adherence to her class prejudices and her inability to empathize with those she considers beneath her. Her actions demonstrate how even ostensibly charitable acts can be tainted by classism and moral superiority.
Highlight: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva, who was pregnant and in desperate need, serves as a damning indictment of the callousness of upper-class society towards the struggles of the working class.
The final piece of the puzzle falls into place with Eric's confession:
Quote: "I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty - and I threatened to make a row." -Eric (Act 3)
Eric's admission of his sexual exploitation of Eva and his subsequent attempts to provide for her through stolen money completes the circle of the Birlings' collective responsibility for her fate. His actions, driven by alcoholism and a sense of entitlement, represent the darker aspects of privilege and power.
The Inspector's final speech serves as the moral centerpiece of the play:
Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish." -Inspector Goole (Act 3)
This powerful statement encapsulates the play's central message about social responsibility and the interconnectedness of all members of society. It also serves as a prophetic warning, alluding to the upcoming world wars and social upheavals.
Definition: Anguish - Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
The use of the word "anguish" in the Inspector's speech emphasizes the intense suffering that will result from a failure to recognize our shared humanity and responsibilities.
After the Inspector's departure, the characters' reactions to the evening's events reveal much about their capacity for change and self-reflection:
Quote: "But the point is, you don't seem to have learnt anything." -Sheila to her parents (Act 3)
Sheila's frustration with her parents' attempts to rationalize and dismiss their actions highlights the generational divide in the play and suggests hope for a more socially conscious future.
The play's final twist, the revelation that Inspector Goole may not have been a real police inspector, adds an element of ambiguity and supernatural mystery to the proceedings:
Quote: "That man wasn't a police officer." -Mr. Birling (Act 3)
This revelation forces both the characters and the audience to question the nature of the evening's events and their significance. It adds a layer of complexity to the play's exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the possibility of redemption.
The play concludes with a phone call that confirms a young woman has indeed died, setting up a cyclical structure that suggests the potential for the events to repeat themselves:
Quote: "A police inspector is on his way here - to ask some - questions -" -Mr. Birling (Act 3)
This ending leaves the audience with a sense of unresolved tension and the implication that the lessons of the evening have not been fully absorbed by all the characters.
Example: The cyclical structure of the play, with the possibility of the events repeating, can be seen as a metaphor for society's ongoing struggle with issues of social responsibility and moral accountability.
"An Inspector Calls" concludes by challenging its audience to reflect on their own roles in society and their responsibilities towards others. Through its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and powerful themes, the play continues to resonate with audiences, offering a timeless exploration of personal and social ethics.
