An Inspector Calls Themes
- Created by: mynameonTSR
- Created on: 09-03-14 22:30
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- Responsibility
- Most characters use the words responsible and responsibility throughout the play.
- Each family member has a different attitude to their responsibility in the death of Eva Smith
- Sheila
- Feels very responsible for her actions and evidently feels guilt throughout.
- 'I was in a furious temper. It was my own fault.'
- It didn't seem to be anything very terrible at the time.
- 'I pushed her into the street just because I was angry and she was pretty.'
- 'It doesn't much matter who made us confess.'
- 'Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide.'
- Sh'es also ashamed of her family for what they have done.
- 'It frightens me the way you talk.'
- Sh'es also ashamed of her family for what they have done.
- Feels very responsible for her actions and evidently feels guilt throughout.
- Eric
- He clearly has some sense of responsibility as he knew he had to support the mother of his unborn child.
- He is horrified that his actions led to such terrible consequences.
- 'We did her in alright.'
- 'Oh- my- God!- How stupid it all is.'
- Mrs Birling
- Refuses to accept any responsibility for her actions and shows no remorse.
- 'I accept no blame for it all.'
- 'I was perfectly justified.'
- Uses the words 'duty' and 'deserving' lot to justify her actions.
- 'I did nothing I'm ashamed of.'
- 'I've done nothing wrong- and you know it.'
- 'She had only herself to blame.'
- 'In the morning they'll be as amused as we are.'
- Doesn't think she has to change how she behaves- the inspector's visit has had very little impact on her.
- Refuses to accept any responsibility for her actions and shows no remorse.
- Mr Birling
- He cannot see that he did anything wrong with regards to Eva Smith- he was merely looking after business interests.
- 'The girl had been causing trouble at the works. I was quite justified.'
- 'Rubbish.'
- He is more concerned about avoiding a 'public scandal' than reconsidering his behaviour.
- 'I've got to cover this up as soon as I can.'
- He looks around 'triumphantly' when he realizes the police inspector is not a real police inspector.
- 'difference between a lot of stuff like this coming out in private and a downright public scandal.
- He cannot see that he did anything wrong with regards to Eva Smith- he was merely looking after business interests.
- Gerald Croft
- He was the least guilty as he at least 'made her happy for a time.' He has similar views to Mr Birling and doesn't think he has anything to learn.
- 'I don't come into this suicide business.
- Doesn't think Mr Birling should feel bad for starting the 'chain of events.'
- More interested in getting things back to how they were with Sheila.
- 'Everything is alright now Sheila. What about this ring?'
- He was the least guilty as he at least 'made her happy for a time.' He has similar views to Mr Birling and doesn't think he has anything to learn.
- Sheila
- The Inspector
- Talks about collective responsibility.
- Says everyone is linked and that we are all members of 'one body.'
- 'Their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives and what we think and say and do.'
- All responsible for one another- society is more important that the interests of individuals.
- 'Their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives and what we think and say and do.'
- Adds clear warning of what will happen to those who cannot accept responsibility.
- 'They will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.'
- Says everyone is linked and that we are all members of 'one body.'
- Talks about collective responsibility.
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