Theme of Morality AIC
- Created by: XenaP26
- Created on: 29-04-20 17:50
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- Morality
- Key quoatations
- 'We are members of one body' - Inspector Act 3
- The Inspector's leaving message; sums up Priestley morals. This is the lesson of the morality play - we must all look after one another as we are a community.
- 'Community and all that nonsense' - Birling Act 1
- Mr Birling is set out as the embodiment of capitalism His disregard for the lives of others is heavily immoral - by extension capitalism is heavily immoral.
- 'I did nothing I'm ashamed of' - Mrs Birling Act 2
- Mrs Birlings actions were immoral - she denied Eva Smith help for no reason other than her own presumptions - the fact she is not ashamed shows she will not change and she does not have good morals.
- 'these girls aren't cheap labour; they're people' - Sheila Act 1
- Priestley writes this to show how immoral it is that capitalism treats the workforce as 'cheap labour' and he shows the consequences of this action. Had employers had grounded moral compasses perhaps Eva would be alive.
- 'respectable citizens not criminals' - Gerald Act 1
- Gerald tries to suggest that he and the family are respectable citizens and although their actions are flawed and selfish. The family have all acted in an immoral way.
- 'girls of that class' - Mrs Birling Act 2
- Mrs Birling believes that Eva Smith was a liar and so she did her 'duty' in refusing help. This is morally wrong because obviously the lower classes are no different in anything but power and wealth to the upper classes.
- 'each of you helped to kill her' - Inspector Act 3
- The actions of the Birling family have all culminated in the death of an innocent girl. Had the family acted morally Eva Smith, and many like her, may not have died.
- 'We are members of one body' - Inspector Act 3
- Characters
- Sheila
- In the beginning of the play Sheila is a naive girl who is sheltered by her parents. She gets what she wants.
- She had Eva Smith fired for no good reason - just that she was jealous and impulsive.
- Sheila however, feels terrible about her actions and acknowledges the severity and consequences that they have had.
- Sheila learns that in order to be a better person she must change. She must heed the lesson of the Inspector and care for all in society - no matter there class.
- Sheila sympathises with Eva Smith feeling that Eva Smith's death was avoidable had they not all played a part.
- At the beginning she is very pleased with her engagement however by the end of the play she finds it more appropriate to call off the engagement as her and Gerald are very different people. Sheila has reevaluated what is most important.
- Sheila is a bright girl who quickly clocks onto what the Inspector is doing - she tries to warn her mother and encourage her to tell the truth. It is clear Sheila is beginning to value true transparency and the idea of owning up to one's actions.
- Eric
- Eric admits that he has a drinking problem and that he took advantage of Eva
- After getting Eva pregnant he feels a sense of duty to look after her suggesting he has good morals. However, he tries to do this by stealing money so it's debatable.
- Eric takes responsibility and shows his disgust for the other's actions. He is changed by the experience.
- Arthur Birling
- Arthur Birling is inherently capitalist - he represents everything Priestley dislikes about the capitalist nature of society
- Mr Birling views the working class as 'cheap labour' as if they're ready to be exploited and made a profit off. He dehumanizes these people.
- Birling accepts no responsibility for the death of Eva feeling he did nothing wrong by sacking her and she was wrong to demand higher wages: this highlights his lack of empathy and morals towards others.
- Birling is motivated, not by a desire to do good, but greed
- Priestley discredit Mr Birling early on in the play to show that it is foolish to act only for oneself: Priestley describes boths world wars as a consequence of capitalism
- The Inspector repeatedly questions Mr Birling who feels it appropriate to intimidate the Inspector rather than comply showing he thinks appearing powerful and respectable is more important than being compassionate.
- Mr Birling clearly plays a large role in the community - being put on the honours list. However it is made clear that he does not believe in community - calling it 'nonsense' this suggests he is driven by gain and greed rather than a desire to do good. Priestley outlines that is is these traits which are toxic to society.
- Sybil Birling
- Mrs Birling exhibits no remorse for her actions
- Mrs Birling describes it as her duty to turn away help to Eva. However, she turned away help because she was selfish and presumptive about Eva's situation.
- Mrs Birling is not concerned by the lack of sympathy she displayed but how a public scandal would reflect on her respectability and status: she prioritises the wrong things.
- Gerald Croft
- Gerald is the son of a wealthy, respected man. He agrees with Mr Birling on the idea that Eva Smith was rightfull sacked.
- Gerald, unlike Mr and Mrs Birling, does have sympathy for Eva. He also showed kindness to her - 'saving' her from Meggarty. However, he still exploits her affection for him
- From this the audience learn that kindness is not truly given when used for our own gain
- Gerald exploits his power and Eva's class.
- Inspector Goole
- The Inspector acts as Priestley's voice in the play. He pushes the characters to reflect on their own moral actions.
- The Inspector's message is rooted in socialism and the idea of a welfare state. He has well guided morals that promote compassion and care for everyone.
- The Inspector is the chorus of the play. He questions the characters reasoning for the decisions they made. He is not influenced by Mr and Mrs Birling's intimidation but sticks to facts: presenting him as a logical, well-reasoned moral character - who would not take bribes.
- Sheila
- Priestley's intentions
- Priestley believed in socialism and hated the idea of a capitalist society,
- Priestley created a morality play to show his audience the consequences of capitalism and the need for socialism and a welfare state
- Priestley points out the flawed ethos of characters like Mr and Mrs Birling to highlight everything that is immoral about capitalism and societal classes.
- Application to the 21st century
- Priestley teaches that we are one 'body' and we must care for each other.
- The world is still heavily capitalist and a class system does exist - the message to care for others will always be relevant.
- Although very specific to the 20th century Priestley's message transcends to situations like poverty, and the idea that we are not our for ourselves but to look after others - promotes the idea of community
- Key Points
- An Inspector calls is a morality play aimed at informing the audience of benefits of socialism over capitalism.
- Priestley thought it immoral that the working class was neglected for the profit.
- The characters a forced on a journey by the Inspector where they reflect on their own morals - in the younger generation we see better morals
- The Inspector is Priestley's voice in the play - he points out the moral flaws of the characters and how their actions are against society and wrong. He tries to teach each of the characters about the influence they have and the consequences of their actions.
- Key quoatations
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