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Responsibility in An Inspector Calls - Coggle Diagram
Responsibility in An Inspector Calls
the younger generation
Eric
Eric takes the news of Eva smiths death very seriously and he tells his mother that she should take responsibility as well.he admitted to stealing the money for Eva and raping her whereas Mr and Mrs birling just enjoy being in the clear and refuse to take responsibility
Sheila
Sheila doesn't appear as childish and submissive as at the beginning.Sheila immediately feels guilt and remorse at learning her part
Priestley
Priestley ,being a socialist had an understanding for the less fortunate side of society.He believed that people were responsible for each other and should not be divided by class
Priestley used the the character inspector as a mouthpiece to present his own personal views on society.
Priestley wanted to reveal that capitalism focused too much on individual gain, causing people to be selfish.
The inspector
The inspectors speech at the end of the play 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.
The inspector is Priestley's mouthpiece and reveals Priestley's views on capitalism and society at the time the inspector promotes socialist ideas
he questions each member of the birling family and gerald revealing what they did to Eva smith and for the younger generation revealing their guilt and making them take responsibility
The older generation
Mrs birling
Mrs birling makes excuses for her and Mr birlings actions and part in Eva smiths death
Gerald
Although Gerald is young,he is considered a part of the older generation,due to his refusal to take responsibility.Like Mr birling gerald refuses to see his part and blame in Eva Smiths death
Mr birling
Mr birling / Arthur birling is arrogant and disrespectful for others to him accepting blame would be a sign of weakness and imperfection he says he "cannot accept any responsibility"
He feels so guilt or remorse for his actions unlike sheila and eric in the younger generation
When the household receives a phone call revealing there is no inspector goole instead of feeling remorse and guilt mr birling is just relieved and celebrates his freedom
Gender
Eva Smith herself was a working class woman but fought for her rights and other womans rights too
Mr birling patronises woman,claiming that they could not organise a proper strike and makes comments throughout the play about how much women love clothes
Sheila at the beginning of the play is seen as a submissive and childish girl however after she takes responsibility she is seen as to have changed now more independent and less childish
Mrs birling is a traditional submissive wife, she follows traditional old-fashioned womens roles