7 Ways An Inspector Calls Challenges Moral Responsibility In Society

Nov 18, 2024 · 11 min read

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley confronts the audience with the concept of moral responsibility through its narrative, showcasing seven distinct methods that challenge societal norms and personal accountability.

Hadwin Maverick

Editorial and Creative Lead

7 Ways An Inspector Calls Challenges Moral Responsibility In Society

"Penned by J.B. Priestley, An Inspector Calls stands as a timeless critique of the societal norms and individual accountability. Set in 1912, the play scrutinizes the moral compass of its characters, the Birling family, and through their interactions with the enigmatic Inspector Goole, it challenges the very foundation of moral responsibility in society. Here, we delve into seven ways this theatrical masterpiece addresses and questions the concept of morality."

1. Class Consciousness and the Burden of Privilege 🌟

The Birling family represents the affluent upper-middle class, but their privilege is met with a stark moral contrast when Inspector Goole arrives. The play highlights how class privilege can blind individuals to the suffering and needs of the less fortunate:

Mr. Birling: His business practices directly harm Eva Smith, but he feels no remorse, reflecting the lack of responsibility from those in power.
Mrs. Birling: Her class snobbery leads her to deny Eva help from her charity, showing how moral blindness can be a result of self-righteous elitism.

J.B. Priestley showcases that one's moral responsibility should not waver with class, and indeed, it becomes even more crucial in the face of wealth and status.

<p class="pro-note">🔑 Note: The play is a critique of the idea that the rich are inherently more moral or responsible.</p>

2. Interconnectedness of Society 🌍

Inspector Goole emphasizes that humanity is interconnected, and actions in one part of society can have reverberations throughout:

The Butterfly Effect: Each Birling member's decisions directly or indirectly affect Eva Smith's life and eventual death, showing how interconnectedness demands a higher level of moral accountability.

Priestley uses this theme to challenge the audience to consider the moral implications of their actions on others, beyond their immediate circle.

3. The Illusion of Control 🎭

Characters like Mr. Birling believe they are in control, but Inspector Goole’s interrogation reveals their lack of genuine control:

Economic Power: Mr. Birling's use of economic power to control and manipulate people's lives without moral consequence.
Social Standing: Mrs. Birling's perceived social standing gives her a false sense of control over her environment and other people's lives.

This theme questions whether individuals truly understand the moral responsibilities they bear when they use their power to control others.

4. Consequentialism vs. Deontology 🧐

Priestley cleverly pits consequentialist thinking against deontological ethics:

Consequentialism: Mr. Birling and others defend their actions by focusing on their intentions or the eventual 'good' that came from them, disregarding the immediate harm.
Deontology: Inspector Goole's argument is more aligned with deontological ethics, focusing on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions.

By doing so, Priestley invites the audience to consider which ethical system best upholds societal morals.

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Note: The play does not give clear answers, leaving the audience to grapple with moral questions.</p>

5. The Burden of Guilt and Collective Responsibility ⚖️

While each character contributed to Eva's fate, Inspector Goole makes it clear that:

Collective Responsibility: All are responsible for the collective harm, highlighting that society as a whole must bear the weight of its members' actions.

The play argues for a more communitarian approach to morality, where the responsibility for others is paramount.

6. The Temporary Nature of Wealth and Power 🏚️

Inspector Goole's visit reveals the temporary nature of the Birling's wealth and the moral consequences they face:

Ephemeral Success: The Birling family's world is shaken when they learn that their reputations might not survive the public scrutiny, indicating the moral consequences of their previous actions.
Spiritual Bankruptcy: Their lack of empathy and moral vacuity make them metaphorically bankrupt, despite their material wealth.

Priestley challenges the notion that wealth equates to morality, suggesting that those with power have a greater moral duty to others.

7. The Role of Time in Moral Judgement ⌛

The play's circular structure (with a twist at the end) brings the concept of time into focus:

Moral Immutability: Despite the passage of time, the characters' moral failings are immutable. The lessons they learn do not change their past actions.
Foresight: The play suggests that foresight—anticipating the moral consequences of actions—is a key component of responsibility.

Priestley uses the Inspector’s mysterious knowledge of future events to underline the timelessness of moral responsibility.

J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls remains a powerful critique of the moral standards held by society and how individuals must reckon with their responsibility towards others. By examining the characters' flaws, the play invites introspection and questions about how society should function in light of moral duty.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the main moral message of An Inspector Calls?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The play emphasizes the theme of social responsibility, suggesting that individuals must recognize their impact on others and act with compassion.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How does Priestley depict class privilege in the play?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Priestley depicts class privilege through the actions and attitudes of the Birling family, illustrating how wealth and status can shield individuals from the consequences of their actions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What does Inspector Goole symbolize?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Inspector Goole symbolizes conscience, collective moral responsibility, and sometimes a higher authority that demands accountability for one's actions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is time important in the play?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Time in An Inspector Calls is crucial as it underscores the inevitability of moral judgement and the futility of escaping one's past actions through time manipulation.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>