Critical evaluation of An Inspector Calls Essay -- English Literature

Critical evaluation of An Inspector Calls An Inspector Calls ‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play set in the mystery/ detective thriller genre. It is set in 1912 however it was written by J.B Priestly in 1945 and staged in Moscow. As he lived through both wars he could see what had actually happened in the time the play was set. J.B Priestly uses the characters to express his views on the issue of social responsibility, morality and about class divisions with many themes including greed, regret, guilt and blame. ‘An Inspector Calls’ is about the Birling family who are quite wealthy. They are celebrating their daughters engagement with her fiancà ©, Gerald. An Inspector arrives and breaks up the party, questioning the family on the death of a young Eva Smith, who had killed herself by drinking disinfectant. Upon questioning each member of the family seems to be involved in her death and is slowly forced to confess. When the Inspector finally leaves they find out that he is a fake. But at the very end they get a phone call telling them that a young woman has just killed herself and that there is an Inspector on his way to speak to them about it. An Inspector Calls is what is known as a well made play. Its progression is that from ignorance to knowledge (for both the audience and the characters). During the course of the play the action is mostly focused on Eva Smith/ Daisy Renton. At the beginning of the play Sheila is described as a pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather excited. The reader gets the impression that she is a very relaxed, spoilt, and innocent girl who is very naà ¯ve. At the start of the play Sheila has a very good, happy relationship with her family and fianc... ...ing about the public finding out and if the inspector is real or fake. Sheila is the character which is explored in this essay. Responsibility is developed through her character as her reactions and responses are compared to her family’s. Although she is the youngest, she behaves in a mature manner answering the Inspector’s questions whereas her family refuses. She understands what has happened and takes responsibility for her actions. Change is developed from the beginning to the very end. In the beginning Sheila is carefree, innocent and naà ¯ve. She has no worries or concerns. However towards the end she develops a social conscience and an understanding of the real world. She is emotionally stronger and has doubts about her parents. She has learnt a lot from her experience and even though the inspector was a fraud she is still aware of her actions.