An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley :: Papers

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley An Inspector Calls is set in 1912, and was written in 1947. During these years between these dates, Britain was involved in two world wars, which turned the world upside down and disrupted the old orders forever. Already an established writer, playwright and broadcaster, particularly known for his moral-boosting wartime broadcasts, J.B priestly used his reputation to explore the clash of the old and new orders and the difference between the upper and the lower class. He drew attention to the complacency of Britain after the Industrial Revolution and before the World Wars, supported gathering socialists movement, which began to see the world as a place where all shares responsibility for all. This contrasted with the view that each person is only responsible for him or herself and their family. Priestly sort to warn his audiences of the threat posed by carrying on as before, putting too much faith in outdated values and institutions. The first audiences of 'An Inspector Calls' were receptive to new ideas, which could mend the misery and deprivation of a war-torn nation. This was a society hungry to find ways forward to a better future. The contrast between these views continues in the present-day British politics. In 1987, just three years after Priestly died, Margaret Thatcher who was Prime Minister at the time said, 'There is no such thing as society,' Priestly, like other thinkers of his time, was extremely interested in the brain and the way the mind works. Psychologists explored ideas why we are like we are, what motivate us, and how life events mould our character. Priestly play demonstrates his fascination with the mind as he systematically makes the Inspector penetrate the private thought and consciences of the characters. Priestly cleverly moves us through a jolly gathering dominated by the pompous Arthur Birling to unearth events that reveal some of the worst aspects of the characters. His play is chilling and full of suspense. The pattern the plot is taking becomes more apparent so early on in the play, which makes it more