Criticisms in An Inspector Calls

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Criticisms in An Inspector Calls 'An Inspector Calls' is a very thought provoking and rousing play. It was obviously written to make a strong point and illustrate the social gap between classes. This play was written in 1945 and since then, times and situations have changed enormously. However, this play still has great relevance today due to the fact that as a country we retain strong upper class societies who are very definitely detached. In the following essay, I aim to outline the many arguments and lines of thought that this play incites. To illustrate this I will use extracts from the play. I will also use my own thoughts and opinions: Before the Inspector enters, we are already forming opinions and views on the characters. Mr Birling seems very worried about wealth and social ranking. He says to Gerald who is his daughter's fiancé, 'You ought to like this port Gerald. Finchley told me it's exactly the same port as your father gets from him.' Gerald's parents have a much higher social status than Mr Birling, and he is obviously trying to impress Gerald so he will pass it on to his parents. Mrs Birling also seems very prudish and stuffy. When Mr Birling makes a comment about the quality of the meal and asks her to inform the cook she replies with, 'Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things-' Although not as obvious as her husband, she is also trying to make a good impression and convey the fact that she is an important lady, with wealth and rank. She is anxious for the marriage between Sheila and Gerald to go ahead because she is always trying to smooth things over and make it run smoothly. For example, when Gerald tries to get Sheila to admit how much he loves her and she does not r... ... middle of paper ... ...n anyway or show any sorrow or repentance. I think that this shows that older people find it harder to adjust and some people are just set in their ways and have no inclination to change. The play also illustrates and criticises the gap in social stature and behaviour. If people are believed to be 'upper class' then they treat anyone below them with disdain and no interest. This play is illustrating that the Inspector treats both classes with the same attitude. He treats the Birlings with the same respect or resistance he would to any other suspect or interviewee. He does not give them preferential treatment and I think that this is showing how everyone should treat each other. The play is criticising the fact that as individuals we do not consider the consequences of our actions, and that as a society we do not realise what one action can lead to.

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