Title: Explore how Priestley presents the attitudes of younger and
older generations in ‘An Inspector Calls’
In J.B.Priestley’s well-made play, ‘An Inspector Calls’, the younger generation
(Sheila and Eric Birling), who are presented as more open to change and
flexible to new attitudes, are starkly juxtaposed with the older generation, who
hold a more obstinate, fixed outlook on life. As a life-long devotion to the plight
of the proletariat, Priestley uses the characters of Sheila and Eric to
demonstrate how youth has the capacity to evolve when confronted with moral
responsibility and social awareness. Prieastley’s portrayal of the prevalent
generational divide in Edwardian England reflects his broader social and
political beliefs and his advocacy for social reform, relevant to a post World
War II British society.
From the outset of the play, the younger generation are depicted as more
impressionable and malleable characters. Sheila Birling, the daughter of the
capitalist factory owner Arthur Birling, has an initial reaction to the Inspector’s
questioning of disbelief and dismay. However, she becomes increasingly
aware of her own role in Eva Smith’s demise when Inspector Goole reveals
the consequences of her having Eva dismissed from Millwards, purely based
on her appearance. Priestley critiques how the privileged bourgeoisie often
abuse their power to achieve what provides them with the most benefit.
However, Priestley juxtaposes this with his portrayal whereby the younger
generation are willing to learn and are open to personal growth, providing
hope for society. Priestley does this in order to develop the societal shift seen
in 1945 audiences during the world wars, where class divides decreased and
women became more prominent members of society, moving away from
domesticity. Genuine remorse and self-awareness is seen when Sheila claims
that she is ‘to blame-and I’m desperately sorry’. This meaningful reflection on
her previous actions is placed in divergence with her father (representing the
complacent older generation), who continually denies any personal fault or
involvement in Eva’s death. Sheila’s openness reflects Priestley’s belief that
the younger generation, if given the right guidance, can contribute to societal
improvement. Sheila and Eric both have a willingness to accept the harsh
truths that the Inspector reveals. The Inspector is depicted as a moral catalyst
for the younger generation as the interrogation compels Sheila and Eric to
confront their actions, ultimately leading to their moral metamorphosis.
Sheila’s challenge to her father’s views of ‘these girls aren’t cheap labour -
they’re people’ marks her evolution from a somewhat superficial young
older generations in ‘An Inspector Calls’
In J.B.Priestley’s well-made play, ‘An Inspector Calls’, the younger generation
(Sheila and Eric Birling), who are presented as more open to change and
flexible to new attitudes, are starkly juxtaposed with the older generation, who
hold a more obstinate, fixed outlook on life. As a life-long devotion to the plight
of the proletariat, Priestley uses the characters of Sheila and Eric to
demonstrate how youth has the capacity to evolve when confronted with moral
responsibility and social awareness. Prieastley’s portrayal of the prevalent
generational divide in Edwardian England reflects his broader social and
political beliefs and his advocacy for social reform, relevant to a post World
War II British society.
From the outset of the play, the younger generation are depicted as more
impressionable and malleable characters. Sheila Birling, the daughter of the
capitalist factory owner Arthur Birling, has an initial reaction to the Inspector’s
questioning of disbelief and dismay. However, she becomes increasingly
aware of her own role in Eva Smith’s demise when Inspector Goole reveals
the consequences of her having Eva dismissed from Millwards, purely based
on her appearance. Priestley critiques how the privileged bourgeoisie often
abuse their power to achieve what provides them with the most benefit.
However, Priestley juxtaposes this with his portrayal whereby the younger
generation are willing to learn and are open to personal growth, providing
hope for society. Priestley does this in order to develop the societal shift seen
in 1945 audiences during the world wars, where class divides decreased and
women became more prominent members of society, moving away from
domesticity. Genuine remorse and self-awareness is seen when Sheila claims
that she is ‘to blame-and I’m desperately sorry’. This meaningful reflection on
her previous actions is placed in divergence with her father (representing the
complacent older generation), who continually denies any personal fault or
involvement in Eva’s death. Sheila’s openness reflects Priestley’s belief that
the younger generation, if given the right guidance, can contribute to societal
improvement. Sheila and Eric both have a willingness to accept the harsh
truths that the Inspector reveals. The Inspector is depicted as a moral catalyst
for the younger generation as the interrogation compels Sheila and Eric to
confront their actions, ultimately leading to their moral metamorphosis.
Sheila’s challenge to her father’s views of ‘these girls aren’t cheap labour -
they’re people’ marks her evolution from a somewhat superficial young
