An Inspector Calls Key Theme: Guilt and Responsibility (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note

Guilt and responsibility timeline  

The themes of guilt and responsibility in each act of An Inspector Calls:

What are the elements of guilt and responsibility in An Inspector Calls?

Priestley presents the theme of guilt and responsibility in different ways through the characters. The telephone call that concludes the play is symbolic; there will be consequences for those who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions.  

• The Inspector: He embodies social responsibility, holding each character to account for their role in the “chain of events” that led to Eva Smith’s death

• Mr and Mrs Birling: Representing a selfish older generation, they occupy an important position in society, but fail in their duty of care towards others

• Sheila and Eric: Through their guilt for their behaviour towards Eva, these characters represent the potential for a more progressive younger generation to show greater collective responsibility

The impact of guilt and responsibility on characters

The play’s message of responsibility contributes to its dramatic tension and structure. The Inspector systematically questions each member of the Birling family, revealing their guilt and demonstrating how their actions all contributed to Eva Smith’s death.

Why does Priestley use the theme of guilt and responsibility in his play?

1.  Setting and period

• Priestley underscores how the wealthiest in society enjoy privileges and lives of excess, while refusing to show compassion for the poorest and most vulnerable

• Demonstrates the consequences of selfishness and ignorance (such as the disaster aboard the Titanic and the labour disputes)

2. Plot driver 

• The plot is structured around the Inspector’s interrogations of the Birling family, revealing their guilt and responsibility one by one

• Reveals the “chain of events” that connect individuals and the importance of personal and collective responsibility

3. Audience appeal 

• Sheila and Eric come to represent Priestley’s 1945 audience — a more progressive and responsible generation

• Mr and Mrs Birling, and Gerald, reflect the blinkered attitudes of an older generation whose irresponsibility would have unsettled Priestley’s audience

4. Dramatic device  

• Creates dramatic irony: the audience realise, before the Birlings do, that each will be interrogated by the Inspector, and therefore each bears some guilt  

• Leads to dramatic tension, such as the cliffhangers that end each act

Exam-style questions on the theme of guilt and responsibility

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of guilt and responsibility: 

• Explore how Priestley presents the attitudes of Arthur and Sybil Birling towards their role in the death of Eva Smith.

• How does Priestley show that the effects of guilt and responsibility change the character of Sheila in An Inspector Calls?