An Inspector Calls: Key Themes and Context Explained for GCSE Students

An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley may be a short play, but it explores powerful ideas about society, responsibility, and morality. To do well at GCSE, it’s essential to understand both the key themes and the context in which Priestley wrote the play, as the two are closely linked.

Priestley uses the characters and events of the play to challenge the audience’s views on class, power, and social responsibility.

Responsibility

The central theme of An Inspector Calls is responsibility. Priestley argues that individuals should care for others, particularly the most vulnerable in society.

This message reflects Priestley’s socialist beliefs, which were shaped by his experiences during the First World War. Having witnessed the consequences of inequality and poor leadership, Priestley believed society functioned best when people supported one another.

The Inspector’s message is clear:

“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”

While Sheila and Eric accept responsibility and show remorse, Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to change. Through this contrast, Priestley suggests that accepting responsibility is essential for progress.

Social Class and Inequality

The play is set in 1912, a time when Britain was divided by rigid class boundaries. Wealthy families like the Birlings enjoyed power and security, while working-class people such as Eva Smith had little protection.

Priestley deliberately highlights this inequality to criticise the capitalist values of Edwardian society. Mr Birling’s focus on profit and reputation reflects attitudes Priestley believed were dangerous and immoral.

By presenting Eva Smith as vulnerable and disposable, Priestley exposes the human cost of social inequality.

Power and Authority

Power in the play appears in several forms: wealth, gender, and moral authority.

Although Mr Birling holds social and economic power, it is the Inspector - a mysterious outsider - who controls the action. His authority comes not from status, but from moral certainty, reflecting Priestley’s belief that ethics should matter more than wealth or class.

This idea would have resonated strongly with a 1945 audience, who had just experienced two world wars caused partly by irresponsible leadership.

Gender and Patriarchal Attitudes

Priestley also explores gender inequality. In Edwardian society, women were expected to be submissive and dependent on men. These attitudes are reflected in Mr Birling’s dismissive treatment of Sheila and Mrs Birling’s harsh judgement of Eva Smith.

Sheila’s development throughout the play challenges these expectations. By giving her a voice and moral awareness, Priestley suggests that social change is possible, particularly among younger people.

Age and Generational Divide

The contrast between generations is central to Priestley’s message. The older generation, represented by Mr and Mrs Birling, cling to outdated values and resist change. The younger generation, Sheila and Eric, are willing to learn and accept responsibility.

This reflects Priestley’s hope for a fairer society following the Second World War. Writing in 1945, he encourages his audience to reject the selfish attitudes of the past and build a more cooperative future.

Capitalism vs Socialism

Priestley uses An Inspector Calls to challenge capitalism and promote socialist ideals. Mr Birling’s speeches about self-interest and business success are undermined by dramatic irony, particularly his confident claims that there will be no war or economic hardship.

The Inspector represents Priestley’s socialist message: society must prioritise equality, compassion, and shared responsibility.

How to Use Themes and Context in GCSE Essays

To achieve higher marks:

• Link themes directly to Priestley’s ideas

• Use context to explain why characters behave as they do

• Avoid lengthy historical explanations

• Focus on analysis and meaning

  
  

Strong answers integrate context naturally, just as Priestley integrates his message into the play.

Final Thoughts

An Inspector Calls is more than a detective story; it is a powerful social critique. By understanding how Priestley’s life, beliefs, and historical context shape the play’s themes, GCSE students can write more thoughtful, confident exam responses.