In An Inspector Calls, an inspector arrives at the Birling household to ask them a few questions about Eva Smith, a girl who had just killed herself. The play begins with Arthur Birling hosting a celebration party for Sheila Birling’s engagement to Gerald Croft. When the inspector arrives, both Arthur and his daughter, Sheila, play a very significant role in the progression and message of the play. Both of these characters tend to contrast one another in every instance such as their characteristics, attitudes, views on social issues, and growth throughout the play. In An Inspector Calls, the author, J.B. Priestley, uses Arthur and Sheila Birling’s differences to enhance the difference between generations and their reactions to a situation.
Arthur Birling owns the Birling and Co. which gives the whole family a high social standing. Though they are of the same social class, the personality characteristics that Arthur and Sheila hold are very different, as well as their reactions to the death of Eva Smith. Mr. Birling has a very solid way of thinking, and throughout the play, Mr. Birling does not change what he thinks at all. Mr. Birling is a self made man, who is a successful factory owner, a local magistrate, ex-Lord …show more content…
These characters hold very little similarities in their characteristics, attitudes, views on social issues, and growth throughout the play. The Inspector says, "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other...if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish" (54). Sheila believes that what she did was cruel and vile, but Mr. Birling shows no acknowledgement of fault. This helps highlight the differences between the new generation and the old generation’s reflectiveness on situations in society at the time and who will be the ones to
Arthur Birling owns the Birling and Co. which gives the whole family a high social standing. Though they are of the same social class, the personality characteristics that Arthur and Sheila hold are very different, as well as their reactions to the death of Eva Smith. Mr. Birling has a very solid way of thinking, and throughout the play, Mr. Birling does not change what he thinks at all. Mr. Birling is a self made man, who is a successful factory owner, a local magistrate, ex-Lord …show more content…
These characters hold very little similarities in their characteristics, attitudes, views on social issues, and growth throughout the play. The Inspector says, "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other...if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish" (54). Sheila believes that what she did was cruel and vile, but Mr. Birling shows no acknowledgement of fault. This helps highlight the differences between the new generation and the old generation’s reflectiveness on situations in society at the time and who will be the ones to