J.B. Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’ was written in 1945, however, the ambience of the play was set within 1912. Throughout the play, a consistent political theme is embedded through Priestley’s creation of two contrasting ideological viewpoints between his characters. Both characters are on the extremes of the political spectrum; Birling embodies a maximal capitalist viewpoint whereas Inspector Goole represents an impenetrable socialist perspective. This stark diversity is a result of Priestley’s use of innumerable linguistic devices in order to convey his fundamental messages.
Throughout the play, a conspicuous contrast is shown between the ideological viewpoints of Birling and Goole. Birling’s solid social stand point is blatantly displayed when he declares that “still, I can’t accept any responsibility” making a direct reference to his capitalist views as even after attempts of persuasion, his beliefs will not alter. Furthermore, his derogatory language of “cranks”, towards the opposition displays his disgust at the socialists’ attempts to revolutionise society. This is recurrently illustrated when he repeats the term “everybody” emphasising his detestation at the thought of working together in a community; further referring to it as “nonsense”. The cause for this abhorrence is possibly due to how he values power and class and believes that without them, a man is a nonentity. Henceforth, his use …show more content…
However, through is ignorance and selfish attitude, Birling is immediately perceived negatively towards the audience, whereas, through Goole’s positive representation, the audience begins to favour socialism rather than capitalism. Ergo, through these disparate philosophies, Priestley achieves his goal in allowing the audience to embrace socialist
Throughout the play, a conspicuous contrast is shown between the ideological viewpoints of Birling and Goole. Birling’s solid social stand point is blatantly displayed when he declares that “still, I can’t accept any responsibility” making a direct reference to his capitalist views as even after attempts of persuasion, his beliefs will not alter. Furthermore, his derogatory language of “cranks”, towards the opposition displays his disgust at the socialists’ attempts to revolutionise society. This is recurrently illustrated when he repeats the term “everybody” emphasising his detestation at the thought of working together in a community; further referring to it as “nonsense”. The cause for this abhorrence is possibly due to how he values power and class and believes that without them, a man is a nonentity. Henceforth, his use …show more content…
However, through is ignorance and selfish attitude, Birling is immediately perceived negatively towards the audience, whereas, through Goole’s positive representation, the audience begins to favour socialism rather than capitalism. Ergo, through these disparate philosophies, Priestley achieves his goal in allowing the audience to embrace socialist