An Inspector Calls PDF Book: A Comprehensive Guide and Analysis
An Inspector Calls PDF Book: A Review and Analysis
An Inspector Calls is a famous play by J.B. Priestley, written in 1945 and first performed in 1946. It is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that explores the themes of social responsibility, morality, class, gender, and generational conflict. In this article, we will provide a summary and a critical evaluation of An Inspector Calls, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about the play.
an inspector calls pdf book
Introduction
What is An Inspector Calls?
An Inspector Calls is a three-act play that takes place in one night in 1912, in the dining room of a wealthy family, the Birlings. The Birlings are celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft, a young businessman from a rival company. However, their celebration is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious inspector, who claims to be investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. The inspector reveals that each member of the family, as well as Gerald, had some connection to Eva Smith and may have contributed to her tragic fate. As the inspector interrogates them one by one, he exposes their secrets, lies, and hypocrisy, and forces them to face their guilt and responsibility.
Who is J.B. Priestley?
J.B. Priestley was a British novelist, playwright, broadcaster, and social critic, who was born in 1894 and died in 1984. He was one of the most popular and influential writers of his time, who wrote over 50 plays and 100 books. He was also a political activist and a campaigner for various causes, such as nuclear disarmament, public education, and workers' rights. He was a socialist who believed in social justice and equality, and he used his writing to challenge the status quo and promote his ideals.
What are the main themes and messages of An Inspector Calls?
An Inspector Calls is a play that explores several important themes and messages, such as:
Social responsibility: The play criticizes the selfishness and indifference of the upper class towards the lower class, and urges them to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. The inspector represents the voice of conscience and morality, who reminds them that "we are members of one body" and "we are responsible for each other". The play also warns them that if they do not learn their lesson, they will face "fire and blood and anguish" in the future.
Morality: The play questions the moral values and standards of the society in which it is set, which is based on capitalism, materialism, individualism, and patriarchy. The play exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of the Birlings and Gerald, who pretend to be respectable and virtuous, but are actually greedy, dishonest, and cruel. The play also contrasts the different moral attitudes of the older and younger generations, and shows that the younger ones are more willing to change and improve themselves.
Class: The play highlights the class divisions and inequalities that exist in the society in which it is set, which is influenced by the Industrial Revolution, the Edwardian era, and the World War I. The play shows how the upper class exploits and oppresses the lower class, and how they use their power and privilege to avoid accountability and justice. The play also shows how the lower class suffers from poverty, injustice, and despair, and how they are denied dignity and respect.
Gender: The play exposes the gender roles and expectations that exist in the society in which it is set, which is dominated by men and subordinates women. The play shows how the men in the play control and manipulate the women, and how they treat them as objects, possessions, or inferiors. The play also shows how the women in the play are constrained by their social status, their family obligations, or their emotional attachments, and how they struggle to assert their identity and agency.
Generational conflict: The play depicts the generational conflict that exists between the older and younger characters in the play, and how they differ in their views, values, and behaviors. The play shows how the older generation is rigid, conservative, and complacent, and how they resist change and progress. The play also shows how the younger generation is flexible, progressive, and hopeful, and how they embrace change and reform.
Summary of the Plot
What happens in each act of the play?
The play consists of three acts, which are continuous and take place in one night. Here is a brief summary of what happens in each act:
Act One: The Birlings are celebrating Sheila's engagement to Gerald. Mr. Birling gives a speech about his business success and his optimistic outlook on the future. He also advises Gerald and Eric to ignore the "cranks" who talk about social responsibility and collective welfare. He claims that there will be no war, no labor troubles, and no social unrest. He also reveals that he expects to receive a knighthood soon. The inspector arrives and announces that he is investigating the suicide of Eva Smith, a young working-class woman who swallowed disinfectant. He shows a photograph of Eva Smith to Mr. Birling, who admits that he fired her from his factory for asking for a raise. He denies any responsibility for her death and defends his actions as a businessman. He also tries to intimidate the inspector by mentioning his connections to the police chief and Gerald's father.
Act Two: The inspector questions Sheila, who recognizes Eva Smith from another photograph. She confesses that she had Eva Smith fired from a department store for smiling at her in a way that she perceived as mocking. She admits that she was jealous of Eva Smith's beauty and that she acted out of spite. She feels guilty and ashamed of her behavior and agrees with the inspector that she was partly responsible for Eva Smith's death. She also becomes suspicious of Gerald's involvement with Eva Smith when he reacts nervously to her name. The inspector questions Gerald, who admits that he had an affair with Eva Smith, whom he met at a bar where she worked as a prostitute under the name Daisy Renton. He claims that he helped her out of pity and that he ended their relationship gently. He also reveals that Eva Smith refused to take any money from him. He asks Sheila to forgive him and tries to justify his actions as a mistake. Sheila returns his engagement ring and tells him that he does not understand anything.
Act Three: The inspector questions Mrs. Birling, who denies knowing Eva Smith until he shows her another photograph. She admits that she rejected Eva Smith's appeal for help when she came to her charity organization under the name Mrs. Birling. She claims that Eva Smith was lying about being pregnant and married to a young man who deserted her. She insists that Eva Smith was impertinent and that she deserved what she got. She also says that the young man who got Eva Smith pregnant should be held responsible and punished severely. She does not realize that she is implicating her own son Eric until the inspector points it out. Eric enters and confesses that he met Eva Smith at the same bar as Gerald did
Act Three: The inspector questions Mrs. Birling, who denies knowing Eva Smith until he shows her another photograph. She admits that she rejected Eva Smith's appeal for help when she came to her charity organization under the name Mrs. Birling. She claims that Eva Smith was lying about being pregnant and married to a young man who deserted her. She insists that Eva Smith was impertinent and that she deserved what she got. She also says that the young man who got Eva Smith pregnant should be held responsible and punished severely. She does not realize that she is implicating her own son Eric until the inspector points it out. Eric enters and confesses that he met Eva Smith at the same bar as Gerald did and that he forced himself on her after getting drunk. He also admits that he stole some money from his father's office to support Eva Smith when she became pregnant with his child. He says that he wanted to marry her but she refused because she knew he did not love her. He also says that he was in despair when she told him that she was going to kill herself. He blames his mother for killing her and his child. The inspector gives a final speech, in which he warns the Birlings and Gerald that they are not alone in this world and that they have to share it with millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths. He says that they will be taught a lesson if they do not learn it now. He then leaves. The Birlings and Gerald try to recover from the shock and wonder if the inspector was really a police officer. They call the police station and find out that there is no Inspector Goole on their staff. They also find out that there has been no suicide case reported that night. They start to doubt the inspector's identity and his story. They think that they have been hoaxed and that they are off the hook. However, Sheila and Eric are still disturbed by what they have done and what they have learned. They argue with their parents and Gerald, who try to dismiss the whole affair as a joke or a misunderstanding. They say that it does not matter if the inspector was real or not, because they still behaved badly and hurt a young woman. They say that they have changed and that they cannot go back to their old ways. The phone rings and Mr. Birling answers it. He turns pale and tells the others that a young woman has just died on her way to the infirmary after swallowing some disinfectant. He also tells them that a police inspector is on his way to ask them some questions.
Critical Evaluation
How does Priestley use dramatic techniques to create tension and suspense?
Priestley uses various dramatic techniques to create tension and suspense in An Inspector Calls, such as:
The doorbell: The doorbell rings at a crucial moment, when Mr. Birling is giving his speech about his selfish philosophy of life. The doorbell interrupts his speech and announces the arrival of the inspector, who will challenge his views and expose his faults.
The photograph: The inspector shows a photograph of Eva Smith to each character separately, but does not let them see each other's reactions. This creates suspense as the audience wonders how each character is connected to Eva Smith and what they will reveal.
The lighting: The lighting changes from pink and intimate to bright and hard when the inspector arrives, suggesting a change in mood and atmosphere. The bright light also symbolizes the inspector's role as a truth-seeker who exposes the dark secrets of the Birlings.
The stage directions: The stage directions indicate how the characters move, speak, and react during the play, revealing their emotions, attitudes, and relationships. For example, Sheila moves closer to Gerald when he admits his affair with Eva Smith, showing her forgiveness and love for him.
The cliffhangers: Each act ends with a cliffhanger, leaving the audience in suspense and anticipation for what will happen next. For example, Act One ends with Sheila's realization that Gerald knew Eva Smith, Act Two ends with Mrs. Birling's realization that Eric is the father of Eva Smith's child, and Act Three ends with Mr. Birling's announcement that a real inspector is coming to question them.
How does Priestley present the social and historical context of the play?
Priestley presents the social and historical context of the play by using various methods, such as:
The setting: The play is set in 1912, two years before the outbreak of World War I, which will shatter the optimistic and complacent worldview of the Birlings. The play also reflects the social and economic conditions of the time, such as the class divisions, the industrialization, the labor unrest, and the suffragette movement.
The characters: The characters represent different social classes, genders, and generations in the society of 1912. For example, Mr. Birling represents the capitalist and conservative upper class, Eva Smith represents the exploited and oppressed lower class, Sheila represents the emancipated and progressive young women, and Eric represents the disillusioned and rebellious young men.
The dialogue: The dialogue reveals the characters' views and values, as well as their ignorance and arrogance. For example, Mr. Birling makes several ironic statements that show his lack of foresight and his false confidence. He says that there will be no war, that the Titanic is unsinkable, and that he is a good judge of character.
The irony: The play uses dramatic irony to contrast the characters' expectations and assumptions with the reality and the outcome. For example, Mr. Birling expects to receive a knighthood for his public service, but he ends up being exposed as a selfish and irresponsible man. He also expects to merge his business with Gerald's father's company, but he ends up losing his daughter's engagement to Gerald.
How does Priestley challenge the audience's views and values?
Priestley challenges the audience's views and values by using various strategies, such as:
The inspector: The inspector acts as a mouthpiece for Priestley's own views and values, as well as a catalyst for change and improvement. He questions and criticizes the Birlings' actions and attitudes, and he appeals to their conscience and morality. He also addresses the audience directly in his final speech, urging them to learn from the Birlings' mistakes and to care for each other.
The moral dilemma: The play presents a moral dilemma for the audience, who have to decide whether they agree or disagree with the inspector's message and whether they sympathize or condemn the Birlings' behavior. The play also invites the audience to reflect on their own actions and responsibilities towards others.
The social commentary: The play offers a social commentary on the society of 1912, as well as the society of 1945, when it was first performed. The play exposes the flaws and failures of both societies, such as the injustice, inequality, oppression, exploitation, corruption, hypocrisy, greed, selfishness, indifference, and violence. The play also suggests that both societies need to change and reform in order to prevent further suffering and destruction.
Conclusion
An Inspector Calls is a powerful and provocative play that explores the themes of social responsibility, morality, class, gender, and generational conflict. It is a play that challenges the audience to think critically and morally about their own society and their own role in it. It is a play that warns against complacency and indifference, and encourages empathy and compassion. It is a play that remains relevant and significant today, as it deals with universal issues and questions that affect humanity.
Some of the strengths of An Inspector Calls are its engaging plot, its realistic characters, its dramatic techniques, its social and historical context, its moral message, and its lasting impact. Some of the weaknesses of An Inspector Calls are its didactic tone, its unrealistic ending, its stereotypical portrayal of some characters, and its limited perspective on some issues.
Some of the questions and issues raised by An Inspector Calls are:
Who is Inspector Goole and what is his purpose?
What is the role of fate and free will in An Inspector Calls?
How does An Inspector Calls relate to other literary works that deal with similar themes?
How does An Inspector Calls reflect Priestley's own biography and beliefs?
How has An Inspector Calls been adapted for different media and audiences?
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about An Inspector Calls:
Where can I find a PDF version of An Inspector Calls?
Where can I find a PDF version of An Inspector Calls?
You can find a PDF version of An Inspector Calls on several websites that offer free downloads of books and plays, such as:
Ark Alexandra Academy
KBA
Internet Archive
However, you should always check the copyright status and the quality of the PDF files before downloading them.
When and where was An Inspector Calls first performed?
An Inspector Calls was first performed on 1 October 1946 at the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia, where it was well received by the audience and the critics. It was then performed on 5 October 1946 at the New Theatre in London, where it was also a success. It has since been performed in many countries and languages, and has been adapted for film, television, radio, and stage.
What is the genre and style of An Inspector Calls?
An Inspector Calls is a play that belongs to the genre of social drama or social thriller. It is a play that combines realistic elements with symbolic and mysterious elements. It is a play that uses dialogue, action, and stage directions to convey its plot, characters, themes, and messages. It is a play that follows the classical structure of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It is a play that employs various literary devices, such as irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, imagery, and metaphor.
Who is the most responsible for Eva Smith's death?
This is a debatable question that has no definitive answer. Each character in An Inspector Calls has some degree of responsibility for Eva Smith's death, as they all contributed to her misery and despair in different ways. However, some characters may be more responsible than others, depending on how they treated Eva Smith, how they reacted to the inspector's revelations, and how they changed or did not change by the end of the play. For example, some people may argue that Mrs. Birling is the most responsible for Eva Smith's death, as she denied her help when she needed it most and showed no remorse or sympathy for her. Others may argue that Mr. Birling is the most responsible for Eva Smith's death, as he started the chain of events that led to her downfall and refused to learn from his mistakes or accept his guilt.
What is the meaning of the final twist in An Inspector Calls?
The final twist in An Inspector Calls is when Mr. Birling receives a phone call from the police station informing him that a young woman has just died after swallowing some disinfectant and that an inspector is on his way to question them. This twist suggests that the inspector who visited them earlier was not a real inspector but an impostor or a supernatural figure who knew what was going to happen. This twist also suggests that the Birlings and Gerald have not escaped their fate but have to face it again. This twist also suggests that Priestley wanted to create a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity for the audience and leave them with more questions than answers.
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