Open Prompt #1

1987. Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Choose such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that the author apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader's or audience's views. Avoid plot summary.

Similar to how little kids desire to change and affect their world, authors sometimes strive to change their reader or society’s attitude in some way. In the play by JB Priestley “An Inspector Calls”, the selfish attitude of the Birling’s is the overall cause of death of the young woman.  The young girl represents the working class men and woman who are inadvertently victimized by those in power. Priestley, through vivid imagery, diction, and details portrays this and the need for society to, not only take care of its own, but of others as well.

The Birling family  were a part of the new upper class, their father Mr. Birling owned a a very successful business that provided a luxurious lifestyle for his family. Like others in their class, the Birlings applied their business attitude to their relations with the lower classes. Their attitude was a selfish one, that put others in needs last and in result ruined the lives of the poor. This is seen not only in the fact that the girl has many names, but in her cause of death. Her numerous names mean that she represents not one girl but a whole class. It wasn’t her name that counted but the fact that she was overlooked like many other working class men and women in the early 20^th century.  Her cause of death as well, being collectively caused by actions in which none of them thought about the consequences it could have had on her. For example, Sheila Birling had the girl fired from her job merely because she felt insecure.

                The selfish attitude of the Birlings represents that of the upper class in early 20^th century England. This selfish attitude is what Priestley sought to change. The inspector in the story highlights the family’s flaws by individually shaming each one by making them believe that they were responsible for a death of a young working class women. In order to achieve this the inspector brings in a picture of a woman, and shows the picture to only one person at a time, the picture takes on a different meaning, story, and character for each family member. Making them remember the young woman, who though they believe is the same woman another family member wronged could very well be a different one. The inspector’s tactic shows that the family is so guilty of selfishness that they could have been responsible for the misfortunes of another. The author’s vivid imagery that depicts the girl’s state shows the cruelty of the upper class. Along with image of the family dining comfortably while a innocent girl is dying.

JB Priestley’s” An Inpector Calls” advocates for social awareness and change. The play showcases the selfish attitude of the wealthy and the effect that it had on the working class. The young woman the Birlings killed represented the lower class that were being victimized by the wealthy. Priestley achieves this through the additions of details, imagery, and language.