Rachel Wilkinson

An Inspector Calls Information

An Inspector Calls is a play written in 1944–1945 by the British dramatist J. B.
Priestley. It shows the inter-connectedness of people in the drama of human
existence, and reflects Priestley's socialist views whilst outlining the
problems he saw with capitalism. However, it consistently advocates duty
and individual conscience, and as such is not so much collectivist as
individualist, focusing on the importance of individuals voluntarily helping
others.

An Inspector Calls, set in 1912, is a play with many social and political
messages. J. B. Priestley believed a great deal in socialism and believed that
many other people needed to be more caring about their community and the
people in it. Priestley uses the character of the Inspector to convey his own
thoughts, feelings and opinions about social issues. However, he also uses
other characters, particularly Mr.Birling, to show the audience how cynical
some people can be.