What ideas does Priestley present about relationships?

Modern Texts (AIC) What Am I being Assessed on:

Strand 1 – response to the task

Strand2 – response to the text

3 – use of quotes

4 – analysis of language and structure choices

5 – ideas/themes

‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play by J.B. Priestley in which several ideas about relationships, mostly negative, are explored. The play follows the events of an evening which forces all of the characters to review their relationships with one another, ultimately the relationships are all further damaged as events unfold and truths are revealed. As uncomfortable truths unfold, all of the characters must consider how responsible they are for the death of Eva Smith either due to their direct or indirect actions. Ultimately Priestly is commenting harshly on the Capitalist society of pre WW1 Britain, and the distant and negative relationships between the different members of society.

One idea that Priestley presents about relationships is that they are conducted mostly for personal gain, whether that be for financial gain or physical pleasure. This idea about relationships can be seen in the relationship between Mr Birling and Gerald. Despite his daughter becoming engaged to Gerald, Mr Birling’s main concern and delight is derived from the fact that the union of the two families will cause closer work ties and : “lower costs and higher prices”.  This shows his primary concern is one of money, therefore highlighting his capitalist values and use of relationships for personal gain. Furthermore the contrast present in his words highlights the huge contrast between the classes in the society Priestley writes of as , quite literally, the ‘higher’ class have gained much more and the ‘lower’ class have nothing. The juxtaposition between the costs to make and the price sold also highlights, not only the inequality of society, the unfairness and actually the abuse of the lower classes by and for the gain of the upper class.  This is also highlighted through Eva’s dealing with Mr Birling in the factory. In addition the very fact that Mr Birling offers his “congratulations” after he has discussed the impact of the engagement on his business, furthers the idea that relationships are conducted for personal gain. It also must be noted that we have been made very aware that  Gerald is of the upper class and the match is one that further heightens the Birlings’ place in society (however it perhaps lessens the Croft’s place in society), therefore the family as a whole gain from the match. This relationship and many others highlight that relationships are conducted and used for personal gain frequently in the text, highlighting the selfish nature of the Capitalist society.