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Attitude to change

In An Inspector Calls Priestly uses different characters to react to the obligation of social responsibility. The Old traditionalists such as Mr Birling and the stiff do not change or progress throughout the play as they embody capitalist values. Priestly tries to criticise Neolithic characters and idealist such as Sheila and Eric who change their capitalist views to compassionate socialist views.

Initially at the start of the play the Birling family is seemingly trapped in the capitalist bubble as Sheila displays childlike qualities by saying "mummy" reiterates her naivety and acceptance of stereotypical general qualities. At first she seems vain and look towards others for guidance and acceptance. However unlike Sheila Mr Birling takes on a typical male role exhibiting his manhood, by making certain statements about trivial matters then make him seem well educated, he states "the Titanic is unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable." The repetition of the word "unsinkable" implies that something is permanent and already dictated. However in this scenario Priestly exposes Mr Birling as stupid as it is seen as a retrospective play set in 1912 and written in 1945. This not only shows Mr Birling's flaws but also is a direct attack to capitalism as Mr Birling is the embodiment of Capitalism. On a deeper level however hislatent reveals that capitalists are actually powerless as the Titanic served as a symbol for the upper class people during their time. It foreshadows in the end capitalism sinks as the Titanic does and socialism ultimately succeeds

When faced with the "sharp" entrance of the Inspector, who interrogates the Birlings, Sheila begins to question her capitalist identity and confronts her dad into saying "these girls aren't cheap labour they're people". Sheila here highlights that capitalists don't see people as humans, instead they are more dehumanised and are seen as commodities and money making machines because they have no value, that are worthless to society. She creates a crucial turning point as it exposes the harsh mindset of capitalists like Mr Birling. Slowly but surely, Sheila begins to recognise the error in her ways and makes a conscious effort to change, proving Priestly's point that the young are more impressionable.

Mr Birling however is a "hard headed practical businessman". His obsession with money clouds his judgement and he is unable to admit to the flaws in capitalism. The metaphor "hard headed" reveals that Mr Birling's stubborn nature makes him unable to admit to his wrongdoings. Alternatively, this is foreshadowing to Mr Birling's eventual downfall because capitalism is inescapable. In addition, the noun "business" is repeated multiple times revealing that Mr Birling cares verySheila on the other hand at the end of the play repeats the inspector's words of "fire, blood and anguish," which symbolises the arrival of a world war. Pleonastically, Priestley says it immediately after the inspector. The noun "fire" connotes danger and destruction. Priestley ensures that if we do not become socially responsible we will all be consumed by war despite Gerald's view as he doesn't hold any prejudice. Similarly "blood and anguish" reflect the physical and mental destruction that will come as a result of ignorance. It creates a cynical tone as Priestley simply states that the blood will be on the hands of the capitalist which exposes the harsh truth that the audience will have to face. By ignoring the inspector Sheila not only grows as a character but becomes a strong independent woman that breaks free of the patriarchal and starts tthinking for herself and making her own decisions.