Every individual who is a part of society must assume a certain role that acts as a bridge between the economy and ecosystem and all such can be termed as social responsibility. Social responsibility can also be considered in terms of the equilibrium individuals must keep between society and the environment. Individuals may engage in passive activities or alternatively in active acts, which depend on rules, regulations, and norms that prevail in a particular society. A sense of bonding and concern for traditional aspects, along with social institutions in this regard, play an important role in a diversified manner.
Question 1: Explore the ways in which Priestley presents social responsibility in “An Inspector Calls”
As per Priestley, we are members of one body and thus are responsible to each other. Such an aspect has been explained in the context of An Inspector Calls, and such an aspect clearly defines the concept of social responsibility that lies with all of us as members of society. In his play, Priestley explains the fact that, as members of society, all of us have certain responsibilities at individual and collective levels (Priestley, 2000). The connection of each person to the death of Eva Smith has been presented through the characters of the play in a diversified manner by Priestley. Apart from that, Priestley has inculcated the concept of socialism, which envisages the fact that every person has social responsibility and actions certainly affect others. In view of these aspects, Priestley also considers the fact that revelations not only detract from our basic lifestyles but also urge us to re-evaluate our consciences associated with society as part of it. As per Priestley, as a member of society, every individual must have close interaction with others and also join hands so as to achieve collective and individual goals in accordance with pre-defined aims and objectives.
Question 2: Explore what the characters represent in terms of social responsibility and views (socialism & capitalism)
Priestley has presented in a very well-defined and thought-provoking manner the concept of social responsibility associated with individuals and the impact of these upon others through defining characters in his play. Such an aspect can also be interlinked with other concepts of socialism and capitalism which possess varied significance at the global level. Under the concept of capitalism, private individuals are in a position to enjoy means of production, and such an aspect prevails in most parts of the world. Priestley testified to this in his play. Many gigantic economies in the world are being operated under such a concept, and under such a concept, the concern of corporate and individual entities always moves towards profit-making instead of the welfare of other members of society, which is against the concept of social responsibility as has been explained by Priestley.
Contrary to that, the concept of socialism is closely related to the welfare of other humans who are living side by side with each other, and this is also depicted in the characters of the play propounded by Priestley. Under socialism, means of production are owned by the state, unlike capitalism, and such a system also ensures the fair and equitable distribution of resources and wealth among all members of society. Under such a system, everyone works for another, and thereafter, the state decides how much reward must be given to members of society. Most of the aspects and wheels on which the economy runs are controlled by the government, and people are forced to pay higher rates of taxes, and such an aspect has been clearly explained in the play by Priestley. It is a unique feature of socialism that people are given an equal distribution of wealth by the state, and thus, they enjoy a sense of fair treatment and justice, which form the basis of equitable and true relations on a long-term basis.
Question 3: Explore the change in the dynamic characters Sheila and Eric, as well as the lack of change in Mr. & Mrs. Birling. (Use of characterization to present social responsibility)
At the start of the play, Mrs. Birling is very comfortable and contented with her life, but her happiness is soon annihilated when she hears about Eva’s death, and the response of her family not only shatters her composure but also makes her realize that she contributed to Eva’s death, even though she initially believes that she did not harm her and that Eva was driven to suicide by her own behavior. Later aspects reveal that she considers herself responsible for such a tragedy, and, as per the inspector’s call, she is very sorrowful about her behavior and agrees not to repeat it.
Question 4: Talk about Priestley’s message to the audience.
Priestley has used his play to convey his message of socialistic society and also used Inspector Call as his voice in terms of social responsibility. As per the Inspector, we never live alone and must be interdependent with each other so that all can enjoy collective benefits in a comprehensive manner. In such a play, the writer has urged the whole of the society to move toward the socialistic aspect since long-term success in the world and hereafter is inevitable and he has used characters in the play to convey these things. The writer has also conveyed another message in terms of rewards and social classes prevailing across the corners of the world and justified the fact that societies have benefitted from collective efforts and also owing to social responsibility disseminated to each other and not by living in isolation just for the protection of western interests as happens in capitalistic economies and classes.
Question 5: Analyze the structure of the play and its significance, as well as the type of ending. (Unresolved/ plot twist and what effect it had)
The play has been structured in a very well-defined manner. Through characters and other information, the writer has disseminated a meaningful approach to all regarding collective well-being so that all must think for more productive and realistic rewards. We as human beings must think at a collective level instead of an individual level since, in that manner, we can gain benefits but cannot achieve a happy and prosperous lifestyle or present a unified society to the world.
Conclusion
Social responsibility is a wide concept and plays a significant role in the development of society on a long-lasting basis. Today, we are living in an era of challenges and uncertainty where one person is interrelated with another, and it is also inevitable from a religious and social point of view, as per Priestley, and the same has been explained in a very descriptive manner in the play by the writer. In a nutshell, all of us must follow the concept of socialism, as depicted by the writer in the play, which gives more and more benefits to society as compared to capitalism.
References:
{1} Priestley, M. (2000). Adults only: disability, social policy and the life course. Journal of Social Policy, 29(3), 421-439.
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