Priestley uses the inspector as a vehicle for his
socialist message. The inspector, by interrogating each of the family members about
their involvement with Eva Smith, reveals their selfish flaws for contemplation by the
audience. We see Sheila had her dismissed in a fit of pique, Mr Birling had her fired
for campaigning for worker's rights. Gerald used her, Eric got her pregnant and Mrs
Birling refused her charity.
The inspector's words are
clear and damning. We can sense the fury of Priestley, who was a veteran of the First
World War, in the final condemnation delivered to the
family-
INSPECTOR: We are responsible for each
other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that
lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and
anguish.
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