In J.B. Priestley’s drama An Inspector Calls, the idea of power is interwoven throughout the narrative, highlighting the connections between societal duty, authority, and control.

The play explores how different characters control and exercise power, and the impact this has on people’s lives and society as a whole.

1. Social Class and Economic Power

The primary sources of the Birlings’ influence are their wealth and social status, making them a representation of the upper class. Arthur Birling, a prosperous businessman, is a shining illustration of this economic power. He confidently declares, “I’m talking as a hard-headed businessman,” emphasizing his supremacy in both his personal and professional lives.

His opinions on individuality and capitalism show how he sees power as something that ought to be amassed and safeguarded. In contrast to this social class power, Eva Smith represents the working class and is therefore vulnerable to the whims of those in power.

The wealthy can exploit and ignore those who are less fortunate than them, as demonstrated by her eviction from Birling’s workshop.

2. Gender and Power Dynamics

The female power dynamics of the era are also discussed in the play. Women are frequently reduced to subservient roles by male characters such as Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft, who have considerable control over them.

Mr. Birling’s condescending behavior toward his daughter Sheila is a reflection of patriarchal social norms. He dismisses women’s worries and emotions when he declares, “I don’t want any of that nonsense,” in reference to Sheila’s love for Eva.

Throughout the play, Sheila’s character growth demonstrates her increasing awareness of her societal responsibilities and her rejection of patriarchal norms, while her initial cooperation emphasizes the little influence women possessed.

3. The Inspector as a Figure of Authority

The Birlings’ power is restrained by Inspector Goole. The status quo is upset by his entrance, which challenges the family’s control and forces them to confront their actions. The interrogation method used by the Inspector reveals the flaws and hypocrisy in the Birlings’ beliefs.

His assertion of moral authority, “We are responsible for each other,” contrasts sharply with the selfish beliefs of the Birlings. Instead of material wealth or social standing, he has power because of his capacity to expose injustices and demand accountability, positioning himself as a voice for the oppressed and a critic of the dominant class.

4. The Impact of Power on Responsibility

The drama emphasizes the connection between social duty and authority. Mr. Birling’s stress on individualism and disdain for group duty reveal a self-serving abuse of power.

His claim that “a man has to make his own way” shows that he thinks individuals should look after themselves. In contrast, the Inspector urges the characters to see their interconnectedness and the impact of their choices on others. This moral duty becomes an important lens through which to see the power dynamics in the play.

5. The Collapse of Power Structures

The power dynamics start to change as the action goes on. Under the Inspector’s inspection, the characters’ control façade begins to break down. The younger generation is gaining more clout as Sheila and Eric become more conscious of their part in Eva’s demise.

They start to doubt the morality of their own principles as well as their parents’ behavior. Sheila’s assertion that they had to “learn in fire and blood and anguish” is a rejection of heedless loyalty to hierarchies of power that disregard the needs of the weak.

6. The Play’s Conclusion and its Implications

When it is discovered at the end of the play that the Inspector might not be who he claims to be, ambiguity about authority and power is presented. The Birlings attempt to dismiss the Inspector’s lessons after he leaves, giving the impression that they are unable to assume their responsibilities.

But when the last phone call announces the coming of a genuine inspector, the audience is compelled to consider the consequences of their acts and the inevitable nature of accountability. It is suggested that power can be fleeting and that those who misuse it may ultimately face repercussions, leaving the audience with a strong message about the importance of social conscience.

In An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley delves deeply into the social, economic, and gendered dimensions of power. Through the characters’ encounters with Inspector Goole’s moral authority, the drama condemns the abuse of power and encourages social responsibility.

By emphasizing the consequences of ignoring one’s responsibilities to others, Priestley invites the audience to think about their social roles and how their actions affect other people’s lives.