Through Eva Smith and Mr. Birling’s connection, J.B. Priestley highlights the issue of social injustice and the consequences of class inequality in An Inspector Calls. This connection is a microcosm of the greater societal issues in early 20th-century Britain, demonstrating how the upper class disregards and exploits the working class.

1. Class Disparity

The capitalist upper class, which dominates the economy, is represented by Mr. Birling. He views business from a self-serving angle and puts profit before people. “If you don’t like that, then go to the next job,” Mr. Birling responds when working-class girl Eva Smith requests a raise in salary. This statement demonstrates his lack of empathy for the working class and his belief that economic dominance justifies worker exploitation. The situation faced by many workers who are powerless to question the decisions made by affluent employers is reflected in Eva’s passionate desire for fair treatment.

2. Dismissal of Responsibility

Mr. Birling represents the capitalist aristocracy that dominates the economy. He views business as a self-serving endeavor where profit comes before people. Mr. Birling responds, “If you don’t like that, then go to the next job,” when working-class female Eva Smith requests a raise in salary. This statement reveals his lack of solidarity with the working class and his belief that economic dominance justifies worker exploitation. Eva’s strong desire for fair treatment reflects the situation that many workers endure, where they are powerless to question the decisions made by affluent bosses.

3. The Consequences of Power

Eva Smith and Mr. Birling’s power dynamics serve as an example of what happens when power is allowed to run amok. Because of his power, Mr. Birling can make choices that have a big impact on Eva’s life without taking into account her humanity. He deprives her of her livelihood and dignity in addition to her job when he fires her from his factory. Priestley highlights the urgent need for social reform by using this relationship to demonstrate how those in positions of authority can make arbitrary judgments that have disastrous consequences for those who are most in need.

4. The Role of Capitalism

Priestley criticizes capitalism and its underlying inequalities through Mr. Birling. Mr. Birling engages in exploitative labor practices as a result of his emphasis on maximizing profits. He is a symbol of the capitalist mindset that puts profit ahead of people’s well-being. The structural injustices in the capitalist system are highlighted by the fact that he views Eva’s demand for equitable wages as an annoyance rather than a valid worry. Priestley promotes social responsibility and the welfare of the group by using this dynamic.

5. The Inspector’s Intervention

Inspector Goole’s appearance serves as the impetus for Mr. Birling to face the repercussions of his behavior. The Inspector says, “We are responsible for each other,” which contradicts Mr. Birling’s beliefs. This conflict emphasizes the upper class’s moral duty to take into account how their choices may affect the lives of the working class. In order to show how interwoven society is and how important social justice is, the Inspector’s position is essential.

6. Symbolism of Eva Smith

Eva Smith represents the innumerable people who endure hardship as a result of social injustice. Her persona stands in for the hardships of the working class and the fallout from a system that permits the wealthy to take advantage of the underprivileged. Mr. Birling’s disregard for her predicament is indicative of a broader social problem in which the weaker members of society are frequently silenced. Eva’s tragic life, which ended in her death, serves as a powerful reminder of the price of social injustice and the pressing need for reform.

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley deftly examines issues of social inequality via the bond between Eva Smith and Mr. Birling. The gap between their social standings emphasizes how capitalism is exploitative and how the rich are not held accountable. Priestley’s criticism of Mr. Birling’s beliefs and behavior emphasizes how important it is to acknowledge our social obligations and fight for a more just society. By doing this, he invites the audience to consider how they contribute to or oppose societal injustice.