AN INSPECTOR CALLS :How does Priestley show the difference in the older generation and the younger generation?

Priestly aptly conveys the difference in attitude between the older and younger generation, In accordance with Eva Smith’s death. As we can see, Priestly shows the older generation as confident, stylish yet class conscious. On the other hand, the younger generation is aware of their responsibility as being perceptive and not giving in to social segregation. The older generation are represented by the characters Mr Birling in contrast with the younger generation characterised by Sheila, Eric Birling and Gerald Croft.

As seen in Act 1, Mr Birling is extremely selfish. He wants to protect his reputation and safeguard Birling and Co. He does not agree with the younger generation’s viewpoint when they condemn him for firing va Smith. In defiance he says, “Rubbish! If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the Earth.”

This clearly shows that he is unable to accept responsibility for his part n Eva Smith’s death. In addition to this, Mr Birling is very proud of his achievement, since he has worked his way up the corporate ladder of success. He is a boastful character who threatens the inspector with his influential connections, so as to make the inspector realise his social standing. This can be observed when he makes a remark to the inspector,“Perhaps I ought to warn you he is an old friend of mine…”

The word ‘warn’ implies a threatening attitude or nature. Mr Birling shows to a less influential person. Further on, we are able to see Mr Birling’s attitude towards Eva Smith. Rather angrily, he comments to Eric,” It’s about time you learn to face a new responsibility.” This implies that Mr Birling expects the younger generation to face responsibility while he prefers to shirk his responsibility.  Through Mr Birling, Priestley is trying to convey to the audience that the older generation is more concerned about their social status in protecting their reputation and is prejudice towards the less fortunate ( Eva Smith). The audience is able to see Mr Birling in negative light as Mr Birling, whose business is actually dependant on the labour class chooses to ignore them.

While Mr Birling and Inspector Goole are continuing their conversation, Eric come in. It is evident that there is tension in Eric’s relationship with his father. Eric is embarrassed and feeling awkward when his father lectures him and Gerald saying, “ A man has to mind his own business and look after himself.” When the Inspector pinpoints that Mr Birling should accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death, the latter denies the same prompting Eric to sarcastically comment, “ And you were saying that a man has to look after himself.” This shows that Eric is upset with his parents when they refuse to accept responsibility. It is further noticed that Eric Being of the younger generation is open to new ideas and sympathetic towards the working class. He supports Eva Smith as being a good worker because she was aggressive towards her rights as a labourer. Eric says, “ She’d a bit more spirited than the other…” This shows that he supports the worker’s cause and does not believe in class distinction. Priestley tries to show te younger generation with  positive impression as they would have been more sympathetic towards the workers and more humane in their thinking as opposed to the older generation than can only think of profits.

Sheila makes an entry after Eric has made his point clear. Sheila may have considered the condition at the workers. However, she shows compassion instinctively as she is horrified over her father’s treatment of Eva Smith. “But these girl’s aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.” This depicts that Sheila is beginning to change as she sees her father in unfavourable light. Later, Sheila is ashamed by her own part in Eva’s story. She feels full of guilt for her actions and blames herself for being responsible. “…..it was my own fault…I’m telling the truth. I accept you’ve done things you’re ashamed at too” This shows Sheila is able to examine her conscience and be ashamed of her role in Eva’s death. She is wiser because she has admitted her responsibility and accepted her own wrongdoings. Through this, Priestley is able to convey the fact that although the younger generation tend to behave irresponsible towards the lower class women like Eva . They can experience a self -realisation that they are guilty.  As we can see Sheila is full of remorse.

  Gerald knew Daisy Renton when the Inspector mentioned Eva Smith’s name. He is an aristocrat, similar to Mr Birling, who wants to protect his own interest. He is not willing to take responsibility of his hand in the girl’s death because he wants to pretend he never new her. “There is nothing to be concerned,” I’ve never known Eva Smith!” This shows that he feels that if he was to get involved, he will lose his status quo and although he may be sympathetic, he looks at Eva Smith at being a vulnerable woman who could amuse and entertain him. Gerald’s denial plays a crucial part in showcasing class distinction. “I don’t come in this suicide business.” Through this we can see Gerald’s influenced by his aristocratic roots and never examined his conscience by admitting his fault. To him Eva was a mistress who was pretty and could be discarded at will. Priestley is trying to show that the upper classes abused the lower classes without having any moral responsibility. People like Gerald viewed Eva as a mistress because poor women during that time had no choice but to turn to prostitution when they faced a loss of a job.

The inspector acts as a moral mouthpiece to make the audience aware that it is our personal responsibility for our own action. We need to be responsible for the society we live in. Prejudice and arrogance that exists in the older generation prevents them from being socially conscious and taking responsibility for their actions as they are influenced by their status and personal interests. The younger generation are more optimistic as they are open to new ideas and thoughts; sympathise towards the labour force; are honest to admit their faults and lastly are remorseful of their wrongdoings.