How does J.B Priestly explore flaws in society in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Priestly utilises the Inspector to explore flaws in society by prompting characters into confession. When Sheila is describing her connection to Eva Smith she discusses an encounter in Milwards where Eva was ‘smiling’ at her and the Inspector states that she might have been said to be ‘jealous of her’ and to this Sheila agrees. The introduction of the deadly sin, jealousy, into the play implies a wider spread problem with mankind and their vulnerability to sins which benefit or harm only themselves. Jealousy also reveals in Sheila insecurities which women of her status would not be expected to have. Priestly has crafted a sense of irony into the play whereby Sheila, a woman of good standing, envies a women considered much lower in her status. This forces a reader to consider the value of wealth in society and highlight the way happiness may come more easily to those who have less.

Answered by Emma P. English tutor

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