An Inspector Calls

J.B. Priestly's play on one family's responsibility for the suicide of Eva Smith shows how small action can lead to large consequences in the lives of others.

Summary

The Birling family is celebrating the engagement of their daughter, Sheila. She has just been betrothed to Gerald Croft, the son of Sheila's father's business rival. This is a merging of families and a business treaty. As soon as the Birling family and Croft clink their glasses together in celebration, the maid enters the dining room and announces an police inspector calls. As soon as Inspector Goole enters the Birling residence, the house becomes hushed, panicked. Inspector Goole reports the suicide of Eva Smith, former employee of Arthur Birling. It is revealed over the course of the night that each family member has a suspicious amount of involvement in the young woman's life.

Review

I loved this play. I have read 4 plays this year (this one along with "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "A Raisin in the Sun", and "The Importance of Being Earnest"). I love plays because they often happen in only a couple settings. This play happens all in one room. This way, you don't have to focus so much on imagining the setting. You can focus on the characters, mannerisms, and personalities. That is so important in this play.

"An Inspector Calls" suspenseful, exciting, and experimental. It is only sixty pages. I read this in one day.

Happy Reading! What are you reading next? Comment your suggestions below!

Comments

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