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Certainly, here are arguments for each of the themes in "An Inspector Calls":

1. **Social Responsibility**:
- Argument: The play strongly advocates for the concept of social responsibility by portraying Mr.
Birling's selfish attitudes and capitalist beliefs as harmful to society. His refusal to accept
responsibility for his actions and his dismissive attitude toward social issues serve as cautionary
examples.
- Supporting Evidence: Mr. Birling's callous treatment of Eva Smith and his indifference to her plight
highlight the consequences of neglecting social responsibility. The Inspector's message underscores
the importance of considering the well-being of others in one's actions.

2. **Class Divide**:
- Argument: "An Inspector Calls" vividly illustrates the class distinctions of the early 20th century
and how they affected the lives of individuals. The play exposes the unfair treatment of the working
class by the upper class.
- Supporting Evidence: Eva Smith's downward spiral, from losing her job due to her lowly social
status to her tragic end, exemplifies the hardships faced by the working class. The Birlings' dismissive
attitudes toward her suffering further highlight the class divide.

3. **Guilt and Consequence**:


- Argument: The play serves as a powerful exploration of the theme of guilt and its consequences.
Each character's guilt and realization of their role in Eva Smith's death lead to significant personal
and moral growth.
- Supporting Evidence: Sheila's remorse and transformation, as well as Eric's admission of guilt,
demonstrate the profound impact of recognizing one's wrongdoing. The Inspector's parting words
about being "members of one body" emphasize the collective responsibility for the well-being of
society.

4. **Time and Temporality**:


- Argument: "An Inspector Calls" challenges conventional notions of time and temporality,
suggesting that past actions continue to influence the present and future. The cyclical view of time
emphasizes the inescapable nature of responsibility.
- Supporting Evidence: The Inspector's enigmatic appearance and disappearance, along with his
ability to reveal the characters' past actions, imply that time is not a linear progression but rather a
continuous cycle. This challenges the characters' beliefs that they can avoid the consequences of
their actions.

5. **Gender Roles**:
- Argument: The play subtly addresses traditional gender roles of the early 20th century and the
evolving role of women in society. Sheila and Sybil Birling's character arcs highlight the changing
expectations for women.
- Supporting Evidence: Sheila's assertiveness and refusal to conform to traditional expectations, as
well as Sybil's adherence to conservative gender roles, demonstrate the tension between societal
expectations and individual agency.

6. **Inspector Goole as a Symbol**:


- Argument: Inspector Goole serves as a symbol of moral accountability and societal conscience. His
role is crucial in driving the characters toward self-reflection and change.
- Supporting Evidence: The Inspector's name, "Goole," suggests a spectral figure haunting the
Birlings. His relentless pursuit of the truth and his ability to bring out the characters' hidden secrets
symbolize the need for moral reckoning in society.
7. **Generation Gap**:
- Argument: The generation gap depicted in the play highlights the evolving attitudes and values of
different age groups. The younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, is more receptive to
change and social responsibility.
- Supporting Evidence: Sheila and Eric's willingness to acknowledge their mistakes and embrace
social responsibility contrasts with their parents' resistance to change. This generational divide
reflects the shifting societal norms and values of the time.

8. **Capitalism and Exploitation**:


- Argument: The play critiques capitalism and the exploitation of the working class by portraying
Mr. Birling's capitalist beliefs and his mistreatment of workers like Eva Smith.
- Supporting Evidence: Mr. Birling's actions, such as firing Eva Smith for demanding better pay,
exemplify the ruthless nature of capitalism and the disregard for workers' rights. Eva's downward
spiral underscores the consequences of economic exploitation.

9. **Deception and Hypocrisy**:


- Argument: "An Inspector Calls" exposes the characters' deception and hypocrisy, revealing the gap
between their public personas and their true selves.
- Supporting Evidence: The characters' attempts to conceal their involvement in Eva Smith's tragedy
and their false claims of innocence highlight the prevalence of hypocrisy in society. The Inspector's
relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the importance of authenticity.

10. **Collectivism vs. Individualism**:


- Argument: The play raises questions about the balance between individualism and collectivism,
with Mr. Birling embodying extreme individualism and the Inspector advocating for a more collective
and socially responsible approach.
- Supporting Evidence: Mr. Birling's focus on personal success and disregard for societal issues
contrasts with the Inspector's message of interconnectedness and the need for collective
responsibility. The play prompts viewers to consider the implications of prioritizing personal ambition
over the welfare of society.

These arguments provide a comprehensive overview of the major themes in "An Inspector Calls" and
demonstrate how the play explores these themes through its characters and narrative.

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