Age in An Inspector Calls

Age is a significant theme in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, and it plays an important role in shaping the characters’ attitudes, behavior, and responses to social responsibility. Priestley uses age to highlight generational differences, contrasting the older characters’ traditional views with the younger characters’ willingness to change. 

Generational Conflict

One of the most noticeable ways Priestley explores age is through the contrast between the older and younger generations. Mr. and Mrs. Birling represent the older generation. They are set in their ways, confident in their social status, and resistant to change. For example, Mr. Birling repeatedly emphasizes his own authority and experience:

“The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”

This line shows Mr. Birling’s dismissive attitude toward social responsibility and reform. He assumes that his age and experience give him wisdom, but Priestley presents this as a flaw: the older generation’s confidence is paired with ignorance and moral blindness. Mrs. Birling also embodies these qualities, showing little empathy towards Eva Smith and refusing to acknowledge any personal responsibility.

In contrast, the younger generation - Sheila and Eric - are more open-minded and capable of learning from the Inspector’s lessons. Sheila, in particular, undergoes significant change throughout the play. At first, she is naïve and sheltered, but by the end, she recognises her responsibility toward others:

“I know I’m to blame—and I’m desperately sorry.”

Eric, too, shows guilt and understanding that he must accept responsibility for his actions. Priestley uses these differences to suggest that the younger generation has the potential to create a more moral and socially responsible society. The contrast between the generations highlights the theme of age as not only a measure of years but also a reflection of attitudes and values.

Age and Authority

Age is closely tied to ideas of authority in the play. The older Birlings believe that because they are older, they have the right to dominate discussions and make decisions. Mr. Birling frequently lectures the younger characters, particularly Eric and Sheila, asserting his superiority:

“You’ll have to get used to that, just as I had.”

Here, he implies that experience automatically gives him the right to impose his views. Priestley challenges this assumption by showing that the younger characters are often more morally aware and perceptive than the older ones. Sheila and Eric’s willingness to reflect on their actions contrasts sharply with their parents’ stubbornness. Through this, Priestley critiques the rigid authority associated with age, suggesting that moral responsibility is not guaranteed by experience or years.

Age and Attitudes Toward Society

The theme of age also influences how characters see society. The older generation tends to uphold traditional social hierarchies and prioritise wealth and status over human compassion. Mr. Birling dismisses the idea of community or collective responsibility, reflecting the older generation’s individualistic mindset:

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”

Mrs. Birling’s prejudices further illustrate how age can reinforce social conservatism. She refuses to help Eva Smith when she appeals to the charity organisation, showing a lack of empathy that Priestley associates with the older generation.

By contrast, the younger generation demonstrates more progressive attitudes. Sheila questions her parents’ actions and recognises the need to treat others fairly, while Eric acknowledges the consequences of his selfish behavior. Priestley presents this contrast to highlight the idea that social change is possible through the younger generation, who are willing to challenge outdated views.

Age and Moral Responsibility

Age in An Inspector Calls is also linked to moral awareness. The older Birlings are complacent, believing that morality and responsibility are less important than social standing. The Inspector’s questioning exposes their moral failings and forces the audience to see how age can create barriers to empathy: older characters are often less capable of admitting wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the younger characters demonstrate the potential for moral growth. Sheila’s and Eric’s recognition of their faults and willingness to change show that age is not the only factor in determining moral awareness, but Priestley suggests that the younger generation has a natural openness that the older generation often lacks. This reinforces the play’s message that society can improve if the next generation learns from the mistakes of their elders.

Language and Structure

Priestley also uses language and dramatic structure to emphasize age differences. The older characters often speak in confident, commanding tones, using imperatives and dismissive language to assert control. The younger characters, on the other hand, use more reflective and questioning language, particularly when addressing their parents or the Inspector. The Inspector’s arrival acts as a catalyst, allowing the younger generation’s voices to emerge and challenging the authority of the older generation.

In An Inspector Calls, age is more than just a number; it is closely linked to attitudes, authority, and moral awareness. Priestley uses generational differences to explore themes of responsibility, empathy, and social change. The older generation (Mr. and Mrs. Birling) represent rigidity, ignorance, and moral blindness, while the younger generation (Sheila and Eric) demonstrates growth, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.