How does the idea of social responsibility connect to Priestley's beliefs about socialism? Explain your answer with quotations from the play.

J.B. Priestley, the author of "An Inspector Calls", was a strong advocate for socialism and believed in the collective responsibility of society. This is reflected in the play through the character of Inspector Goole, who serves as Priestley's mouthpiece to express his socialist views.

In Act 3, Inspector Goole says, "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." This quote encapsulates Priestley's belief in social responsibility, suggesting that everyone in society is interconnected and that our actions can have far-reaching consequences on others.

Moreover, the character of Mr. Birling represents the capitalist viewpoint, which Priestley criticizes. Mr. Birling is depicted as selfish and uncaring about the welfare of his employees. In Act 1, he says, "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth." This quote shows his disregard for social responsibility, viewing his workers as merely a means to an end.

In contrast, Priestley uses the character of Sheila to demonstrate the transformation that can occur when one accepts social responsibility. After learning about her role in Eva Smith's death, Sheila says in Act 2, "I'll never, never do it again to anybody." This shows her acceptance of social responsibility and her commitment to change, reflecting Priestley's belief in the potential for individuals to contribute to a more equitable society.

In conclusion, the idea of social responsibility is central to Priestley's beliefs about socialism. He uses his characters to illustrate the consequences of ignoring social responsibility and the potential for change when it is embraced.