"An Inspector Calls," by JB Priestley, is a thought provoking play which explores an important issue; social responsibility. Priestley's play is emblematic and didactic and explores the themes responsibility, class, community and sexism. This inspirational play is also a thriller as it has a supernatural element, Inspector Goole. It is set in 1912 in the fictional town of Brumley, England. The techniques used in this inspirational play are characterization, dramatic irony, dramatic devices and lexical choice. Priestley is able to effectively use speech, lighting and dramatic devices which surround the opening of the play to enhance his views on social responsibility and how important the issue is. Priestley uses "pink and intimate  lighting to emphasize that the Birling family, especially Mr Birling, are overly happy and smug about their lives. Priestley indicates that Mr Birling is naive through his perception of responsibility, this demonstrates that he is looking through "rose-tinted glasses  and not seeing the world as it really is which connects with the pink lighting giving the audience the understanding of his foolishness. Mr Birling announces "A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself - and his family, too." This illustrates Mr Birling's view on responsibility is corrupt as he doesn't believe in working together and being responsible for one another -"community and all that nonsense." He is an extremely selfish man as he puts himself and his wealth above everyone else and does not care how they go on in live as long as he is not affected. His speech of advice about minding his own business and looking after himself is cut off by the doorbell announcing the Inspector's arrival. The doorbell is used as a dramatic device to stop Mr Birling and to contradict his views on responsibility. It also represents Mr Birling and the Inspector as opposites. The lighting changes to "brighter and harder  as the Inspector arrives, this symbolizes the change in the play, the added tension and all that is to be revealed, not only the truth but the correct views of responsibility Priestley successfully stresses the powerful issue of social responsibility through Mr Birling's naive perception and dramatic devices. Priestley successfully depicts the older generation's approach to social responsibility through the powerful characterization of Mr and Mrs Birling. Mr Birling fired Eva Smith when she wanted more money. He explains his parsimonious actions by saying "If you don't come down hard on these people they'll soon be asking for the earth." Mr Birling is abrasive as does not see his workers as people but as greedy parasites. He refuses to take responsibility for them because they are "cheap labour". He tries to undermine the Inspector when the responsibility is put on him. He asks "Are you sure of your facts?" conveying him as defensive as he tries to avoid the topic of his blame. With Priestley's powerful characterization of Mrs Birling she emerges as an irresponsible individual. She resembles her husband, but is far worse. She uses her social status to belittle