In this play the themes are social injustice and social inequality between the classes. Priestley highlights these differences with his characters; he compares the Birling family with Eva Smith. The Birling family are well off; their children (although they are young adults) are spoiled and have no sense of responsibility. Eva Smith however, is of working class, and life is a struggle for her. She survives on very little money.

The play is about the Birling family celebrating Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft, a young businessman. The event is spoiled by the arrival of an Inspector named Goole, who announces a girl had committed suicide. For the remainder of the play he conducts his investigation in an unusual manner, much to the annoyance of Mr Birling.

On first impressions, I think Mr Birling is quite a proud man, and a little boastful: ."..there's a fair chance that I...