Crucibal MAin Characters Essay, Research Paper

Abuse of power is very common with the wealthy class of people mainly due to the fact that they let their status and their determination to succeed and control their lives. These people are the capitalists of society who are selfish and are concerned about their own well-being. Eventually, their plan to be in total control works against them and the society they live in. In the play, An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley, Arthur Birling, Sheila Birling and Sybil Birling are good examples of a family determined to have absolute power in society. Their stories display how easy it is to let power and wealth get the best of all humans.

In the play, it is evident that Arthur Birling abuses his authority over people because he is involved in a dispute with Eva Smith concerning her request of a raise of 2.7 shillings. Powered by fury, Arthur Birling refuses her request, and she is fired from Birling and Co. Angrily, Eva Smith who rallies along with other women demanding he raise their wage avenges Arthur. ARubbish! If you don=t come down sharply on some of these people, they=d soon be asking for the earth@(Priestley, 15), said Birling with anger and directiveness toward the Inspector. This quote demonstrates Arthur=s authority over people, in this case, Eva Smith. He refuses to sympathize with anyone if it means sacrificing his money or power. This quote shows that Arthur possesses capitalist qualities. When Eva Smith demands he raise their wage, Arthur turns around and fires her because he thought she said too much for his likings. Basically, Arthur will not associate with anyone who will disobey his rules and authority. Thus, Arthur Birling uses his power over people to keep his job and money intact.

Although Sheila Birling like Arthur, abuses her authority over people she shows somewhat of remorse proving that she is not as self-centered and power-loving as her father. This is demonstrated when Sheila says A …destroying herself so horribly – and I=ve been so happy tonight@(Priestley,17). Although Sheila is apologetic for Eva=s death, she is still partially responsible due to her jealousy. An example of her jealousy and insecurity is shown when she says A… I was looking at myself in the mirror I caught sight of her smiling at the assistant, and I was furious with her@(Priestley, 22). This shows that when somebody appears to be better than her, making her question her own worth, she tries to regain her confidence by making the other=s feel lower than her. Sheila is the type of person who always has to be on top. Angry and distressed by Eva, she informs the manager of her actions and he is quick to take action. Sheila tells him that she must be fired or she would close the Birlings account with the bank. With the manager having no choice, Eva is fired. Sheila=s actions show that she abuses her power over others because she feels that being at the top of her beauty is of great concern.

Like Sheila, Sybil birling also adds to the problems in Eva Smith=s life by neglecting to help her out in a time of need, thereby abusing her power by not using it when it is most at need. Sybil Birling abuses her power over Eva Smith because she feels that her case doesn=t satisfy her enough to be able to accept it. At first, Eva Smith goes to the Brumley Women=s Charity Organization for help with money and her pregnancy. She gives Sybil false information about her name, marital status and her drunken husband who deserts her and their child. When Sybil says AShe=d impertinently made use of our name@(Priestley,42) it shows that she is offended and wanted no involvement in her case. This quote shows that Sybil is already deciding on whether she wants the case or doesn=t. Though all this information is provided to Sybil, she refuses to take her case. This all shows that Sybil is ignorant and doesn=t want to put the time and effort into something which she should. Undoubtably, she is the main cause for mostl of Eva=s problems. If she wasn=t ignorant and didn=t abuse her power over the less fortunate, Eva=s problems could have been solved. Furthermore, she has no remorse for Eva Smith and feels that she did her duty.

Consequently, the Birlings abuse of power results in the death of an unfortunate girl, Eva Smith. Arthur, Sheila and Sybil are capitalists in society, who feel that abuse of power is the correct way of living. Arthur abused his power over Eva Smith by laying her off when she asks for a raise of 2.7 shillings. Sheila Birling abuses her power over Eva by demanding that she be fired from Milwards for making her jealous and insecure over her beauty. Sybil abuses her power by willingly denying Eva=s request for assistance at her charitable organization. Therefore, the Birling=s are amongst the many wealthy people who abuse their power over the lower classes of people in society.

Though tragic and quite depressing, the outcome of their actions is based on the way they treat others using their power and authority.