In J.B. Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls, the Titanic serves as a powerful symbol of the impending doom and the class divide that ultimately leads to tragedy. The reference to the Titanic is notably used to illustrate the hubris of the wealthy and their arrogance towards the lower classes.
The Titanic was famously deemed ‘unsinkable,’ a testament to human pride and the belief in technological advancement. This mirrors the Birling family’s sense of superiority and optimism about their social status and business success, suggesting that they are untouchable and above the consequences of their actions. Just as the Titanic sank despite its perceived invincibility, the Birlings’ fortunes and morality are called into question as their decisions culminate in the downfall of Eva Smith.
Moreover, the Titanic’s tragic fate represents the broader social critiques that Priestley conveys throughout the play. It highlights the fragility of human life and the interconnectedness of society. Just as the passengers on the Titanic were affected by the ship’s sinking, so too are the characters in the play connected to the fate of Eva Smith. Their refusal to acknowledge their responsibilities to one another ultimately leads to their moral downfall, similar to the collective oversight that allowed the Titanic disaster to occur.