Robot Says…

Ingratiation is a key behavioural tactic used by characters in An Inspector Calls to manipulate or influence others, often reflecting their social ambitions or insecurities.
Mr Birling frequently attempts to ingratiate himself with individuals he perceives as socially or economically superior. For example, he is keen to highlight his potential knighthood during the dinner: “I might find my way into the next Honours List.” This reflects his desire to secure social status.
Gerald Croft ingratiates himself with the Birlings, particularly Mr Birling, by aligning with his capitalist values and business interests. Gerald agrees with Mr Birling’s views on strikes, saying, “You couldn’t have done anything else,” which serves to establish rapport and mutual approval.
Sheila Birling, after the Inspector’s questioning, ingratiates herself with the audience (and arguably the Inspector) by demonstrating self-awareness and remorse. Her admission, “I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry,” contrasts with her parents’ defensiveness, aligning her with the play’s moral stance.
Mrs Birling attempts to ingratiate herself with the Inspector in a superficial way, insisting on her moral superiority. She claims, “I’ve done nothing wrong – and you know it,” but this ultimately exposes her hypocrisy and inability to take responsibility.
The Inspector’s presence challenges the ingratiation tactics of the Birlings and Gerald. His impartial stance and moral authority strip away their attempts to use charm or self-justification as a defence mechanism, exposing the underlying social and personal flaws.
Priestley uses ingratiation to highlight the disparity between outward appearances and internal morality, a central theme of the play. The audience is encouraged to see through these attempts at ingratiation to the selfish motivations beneath.
Ingratiation also serves as a critique of the capitalist and class-driven society of 1912, where social climbing and appeasement of the powerful are presented as priorities over genuine empathy or responsibility for others. </aside>

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Relating to… Ingratiation

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