Chekhov’s Corner: An Inspector Calls (again), reflections on the public health themes of JB Priestley’s play from a 21st century perspective

Abstract In JB Priestley’s play set in 1912, a police inspector interrupts a wealthy industrialist family’s dinner party to investigate the apparent suicide of a young pregnant woman. Through the inspector’s questioning, the play explores the individual and collective role that each family member has played in the woman’s death. Through a public health lens, the play offers penetrating insights into social determinants of health such as the role of power and wealth, workers’ rights, welfare and charitable assistance, and gender. In this article, we critically reflect upon the continuing parallels we see in 21st century public health. If inspector Goole called again today, what would he find?