In the play, 'An Inspector Calls,' which characters are starting to show socialist ideas by the end of the play? Why does Priestley show this change? Write your answers in full sentences.

By the end of J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls,' the characters who start to show socialist ideas are Sheila and Eric Birling. Sheila, after understanding the role she played in Eva Smith's demise, begins to empathize with her and shows remorse for her actions. She becomes critical of her family's capitalist views and starts to lean towards socialist ideas, advocating for the rights and fair treatment of workers.

Similarly, Eric, who is revealed to have had a relationship with Eva Smith and fathered her child, also shows remorse and guilt. He criticizes his father's lack of responsibility towards his workers and shows a clear shift towards socialist ideas.

Priestley shows this change to critique the capitalist society of the time and to advocate for socialist ideas. He uses the characters of Sheila and Eric to show that change is possible and that the younger generation can break free from the capitalist ideologies of their parents. This is a reflection of Priestley's own socialist beliefs and his hope for a more equal society.