Introduction

An Inspector Calls is a play written by J.B. Priestley. It is a dramatic thriller that explores themes such as social responsibility, class inequality, capitalism vs socialism, gender, and the generational divide.

The play is set in 1912 but was written and first performed in 1945. Priestley uses the story to encourage audiences to think about how their actions affect others and to promote a fairer society.

Overview of the Play

The play takes place over a single evening at the home of the wealthy Birling family.

The family are celebrating:

  • Sheila Birling’s engagement to Gerald Croft.
  • Their social status and success.

Their celebration is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who investigates the death of a young working-class woman called Eva Smith.

As the investigation continues, it becomes clear that every member of the family played a part in Eva’s downfall.

Main Plot Summary

Beginning

The Birling family are enjoying a celebration.

Mr Birling expresses his views about:

  • Business.
  • Success.
  • Individual responsibility.

He believes people should look after themselves.

Middle

Inspector Goole arrives and questions each member of the family.

The Inspector reveals:

  • Mr Birling fired Eva from his factory.
  • Sheila got Eva dismissed from a shop.
  • Gerald had a relationship with Eva.
  • Mrs Birling refused to help Eva through charity.
  • Eric made Eva pregnant and stole money to support her.

Each revelation increases tension.

Ending

The Inspector leaves after delivering a powerful message about social responsibility.

The family discover that there may not be a real Inspector Goole.

However, moments later:

  • A telephone call announces that a young woman has died.
  • A real inspector is on the way.

The play ends with a dramatic cliffhanger.

Main Characters

Inspector Goole

  • Mysterious investigator.
  • Challenges selfish behaviour.
  • Represents social responsibility.

Importance

The Inspector communicates Priestley’s message throughout the play.

Arthur Birling

  • Wealthy businessman.
  • Believes in capitalism.
  • Focuses on profit and status.

Importance

Represents selfish and individualistic attitudes.

Sybil Birling

  • Upper-class and wealthy.
  • Judgmental and prejudiced.
  • Refuses responsibility.

Importance

Represents class prejudice and social inequality.

Sheila Birling

  • Mr and Mrs Birling’s daughter.
  • Learns from her mistakes.
  • Accepts responsibility.

Importance

Represents change and hope for the future.

Eric Birling

  • The Birlings’ son.
  • Feels guilty about his actions.
  • Accepts responsibility.

Importance

Shows personal growth and learning.

Gerald Croft

  • Sheila’s fiancé.
  • Comes from a wealthy family.
  • Has a relationship with Eva Smith.

Importance

Represents privilege and social power.

Eva Smith

  • Working-class woman.
  • Never appears on stage.

Importance

Represents vulnerable people affected by society’s inequalities.

Key Themes

Social Responsibility

This is the most important theme.

Priestley argues that:

  • Everyone is connected.
  • People should care for one another.
  • Actions have consequences.

Class Inequality

The play highlights differences between:

  • Rich and poor.
  • Powerful and powerless.

Priestley criticises the unfair treatment of working-class people.

Capitalism vs Socialism

Capitalism

Represented by Mr Birling.

Beliefs include:

  • Profit.
  • Competition.
  • Self-interest.

Socialism

Represented by Inspector Goole.

Beliefs include:

  • Equality.
  • Cooperation.
  • Shared responsibility.

Generational Divide

Older Generation

  • Mr Birling.
  • Mrs Birling.

Characteristics:

  • Stubborn.
  • Unwilling to change.

Younger Generation

  • Sheila.
  • Eric.

Characteristics:

  • Open-minded.
  • Willing to learn.

Gender

Priestley shows how women faced unequal treatment in society.

Eva Smith’s experiences highlight difficulties faced by working-class women.

Structure of the Play

The play has three acts.

Act One

  • Introduces the family.
  • Inspector arrives.
  • Mr Birling and Sheila are questioned.

Act Two

  • Gerald and Mrs Birling are questioned.
  • More secrets are revealed.

Act Three

  • Eric confesses.
  • The Inspector leaves.
  • The final twist occurs.

Dramatic Methods

Priestley uses several dramatic methods:

Dramatic Irony

Mr Birling makes predictions that the audience knows are wrong.

Cliffhangers

Acts One and Two end with major revelations.

Stage Directions

Help create atmosphere and symbolism.

The Inspector

Acts as a dramatic device to expose secrets and teach lessons.

Final Twist

The telephone call shocks the audience and reinforces the message of the play.

Context

1912 Setting

Society was:

  • Divided by class.
  • Dominated by wealthy businessmen.
  • Less supportive of the poor.

1945 Audience

After World War Two, many people wanted:

  • Greater equality.
  • Social reform.
  • Better support for vulnerable people.

Priestley uses the play to encourage these changes.

Why Is the Play Important?

Priestley wanted audiences to:

  • Accept responsibility.
  • Help others.
  • Challenge social inequality.
  • Create a fairer society.

The play remains relevant because its messages about responsibility and equality still matter today.

GCSE Practice Questions

1 Mark Questions

Q1

Who wrote An Inspector Calls?

Q2

What is the surname of the Inspector?

Q3

What is being celebrated at the start of the play?

Q4

In what year is the play set?

2 Mark Questions

Q5

Give two themes explored in the play.

Q6

State two characteristics of Sheila Birling.

Q7

Give two examples of social responsibility in the play.

Q8

Name two members of the younger generation.

3 Mark Questions

Q9

Explain why Eva Smith is important.

Q10

Describe how the Inspector affects the Birling family.

Q11

Explain why Priestley uses dramatic irony.

Q12

Describe one difference between Mr Birling and Sheila.

4 Mark Questions

Q13

Explain how Priestley presents social responsibility.

Q14

Explain how class inequality is shown in the play.

Q15

Explain how the Inspector creates tension.

Q16

Explain how the younger generation are presented.

6 Mark Questions

Q17

How does Priestley present responsibility as the most important theme in the play?

Q18

Explain how Priestley presents the conflict between capitalism and socialism.

Q19

How does Priestley use the Birling family to communicate his message?

12 Mark Questions

Q20

Starting with the Inspector’s arrival, explore how Priestley presents responsibility in An Inspector Calls.

Answers

Q1

J.B. Priestley.

Q2

Goole.

Q3

Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.

Q4

Q5

  • Social responsibility.
  • Class inequality.

Q6

  • Responsible.
  • Mature.

Q7

  • Sheila accepts blame for her actions.
  • Eric admits his mistakes and feels guilty.

Q8

  • Sheila.
  • Eric.

Q9

Eva Smith links all the characters together. Through her experiences, Priestley highlights the effects of inequality, prejudice and selfishness.

Q10

The Inspector exposes secrets, reveals the truth and encourages characters to think about the consequences of their actions.

Q11

Priestley uses dramatic irony to make Mr Birling appear foolish and unreliable. This encourages the audience to question his views.

Q12

Mr Birling refuses responsibility and focuses on reputation, while Sheila accepts responsibility and learns from her mistakes.

Q13

Priestley presents social responsibility through the Inspector’s investigation. Each character contributes to Eva’s suffering, showing that actions affect others. The Inspector argues that society must work together and care for vulnerable people.

Q14

Class inequality is shown through the contrast between the wealthy Birlings and Eva Smith. The Birlings have power and influence, while Eva has limited opportunities and support.

Q15

The Inspector creates tension by revealing information gradually and questioning one character at a time. This keeps the audience interested and builds suspense.

Q16

The younger generation are presented as willing to learn and change. Sheila and Eric recognise their mistakes and accept responsibility, unlike their parents.

Q17 (6 Marks)

Priestley presents responsibility as the central theme of the play through the Inspector’s investigation and final speech. Every member of the Birling family contributes to Eva Smith’s suffering, demonstrating that actions have consequences. Sheila and Eric learn from their mistakes and accept blame, whereas the older generation refuse to change. Through these contrasting attitudes, Priestley encourages the audience to recognise their responsibilities towards others and society.

Q18 (6 Marks)

Priestley presents capitalism through Mr Birling’s belief in profit and self-interest. In contrast, the Inspector represents socialism through his emphasis on equality and collective responsibility. Throughout the play, Priestley criticises selfish attitudes and suggests society should work together to support vulnerable people.

Q19 (6 Marks)

The Birling family represent different attitudes in society. Their treatment of Eva Smith demonstrates how powerful people can affect the lives of others. Through their reactions to the Inspector’s investigation, Priestley explores responsibility, class and social change. The family helps communicate his message that society must become fairer and more compassionate.

Q20 (12 Marks)

Priestley presents responsibility as the most important idea in An Inspector Calls. The Inspector’s arrival interrupts the Birling family’s celebration and begins an investigation that reveals how each character contributed to Eva Smith’s downfall. Through a chain of events, Priestley shows that individual actions can have serious consequences for others. Sheila and Eric accept responsibility and learn from their mistakes, while Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to change and focus on protecting their reputation. The Inspector’s final speech emphasises that society is interconnected and that people must care for one another. The final telephone call reinforces this message by showing that responsibility cannot be avoided. Through the play, Priestley encourages audiences to build a more equal, caring and responsible society.