Year 10 English: An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

Introduction to An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls is a play written by J.B. Priestley in 1945. It is set in 1912 and explores themes such as social responsibility, class, and morality. The play is a great example of a “social drama,” which means it discusses important social issues.

Key Characters

1. Arthur Birling – The father, a wealthy businessman.
2. Sybil Birling – Arthur’s wife, who is very proud and snobbish.
3. Sheila Birling – Their daughter, who matures throughout the play.
4. Eric Birling – Their son, who has his own struggles.
5. Gerald Croft – Sheila’s fiancé, who comes from a rich family.
6. Inspector Goole – Mysterious inspector who visits the Birlings and questions them about a young woman’s death.

Main Themes

1. Social Responsibility: The play asks whether we should care for others in our community.
2. Class Differences: It highlights the divide between the wealthy and the poor.
3. Gender Inequality: It shows how women were treated during this time.
4. Time and Change: The play contrasts the past and future, especially attitudes toward social issues.

Structure of the Play

The play is divided into three acts. Each act reveals more about the characters and their connections to the young woman, Eva Smith. The inspector’s questioning leads to dramatic revelations.

Tips for Understanding the Play

1. Character Relationships: Pay attention to how characters relate to each other. Their interactions reveal their personalities and values.
2. Themes: Think about the main themes as you read. How do the characters represent different views on social issues?
3. Context: Remember the historical context—written after World War II but set before it, reflecting changes in society.
4. Symbolism: Look out for symbols like the inspector, who represents social conscience.

Questions for Understanding

Easy Level Questions

1. Who is the author of An Inspector Calls?
2. What year was the play written?
3. Who is the head of the Birling family?
4. What is the name of the young woman who dies?
5. What is Sheila’s relationship to Gerald?
6. Who questions the Birling family?
7. What is Arthur Birling’s profession?
8. Which character is described as snobbish?
9. What does the inspector want to find out?
10. How does Sheila change during the play?
11. What class do the Birlings belong to?
12. Who is the youngest Birling child?
13. What does Eva Smith represent?
14. What event does the play centre around?
15. What does the inspector suggest about the Birlings’ responsibility?
16. How does Eric behave in the play?
17. What is the significance of the year 1912 in the play?
18. How does Sybil Birling react to the inspector?
19. Why does the inspector visit the Birlings?
20. What does the play ask us to consider about our actions?

Medium Level Questions

1. Describe the character of Inspector Goole.
2. How does Arthur Birling view social responsibility?
3. What does Sheila realise about her actions regarding Eva?
4. Discuss the importance of Gerald Croft in the play.
5. How does the play challenge class structures?
6. What does the inspector’s final speech suggest?
7. How does Priestley use dramatic irony in the play?
8. Why is the setting important to the story?
9. Explain the significance of the inspector’s name, “Goole.”
10. How do the Birlings react to the inspector’s questioning?
11. What role does gender play in the interactions of the characters?
12. Why does the inspector focus on each character one at a time?
13. What message does Priestley convey about capitalism?
14. How does the inspector’s arrival change the family dynamic?
15. Discuss the role of youth in the play.
16. How does Sheila’s attitude change by the end?
17. What does the ending of the play suggest about the future?
18. How is social class depicted through the Birlings?
19. What is the significance of the inspector being mysterious?
20. How does the play reflect Priestley’s views on society?

Hard Level Questions

1. Analyse the character development of Sheila Birling.
2. How does Priestley use foreshadowing in the play?
3. Explain the concept of “collective responsibility” as presented in the play.
4. Discuss the use of dramatic tension in the inspector’s questioning.
5. How does the setting of 1912 contrast with the play’s post-war audience?
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s moral message.
7. How does each character’s response to the inspector reveal their true nature?
8. Discuss the significance of the play’s title.
9. How does the theme of guilt manifest in the characters?
10. Explore the relationship dynamics between Eric and Sheila.
11. What role does social class play in the inspector’s investigation?
12. How does the play reflect the social attitudes of the time?
13. Discuss the impact of the inspector’s final speech on the audience.
14. How does the use of irony enhance the play’s themes?
15. In what ways does the inspector serve as a catalyst for change?
16. How do the characters’ actions reveal their moral failings?
17. Discuss the symbols of the ring and the engagement in the context of the play.
18. How does the inspector challenge the Birlings’ worldview?
19. Evaluate the ending of the play and its implications.
20. How does Priestley’s own background influence the themes in the play?

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. J.B. Priestley
2. 1945
3. Arthur Birling
4. Eva Smith
5. They are engaged.
6. Inspector Goole
7. Businessman
8. Sybil Birling
9. He wants to find out about Eva’s death.
10. She becomes more aware and responsible.
11. Wealthy upper class.
12. Sheila
13. The struggles of the working class.
14. The death of Eva Smith.
15. That they should care for others.
16. He struggles with alcohol.
17. It sets the stage for the themes of the play.
18. She is dismissive and arrogant.
19. To investigate the woman’s death.
20. It prompts reflection on personal actions.

Medium Level Answers

1. He is mysterious and probing, representing social conscience.
2. He believes each person should look after one another.
3. Sheila learns that her actions have consequences.
4. Gerald represents the upper class and its attitudes.
5. It shows the differences in privilege and opportunity.
6. It urges the audience to consider their social responsibility.
7. Characters act unaware of the future, while the audience knows.
8. The time period reflects the attitudes of the past.
9. It suggests he is not an ordinary inspector but a symbol.
10. They are defensive and try to protect themselves.
11. Women are often seen as inferior and submissive.
12. It builds suspense and reveals character flaws.
13. It critiques the greed of capitalism.
14. The inspector exposes underlying tensions in the family.
15. It suggests change is necessary for the future.
16. Sheila becomes more empathetic and aware of social issues.
17. The engagement symbolizes the social expectations of the time.
18. He forces them to confront their actions and beliefs.
19. It leaves the audience questioning their own responsibilities.
20. Priestley was an advocate for social change and equality.

Hard Level Answers

1. Sheila grows from a naive girl to a socially aware woman.
2. Hints at the events that will unfold later in the play.
3. The idea that society should work together for the good of all.
4. Builds suspense and reveals the truth about each character.
5. Highlights the need for change in attitudes and beliefs.
6. It encourages viewers to reflect on their moral choices.
7. Their responses show their guilt and denial.
8. It emphasizes the central conflict and moral dilemma.
9. Characters struggle with their actions and the consequences.
10. Their relationship shows different perspectives on privilege.
11. It highlights the unfairness and exploitation of lower classes.
12. It mirrors the changing views after World War II.
13. It prompts the audience to rethink their social responsibilities.
14. It highlights the hypocrisy of the characters’ morals.
15. He prompts the characters to introspect and change.
16. Their failures reveal their selfishness and ignorance.
17. They represent societal pressures and expectations.
18. He challenges their lack of empathy and awareness.
19. It suggests that society needs to learn from its mistakes.
20. Priestley’s experiences influenced his views on equality.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further explanations on An Inspector Calls!