Introduction to An Inspector Calls

“An Inspector Calls” is a play written by J.B. Priestley. It explores themes like social responsibility, class, and the impact of individual actions on others. It is set in 1912 but was written in 1945, which means it reflects ideas from both times. Understanding this context is essential!

What Are Critical Resources?

Critical resources are materials that help us understand a text better. They can include:

  • Background Information: Learning about the author, the time the play was written, and historical events.
  • Literary Criticism: Essays and analyses from scholars that offer different interpretations of the text.
  • Thematic Guides: Resources that explain the main ideas and themes in the play.
  • Character Analysis: Information about the characters and their roles in the story.

Why Use Critical Resources?

Using critical resources helps you:

  1. Gain Deeper Insights: They explain complex ideas and themes.
  2. Understand Context: Knowing historical and social background enhances your interpretation.
  3. Explore Different Views: Learning from various critics can give you new perspectives on the text.

Tips for Using Critical Resources

  • Start with Background Research: Understand the author and the time period.
  • Read Literary Criticism: Look for articles or videos that analyse key themes and characters.
  • Take Notes: Write down important points or quotes that resonate with you.
  • Discuss with Peers: Share your thoughts and learn from others’ views.

Examples of Critical Resources

  1. Biographies of J.B. Priestley: These help you understand his life and beliefs.
  2. Historical Context Articles: They explain the social issues of the early 20th century.
  3. Character Maps: Visual aids can help you track character relationships and development.

Engaging Questions

To help you think critically about the play, here are some questions you can consider:

Easy Level Questions

  1. Who is the Inspector in the play?
  2. What is the main theme of “An Inspector Calls”?
  3. Name one character that is affected by the Inspector’s questioning.
  4. How does the play start?
  5. What does the Inspector say about social responsibility?
  6. Who is the first character to speak in the play?
  7. How does Mr. Birling feel about the working class?
  8. What happens to Eva Smith?
  9. Why does Sheila Birling feel guilty?
  10. What is the setting of the play?
  11. Who is responsible for Eva Smith’s death?
  12. How does the family react to the Inspector’s arrival?
  13. What does Gerald Croft do for a living?
  14. Why does Mrs. Birling blame the father of Eva’s child?
  15. What does the Inspector reveal about each character?
  16. How does the play end?
  17. What is the significance of the photograph?
  18. What do we learn about Sheila’s character?
  19. Why does the Inspector visit the Birling family?
  20. What message do you think Priestley wants to convey?

Medium Level Questions

  1. How does Priestley use dramatic irony in the play?
  2. Discuss the role of class in “An Inspector Calls”.
  3. How does the character of the Inspector challenge the Birlings?
  4. Why is the play set in 1912 but written in 1945?
  5. How do the characters change throughout the play?
  6. What does the Inspector mean by “We are all responsible for each other”?
  7. How is Eva Smith portrayed in the play?
  8. What does Mr. Birling represent in society?
  9. How does Priestley present the theme of guilt?
  10. Discuss the use of lighting and its effect in the play.
  11. How does Sheila’s character develop from the beginning to the end?
  12. Why is the Inspector’s character mysterious?
  13. What does the play suggest about the future of society?
  14. How do the reactions of the Birlings show their values?
  15. What role does Gerald play in Eva’s life?
  16. How does the play critique capitalism?
  17. What is the significance of the Inspector’s final speech?
  18. How does the structure of the play affect its message?
  19. Why is the play considered a morality play?
  20. Discuss the importance of the family dinner setting.

Hard Level Questions

  1. Analyze the symbolism of the Inspector’s character.
  2. How does Priestley portray gender roles in the play?
  3. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in the narrative.
  4. What does the character of Eric Birling reveal about family dynamics?
  5. How does the theme of responsibility connect to the character arcs?
  6. Explore the moral dilemmas faced by each character.
  7. How do different characters respond to social change?
  8. Discuss the significance of the Inspector’s name.
  9. How does Priestley use tension in the play?
  10. Compare and contrast the characters of Sheila and Mrs. Birling.
  11. What techniques does Priestley use to build suspense?
  12. Discuss the importance of the time period in understanding the play’s context.
  13. How does the play challenge the audience’s perception of morality?
  14. Analyze the relationship between Gerald and Sheila.
  15. What role does social class play in the interactions between characters?
  16. How does the play address the theme of hypocrisy?
  17. Discuss how the ending of the play affects its overall message.
  18. How is the theme of youth versus age presented?
  19. What does the Inspector’s final line imply about society?
  20. Explore how the play reflects Priestley’s own beliefs and values.

Conclusion

By using critical resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of “An Inspector Calls” and its themes. Remember to explore different perspectives and engage actively with the text. This will not only help you in your studies but also make reading more enjoyable!

Answers to Questions

Easy Level Answers

  1. The Inspector is a mysterious figure who questions the Birling family.
  2. The main theme is social responsibility.
  3. Sheila Birling is affected by the Inspector’s questioning.
  4. The play starts with the Birling family celebrating an engagement.
  5. The Inspector says that everyone should care for one another.
  6. Arthur Birling is the first character to speak.
  7. Mr. Birling believes the working class should work harder.
  8. Eva Smith dies by suicide.
  9. Sheila feels guilty because she got Eva fired from her job.
  10. The setting is the Birling family home.
  11. The family each played a part in her death.
  12. They are nervous and confused about his arrival.
  13. Gerald is a businessman.
  14. Mrs. Birling blames him because she thinks he should take responsibility.
  15. The Inspector reveals their secrets and guilt.
  16. It ends with the family unsure of what will happen next.
  17. The photograph symbolizes the shared responsibility.
  18. Sheila is a more empathetic character by the end.
  19. He visits to investigate Eva’s death.
  20. He wants to convey the importance of social responsibility.

Medium Level Answers

  1. Mr. Birling’s confident statements about the future are ironic because the audience knows the world is headed for war.
  2. Class shapes how characters interact and their attitudes towards each other.
  3. The Inspector confronts them about their actions and their moral failures.
  4. It shows the contrast between past and present beliefs.
  5. They show personal growth or denial of responsibility.
  6. He means that all lives are interconnected, and we should care for one another.
  7. Eva is a victim of society’s injustices.
  8. Mr. Birling represents capitalist attitudes.
  9. Guilt is a central theme, as characters grapple with their actions.
  10. The lighting changes to highlight tension and mood shifts.
  11. Sheila becomes more aware and responsible.
  12. The Inspector’s background is never fully revealed, making him enigmatic.
  13. The play suggests that society needs to change for the better.
  14. The Birlings show selfishness and denial.
  15. Gerald was involved with Eva, helping her but also betraying her.
  16. It critiques capitalism by highlighting its negative impact on people.
  17. The Inspector warns about the consequences of ignoring social responsibility.
  18. The play’s structure builds tension and reveals character flaws.
  19. It serves as a moral lesson about community and care for others.
  20. It shows how the family’s values clash with emerging social ideas.

Hard Level Answers

  1. The Inspector symbolizes social conscience and morality.
  2. Gender roles are highlighted through character dynamics and expectations.
  3. Foreshadowing occurs when hints are dropped about Eva’s fate.
  4. Eric’s struggles reveal issues of privilege and responsibility.
  5. Each character learns (or refuses to learn) about their impact on society.
  6. They face choices that reflect their morals and ethics.
  7. They respond differently, with some resisting change and others embracing it.
  8. The Inspector’s name suggests he “inspects” their moral choices.
  9. Tension builds through confrontations and revelations.
  10. Sheila and Mrs. Birling represent different perspectives on responsibility.
  11. Priestley uses dialogue and pacing to create suspense.
  12. The time period shows the divide between classes and social attitudes.
  13. The play prompts the audience to reflect on their own morals.
  14. Their relationship shows the complexities of love and obligation.
  15. Social class influences power dynamics and empathy levels.
  16. The characters often act hypocritically, claiming morals they don’t uphold.
  17. The ending leaves the audience questioning their own societal roles.
  18. Youth often represents hope, while age represents outdated beliefs.
  19. It suggests that society must change to avoid repeating mistakes.
  20. The play reflects Priestley’s socialist ideals and beliefs about community.