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

Introduction

“An Inspector Calls” is a play written by J.B. Priestley in 1945. It explores themes of social responsibility, class, and morality. The story revolves around the Birling family, who are visited by Inspector Goole, a mysterious figure who questions them about the death of a young woman named Eva Smith. Through the Inspector’s inquiries, we learn about the characters’ secrets and the impact of their actions on others.

Comprehensive Set of 100 Questions

Characters and Relationships

1. Who are the main characters in “An Inspector Calls”?
2. How is Arthur Birling described in the play?
3. What is Sybil Birling’s attitude towards social class?
4. How does Sheila Birling change throughout the play?
5. What role does Eric Birling play in the story?
6. Who is Gerald Croft and what is his relationship to the Birlings?
7. How does the Inspector challenge the Birlings’ views?
8. What is the significance of Eva Smith in the play?
9. How do the characters react to the Inspector’s questioning?
10. What does the Inspector reveal about each character’s involvement with Eva Smith?

Themes and Messages

11. What is the main theme of social responsibility in the play?
12. How does Priestley convey the idea of interconnectedness among people?
13. What role does class play in the characters’ attitudes?
14. How does the theme of guilt manifest in the play?
15. What message does the play send about the consequences of actions?
16. How does the play address the idea of change and redemption?
17. What does the Inspector represent in the story?
18. How does the setting of 1912 contribute to the play’s themes?
19. What role does gender play in the characters’ interactions?
20. How is the idea of hypocrisy presented in the play?

Plot and Structure

21. What event triggers the Inspector’s visit?
22. How does the play’s structure enhance the tension?
23. What is the significance of the ending of the play?
24. How does Priestley use dramatic irony throughout the play?
25. What are the key turning points in the plot?
26. How does the time period affect the characters’ decisions?
27. What role does the setting of the Birlings’ house play in the story?
28. How does the concept of time influence the narrative?
29. Why is the play set in the early 20th century?
30. How does the Inspector’s arrival change the atmosphere of the play?

Symbolism and Imagery

31. What does the Inspector’s name suggest about his character?
32. How is the character of Eva Smith symbolic?
33. What do the different settings in the play represent?
34. How does the use of lighting affect the mood?
35. What role does the telephone play in the story?
36. How does Priestley use food and drink as a symbol?
37. What does the title “An Inspector Calls” imply about the play’s themes?
38. How does the imagery of the working class appear in the play?
39. What significance does the “fire and blood” quote hold?
40. How does Priestley use contrast to highlight social issues?

Critical Analysis

41. What is Priestley’s purpose in writing “An Inspector Calls”?
42. How does the play reflect the socio-political context of its time?
43. In what ways can the play be seen as a critique of capitalism?
44. How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector to express his views?
45. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Birlings’ arguments?
46. How does the Inspector’s character challenge traditional authority?
47. How is the theme of youth versus age explored in the play?
48. What techniques does Priestley use to engage the audience?
49. How does the play encourage the audience to reflect on their own values?
50. What is the significance of the Inspector’s final speech?

Character Development and Motivations

51. How does Arthur Birling’s attitude reflect his social status?
52. What are Sheila’s feelings of guilt and responsibility?
53. How does Eric’s character evolve throughout the play?
54. What motivates Gerald to help Eva Smith?
55. How does Sybil Birling demonstrate hypocrisy?
56. In what ways does the Inspector serve as a catalyst for change?
57. How do the characters’ backgrounds influence their actions?
58. What drives Eric to steal money for Eva?
59. How does Sheila’s perception of the world change by the end of the play?
60. What does Gerald’s character reveal about class and privilege?

Social Context and Relevance

61. How does the play address issues of gender inequality?
62. What relevance does the play have in today’s society?
63. How might the characters’ attitudes reflect those of society in 1945?
64. In what ways does the play encourage social change?
65. How does Priestley use the play to criticise the upper class?
66. What lessons does the Inspector teach the Birlings?
67. How does the concept of social conscience appear in the play?
68. What parallels can be drawn between the play and modern social issues?
69. How do the characters represent different social classes?
70. What impact does the war have on the characters’ perspectives?

Quotes and Language

71. What is the significance of the quote “We are responsible for each other”?
72. How does Priestley use language to characterise the Inspector?
73. What does the repetition of “fire and blood” signify in the play?
74. How do the characters’ dialogues reflect their personalities?
75. What role does irony play in the characters’ speeches?
76. How does Priestley use rhetorical questions in the play?
77. What can we learn from Sheila’s character development through her dialogue?
78. How do the Birlings’ speeches contribute to their characterisation?
79. What is the effect of the Inspector’s calm manner during questioning?
80. How does the tone of the play shift throughout the performance?

Conclusion and Impact

81. What is the overall message of “An Inspector Calls”?
82. How does the play challenge the audience’s moral views?
83. What is the importance of individual responsibility in the play?
84. How does Priestley use foreshadowing in the story?
85. What insights does the play offer about human nature?
86. How might the play be performed to enhance its message?
87. In what ways can the play be considered a morality play?
88. How does the ending of the play provoke thought in the audience?
89. What emotions does the play evoke in its audience?
90. How does Priestley’s use of dramatic tension influence the audience’s experience?

Personal Reflection

91. What did you find most interesting about the play?
92. How did the characters’ actions affect your feelings towards them?
93. Which character do you relate to the most and why?
94. How has the play changed your perspective on social issues?
95. What would you want to ask the characters if you could?
96. How do you think the story would change if set in modern times?
97. What was the most impactful moment in the play for you?
98. How would you describe the play to someone who hasn’t read it?
99. What themes do you think are most relevant today?
100. How would you summarise the play in one sentence?

Answers to the Questions

Characters and Relationships

1. The main characters are Arthur Birling, Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, Eric Birling, Gerald Croft, and Inspector Goole.
2. Arthur Birling is a wealthy businessman, self-assured and sometimes arrogant, representing capitalist views.
3. Sybil Birling is snobbish and condescending, showing little compassion for those of lower classes.
4. Sheila starts as a naive young woman but grows to understand the consequences of her actions.
5. Eric is a troubled young man, struggling with alcoholism and guilt over his actions towards Eva Smith.
6. Gerald Croft is Sheila’s fiancé, who comes from an upper-class family and is involved with Eva.
7. The Inspector challenges the Birlings’ complacency and their lack of social responsibility.
8. Eva Smith represents the struggles of the working class and the impact of the upper class’s actions.
9. The characters become defensive and anxious as the Inspector reveals their connections to Eva.
10. The Inspector reveals that each character contributed to Eva’s demise through their actions or indifference.

Themes and Messages

11. The theme of social responsibility is central, highlighting that individuals must care for one another.
12. Priestley conveys interconnectedness by showing how each character’s actions affect Eva’s life.
13. Class creates division and influences the characters’ attitudes towards responsibility and morality.
14. Guilt is portrayed through each character’s reaction to the Inspector’s questioning.
15. The play illustrates that actions have consequences, and ignoring them can lead to tragedy.
16. Characters like Sheila and Eric show that change is possible through reflection and acknowledgment of guilt.
17. The Inspector represents moral truth and social justice, challenging the status quo.
18. The setting of 1912 highlights the differences in social attitudes before the World Wars.
19. Gender roles are significant, with male characters often dominating discussions and decisions.
20. Hypocrisy is shown as characters claim to care but act selfishly when confronted.

Plot and Structure

21. The Inspector’s visit is triggered by the news of Eva Smith’s death.
22. The play’s structure, with its one-act format and real-time progression, builds tension.
23. The ending leaves the audience questioning the nature of responsibility and the future.
24. Dramatic irony is present as the audience knows more about the characters’ guilt than they do.
25. Key turning points include the Inspector’s revelations and Sheila’s awakening.
26. The time period affects decisions, as the Birlings represent outdated capitalist views.
27. The Birlings’ house symbolizes their wealth and social status, contrasting with Eva’s situation.
28. The concept of time is crucial, as the characters reflect on past actions and their implications.
29. The setting of 1912 contrasts with the post-war context of the play’s writing in 1945.
30. The Inspector’s arrival disrupts the family’s complacency, creating a sense of urgency.

Symbolism and Imagery

31. Inspector Goole’s name suggests he is a “ghost” or a moral conscience for the characters.
32. Eva Smith symbolizes the struggles of the working class and the consequences of neglect.
33. Settings represent class distinctions, with the Birling house indicating wealth and privilege.
34. Lighting creates mood shifts, often highlighting moments of revelation or tension.
35. The telephone symbolizes communication and the disconnect between classes.
36. Food and drink represent the Birlings’ wealth and their indifference to others’ suffering.
37. The title suggests that the Inspector’s visit is a moral examination for the Birlings.
38. Imagery of the working class highlights their struggles and the impact of the upper class.
39. The “fire and blood” quote foreshadows destruction and the need for change.
40. Contrast is used to highlight the differences between the Birlings’ lives and Eva’s reality.

Critical Analysis

41. Priestley aims to promote social change and encourage greater empathy and responsibility.
42. The play reflects post-war sentiments and critiques the inequalities of pre-war Britain.
43. Capitalism is critiqued through the selfish actions and attitudes of the upper class.
44. The Inspector expresses Priestley’s views on morality and social justice through his questioning.
45. The Birlings’ arguments are often self-serving and reveal their lack of true understanding.
46. The Inspector challenges authority by questioning the Birlings’ morals and actions.
47. Youth is portrayed as more open to change, while older characters cling to outdated beliefs.
48. Techniques like suspense and character development keep the audience engaged.
49. The play encourages reflection on personal values and societal responsibilities.
50. The Inspector’s final speech serves as a call to action for social responsibility.

Character Development and Motivations

51. Arthur Birling’s attitude reflects his capitalist mindset, prioritising profit over people.
52. Sheila feels guilty and begins to understand the impact of her privilege and choices.
53. Eric evolves from a reckless youth to a remorseful character seeking redemption.
54. Gerald is motivated by a mix of genuine affection and social obligation towards Eva.
55. Sybil demonstrates hypocrisy by denying her role in Eva’s suffering while claiming moral superiority.
56. The Inspector catalyses change by forcing the characters to confront their past actions.
57. Backgrounds shape the characters’ perspectives, with the upper class showing entitlement.
58. Eric steals money out of desperation to help Eva, highlighting his internal conflict.
59. Sheila’s perception shifts from naivety to a strong sense of guilt and accountability.
60. Gerald’s character reveals the complexities of privilege and the consequences of infidelity.

Social Context and Relevance

61. The play highlights gender inequality, illustrating how women are often exploited and dismissed.
62. “An Inspector Calls” remains relevant today as it addresses issues of social justice and responsibility.
63. The characters reflect the attitudes of 1945 society, showcasing class divisions and moral indifference.
64. The play advocates for social change by illustrating the consequences of apathy.
65. Priestley criticises the upper class for their exploitation of the working class.
66. The Inspector teaches the Birlings that their actions significantly affect others.
67. Social conscience is vital, as the play urges individuals to consider their impact on society.
68. Parallels to modern social issues can be drawn, particularly regarding inequality and exploitation.
69. Each character represents a different class perspective, from the working class to the upper class.
70. The impact of war leads to a questioning of traditional values and a desire for change.

Quotes and Language

71. “We are responsible for each other” highlights the core theme of social responsibility.
72. Language characterises the Inspector as authoritative, yet compassionate, guiding the questioning.
73. “Fire and blood” signifies the potential for violence and upheaval if social issues are ignored.
74. Character dialogues reveal their personalities, values, and the play’s central conflicts.
75. Irony highlights the characters’ self-deception and lack of awareness of their moral failures.
76. Rhetorical questions provoke thought and highlight the characters’ moral dilemmas.
77. Sheila’s dialogue reflects her growth from ignorance to self-awareness and accountability.
78. The Birlings’ speeches contribute to their characterisation, revealing their values and flaws.
79. The Inspector’s calm manner contrasts with the tension of the revelations, enhancing the drama.
80. The tone shifts to reflect the growing tension and urgency as the Inspector uncovers truths.

Conclusion and Impact

81. The overall message is that individuals must take responsibility for their actions towards others.
82. The play challenges the audience to examine their morals and consider their societal roles.
83. Individual responsibility is crucial, as ignoring it leads to harm for others.
84. Foreshadowing creates suspense and prepares the audience for the play’s moral lessons.
85. The play offers insights into human nature, particularly the capacity for selfishness and change.
86. Performance choices can enhance the play’s themes, emphasising its moral urgency.
87. The play can be viewed as a morality play, urging characters and the audience to reflect on their ethics.
88. The ending provokes thought by leaving the characters and audience questioning their actions.
89. The play evokes emotions such as guilt, anger, and empathy, prompting reflection.
90. The play can be summarised as a moral examination of individual and collective responsibility.

Personal Reflection

91. The most interesting aspect might be the Inspector’s role as a moral guide.
92. Characters’ actions evoke sympathy or disdain, influencing viewer engagement.
93. Relating to Sheila’s journey of self-awareness and guilt can resonate with many.
94. The play highlights the importance of considering the consequences of one’s actions.
95. Questions could revolve around their feelings of guilt and awareness of social issues.
96. A modern setting could amplify themes of social media and immediate impact.
97. The most impactful moment might be the realization of collective responsibility.
98. The play can be described as a compelling moral drama about social accountability.
99. Relevant themes include social justice, empathy, and the effects of privilege.
100. In one sentence, the play is a powerful reminder of the importance of social responsibility.