CONTENTS

An Inspector Calls Resource Pack

Aim: to evaluate the technical and conceptual elements of  Synopsis
the play, in depth, with perceptive insight and interpretation
 Character description

 Historical context

 Narrative (Act 1-3)

 Writer’s choices

 Themes

 Characterisation

 Motifs and symbolism

 Dramatic devices

 Adaptations

 Analysis of quotations

 Essay writing technique

 Arthur Birling Sybil Birling Gerald Croft Sheila Birling Eric Birling
(Mr Birling) (Mrs Birling) Son of a prosperous A slightly introverted and
The Birlings’ daughter in her troubled son of the Birling
manufacturing family and
Founder of a successful and Arthur’s unemotional wife who early twenties, protected by family that is suspicious of
esteemed among the Birling
growing manufacturing business prides herself on her elite her parents from societal Gerald and jokingly derogatory
family. Aged 30, he proposes to
– has been Lord Mayor and is a status, born into wealth and frictions and in accepting to his sister Sheila. Like Gerald,
Sheila and becomes her fiancé.
magistrate. He debates ‘capital unsympathetic of those who Gerald’s proposal, will create Eric also has some skeletons in
He is a confident and
and labour agitations’ and wishes challenge their hierarchy with Croft-Birling merger that will be the closet, and his uncertainty
successful made with some
Gerald to betroth Sheila. socialist agendas. quite the family acquisition. could be an existential crisis.
skeletons in the closet.

Introduced as a Eva Smith does not feature as an

police inspector Edna, as the active character with dialogue in
investigating a Birling the play. However, she is central
horrific suicide, he servant, is an to the story regarding the Birling
is a man of poise, honorable and family, as her grisly suicide (drinking
authority and submissive bleach) has resulted in their
stature that has a lady doing her investigation by Inspector Goole. Her
disconcertingly service for the association to the family is slowly
direct gaze and an family and revealed as secrets are unearthed by
approach to making them the Inspector. Her tragic plight
questioning that aware of reveals much about Priestley (who
unsettles the visitors, and wrote the play in 1945) as a writer in
Birling family but tending to satirising certain social and political
also reveals the their needs. attitudes of 1912; a pre-cursor to the
true nature and First World War. Eva Smith is an icon
secrets of each against social injustice and the
character. misuse of power from the
Inspector Goole Edna Eva Smith advantaged.
 SYNOPSIS SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Birling family are dining with The Birlings’ home, a large suburban villa in
Gerald as their special guest. He Brumley, a North Midlands industrial city. It is a
proposes to their daughter, Sheila. spring evening in the year 1912 and the family
When she accepts his proposal, they are dining with a special guest.
Evaluation: The Birling family are upper-middle
celebrate the news because this will
class with a fairly high level of affluence and
also result in the merging of two power. The pre-First World War context situates
successful local businesses. Just the family within the brewing tensions of conflict.
when everything seems to be going
perfectly, Inspector Goole interrupts Eva Smith: the social catalyst – as a previous worker for the Birling
their dinner with an investigation of the tragic suicide of the young manufacturing company, she represents the working classes. As a mistress, a
Eva Smith. Whilst sympathetic, the family are irritated by this gifted yet fired worker, a lover and a shunned mother-to-be seeking benefits,
disturbance and protest that they have no involvement with the case. she encapsulates the mistreatment of those in society near the poverty line.
The writer’s ideology – despite some archaic dialogue and dated mise-en-scene,
The Inspector begs to differ, and so begins an unravelling web of
Priestley’s play is still as radical today as it was in 1945. Arguably, this cautionary
secrets and lies that will challenge the equilibrium of an elite tale has a left-wing agenda to empower the working classes.
household.
ACT 1 ACT 2 ACT 3 WRITER’S CHOICES
 Eric and his parents have a
 Dinner party to celebrate  Gerald admits he knew
bitter meeting - Inspector
engagement of Sheila to Daisy Renton and interrupts to question Eric.  Born in Yorkshire, 1894 – junior clerk at wool farm, aged
Gerald Croft. eventually had an affair
with her where she became
 Eric’s story: met her at 16 – joined WWI infantry – degree at Cambridge –
 Happy, light-hearted same theatre bar as Gerald,
atmosphere. his mistress. moved to London as freelance writer – published many
got drunk, and had sex. No
 Mr Birling has ‘man to man’  The affair ended when he
marriage consideration. She novels and plays in 20s and 30s – ground-breaking and
chat with Gerald and Eric went away on business. accepted gifts of money controversial – left wing radio show presenter – set up
about looking after own  Sheila is glad to hear
until realising Eric stole. Eric Common Wealth political party in 1942 – party merged
family first. confession but Mrs Birling is had taken £50 from Mr
 Enter: Inspector Goole – disgusted by the scandal. Birling’s office – making his with Labour in 1945 – influential in developing Welfare
investigating suicide of Eva  Goole shows photograph to State – active in early movement for United Nations –
parents furious.
Smith. Mrs Birling – she admits she  While Sheila and Eric feel
 Birling admits she was a knows the girl – now found CND in 1950s for nuclear disarmament - died in
guilty, Mr and Mrs Birling
fired employee for being a pregant asked for financial just want to cover it up.
1984.
wage protest ringleader. assistance from Brumley  The Inspector leaves  Priestley deliberately set his play in 1912 – an era prior
 Birling claims no Women’s Charity
Organisation and she
delivering a strong message the context of war – class and gender boundaries.
responsibility for her death. about responsibility.
 Sheila enters and is rejected request and was  Family speculate on
 1945 – class and gender transformation – socialist mini-
questioned – Sheila reveals proud of it – she is authenticity of Inspector – revolution took place – play encourages people to seize
that she sacked her from unrepentant.
 She denounces father of
realising they were conned. post-war opportunity for peace, justice and equality.
Milwards too – feels very  Just when they think
guilty. the child, only to find out  Characterisation and narrative shifts in ‘An Inspector
they’re off the hook, the
 Eva changed her name to Eric may be involved. telephone rings, the police Calls’ are politically and socially motivated – his aim was
Daisy Renton – Gerald’s  When Eric enters the room,
the Act ends.
say the Inspector is on his to protest against injustice through storytelling.
reaction evokes suspicion way to ask questions about
that he knew her.
 JB Priestley’s ideas may still be relevant today.
the suicide of a young girl.
Themes (quotes used from BBC Bitesize) BBC Bitesize question and essay plan example
 Class: upper class Birling family, working class Eva Smith Do you think that Mrs Birling is more to blame for the death of Eva Smith
and Edna. than the other characters? Give reasons for your answer.
 Gender: “MR BIRLING: We were paying the usual rates
and if they didn't like those rates, they could go and Para 1: Introduction - Mrs Birling
work somewhere else.“ Explain Mrs Birling's role in Eva's death and
 Exploitation: this ranged from working conditions to discuss whether she is to blame.
sexual expression – the idea that someone was unjustly Para 2 - Mr Birling
Look at Mr Birling's part in the tragedy and
used for personal gain – whether success, power or
comment on the extent of his responsibility.
satisfaction.
Para 3 - Sheila
 Age – the various attitudes and ideologies of each
Explore Sheila's part and, as before, comment
character that reflected their generation. Were young on the extent of her responsibility.
and old represented fairly? Para 4 - Gerald
 Responsibility vs. Prejudice: “INSPECTOR: One EvaSmith Now do the same for Gerald...
has gone - but there are millions and millions and Para 5 - Eric
millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, and for Eric...
with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and Para 6 - Conclusion
chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and Weigh up each character's responsibility and decide
what we think and say and do.” whether Mrs Birling is more to blame than anyone else.

Motifs and symbolism Dramatic devices

Coups de
Enigma Euphemism
theatre
Time
Hubris

Doors
and The photograph
Eyes rooms Catalysts Dramatic irony Satire
Adaptations Essay writing technique
 BBC 2015 adaptation with David Thewlis.  Always answer the question! – easy to ramble, misread the question, go
 Stephen Daldry’s 1992 film noir the wrong direction with your response. To avoid this, keep using specific
influenced version at Lyttelton National words and terms from the question to help you refocus.
Theatre (left) – went on tour in 2011/12.  PEEL paragraph – structured responses focus answers ensuring that reading
 BBC 1982 Television version – available exam questions are answered correctly.
on YouTube.  Analyse - Analysis basically means ‘inspecting and picking apart’. Play
 2004 unabridged audio adaptation. detective with the book, its purpose and meaning.
 90 minute BBC Radio adaptation in 2010.  Quotation - Important and relevant selection of quotations for evidence of
 1954 Guy Hamilton film version. your point.
 1979 Soviet made-for-television two-part  Objective and critical approach – avoiding the “I think” and discussing
version. opinions with “arguably” and “one viewpoint is” as examples.
Other than original theatrical productions in 1945  Connective sentence starters – so helpful with sentence structures: firstly,
and some adaptations soon after, recent versions therefore, on the other hand, however, consequently, in contrast, whereas,
have not necessarily given the play the full adaptive additionally, also, as a result…
treatment reserved for classics. Stephen Daldry’s  Writer and reader - responding to the writer’s motive and the effect on the
theatre production and BBC’s 1982 version are the reader
most renowned. However, there is scope for a  Context - Explanation of the social, political and historical context of the
further film adaptations to immortalise the story. point given

Example answer: how to analyse quotations Practice questions (courtesy of GradeSaver)

How is Mr Birling’s character represented by this quotation 1. Trace the different levels of tension throughout the
play. How does Priestley create tension?
in context of his speech to the Birling family?
2. The Inspector is nothing more than a perfectly human
hoaxer, and Priestley makes it clear. Do you agree?
“Mr Birling: …capital and labour agitations…” 3. How are Birling and the Inspector coming from
The backstory of Arthur reveals his upper middle-class status. He is the "opposite ideological points of view"?
founder of a manufacturing business and is also an ex-Lord mayor, a 4. Delineate the "chain of events" that allegedly led to Eva
Smith's death.
magistrate and is very focused on the success of his business. This quote
5. Write a character analysis of Gerald Croft.
suggests that he cares more for the company than the worker. “Capital” 6. Why is time an important theme in Priestley's play?
refers to the product that is made by the worker, and “labour” relates to 7. J.L. Styan has written that the play's final twist gives a
the work done by the labourer. Arguably, this throwaway statement by "spurious emphasis irrelevant to the substance of the
Arthur could reveal the slight contempt he has for the working classes. play." Might he be wrong?
Consequently, the reader may perceive that Arthur is unsympathetic 8. Make the case for Edna being the play's most
towards the needs of the worker and selfish in his pursuit for more important character.
wealth and status. J.B. Priestley’s decision (as the writer) to ‘villainise’ 9. Compare An Inspector Calls to another play by Priestley
this executive character may reflect his own leftist political agenda: to that you have read.
highlight the injustice of how the working classes are treated. 10. To what extent is Birling essentially a comic character,
lacking a serious or ominous side?
Question Point Evidence Explain Link

For example, Mr Priestley highlights Mr

How does Men were Birling’s sexist opinion, This reinforces
Birling says “This girl,
Priestley present considered more Eva Smith, was one which is that women were the patriarchal
ideas about superior to of them, she’d had a
seen as less equal and that
they should get paid less context of
gender in An women in British lot to say – far too
Inspector Calls? society in 1912. much – so she had to
money. Mr Birling silences society in these
Eva, and Priestley wants to
go.” (Act 1) show how unjust this is. times.
Priestley presents his “INSPECTOR
How does own ideology by
Priestley present embodying his views GOOLE: We are
his own ideology through the character responsible for
through the of Inspector Goole.
each other.
characters in An (Act 3)”
Inspector Calls?

The importance of
Inspector Goole is that
What do you think is his investigation “INSPECTOR GOOLE:
the importance of technique reveals the (massively) Public
secrets and lies of the men, Mr Birling,
Inspector Goole and Birling family in relation
have responsibilities
how does Priestley to the suicide of Eva
Smith. as well as privileges.
present him? (Act 2)”

How important do Priestley presents ideas “MR BIRLING: He was

about social class prejudiced from the start.
you think social class through the contrasting Probably a socialist or some
is in An Inspector opinions of Inspector sort of crank – he talked like
Calls and how does Goole and Mr. Birling. one. “
Goole represents socialist “INSPECTOR GOOLE: We
Priestley present values and Mr Birling is a are responsible for each
ideas about social typical capitalist. other.
class? (Act 3)”
The ending of the play makes Sheila didn’t believe
I agree with the Priestley ends the story with
the reader feel as though the that everything was
statement because Bewilderment a cliffhanger which allows the
characters are finally taking right. “No not yet. It’s
Sheila looked like she reader to imagine what
responsibility for their actions – too soon. I must
was confused in the happens next. It’s a sudden
‘looks in a panic stricken fashion think” Distinctive
play. finish which gives the
at the others’. The Birlings and Open ending
audience suspense. The fact
Gerald (with the exemption of Confusion
J.B. Priestley leaves the that the curtain closes gives
Sheila and Eric) felt as though Didn’t expect it
audience in suspense by us the barrier between the
their actions were completely Curious
leaving it on a cliff hanger. It audience and characters
justified when they thought Eva
leaves an ambiguous ending. which makes the audience
Smith wasn’t real but now
want to open it up again with
they’ve heard a girl has just
been admitted into the hospital PUPILS’ SUGAR PAPER ANSWERS curiosity.
for suicide. They are starting to Y11 English Exam Question - An Inspector Calls
realise that they are responsible
and it scares them. Remind yourself of the ending of the play from The way Priestley ends the book
‘the telephone rings sharply…’ to ‘…the curtain leaves the readers with
unanswered questions and makes
It leaves you with falls.’ How do you respond to this as an ending to them think of what will happen
unanswered ‘An Inspector Calls’ and how does Priestley make afterwards. “The telephone rings
sharply… as they stare guilty and
you respond as you do by the way he writes?
questions. dumbfounded the curtains fall”.
The end of the book shows how
they don’t feel any guilt (apart
from Eric and Sheila) until they

Representation of the Birling

Inviting the Priestley ends the book as a cliffhanger.
We don’t know if Sheila and Gerald will
realise that they might really be in
trouble, although before the
family as confused and lost – reader to marry and when the Birlings realise they
are being ‘properly’ inspected. ‘A police
phone call, Sybil, Gerald and
inspector is on his way here – to ask some Arthur were celebrating as they
dumbfounded – this implies that make up the questions.’ The Birlings believe they have thought they had got off the hook
the Birling family were extremely been let off and this was just a joke, but but Sheila and Eric feel guilty
ending they will have to go through being
because they still did what they
shocked after their celebration of inspected again. Priestley leaves us to

the thought that Eva Smith was themselves wonder what is going to happen
afterwards. It is finished in an unusual way
said they had done. This leaves
the readers thinking about what’s
as authors answer questions but Priestley
not the same person in everyone’s is letting the readers make up their own going to happen afterwards and
maybe makes them feel some
story. ending.
hatred towards some characters.
Social class is very important in
‘An Inspector Calls’ and Priestley
The social class is very
important as the Inspector
Why did Socialism
presents their ideas about social
does not really care about Inspector Capitalism
class by getting characters such
as Inspector Goole to support
what class the person is, but
on the other hand, Mr.
Goole ask The labourer
the working classes and to
challenge the elite society.
Birling does care a lot about these Worker’s rights
the class, as he is an aspiring questions
middle class person aiming
The business
Priestley presents different
classes through the ideologies of
to be one of the ‘elites’ in when he was Profits and
society. not the real
socialism and capitalism. productivity
Whilst Mr Birling is a pro-
Inspector? Equality
business capitalist, Inspector Hierarchy
Goole emphasises the value of
characters like Eva Smith (a PUPILS’ SUGAR PAPER ANSWERS Ideological
mistreated labourer) and ‘An Inspector Calls’ Exam Question conflict
therefore represents a socialist
ethos. How important do you think social class is in ‘An The writer’s
Inspector Calls’ and how does Priestley present motives
ideas about social class? Class and gender
On several occasions in the story,
Arthur Birling makes it a priority Responsibility
that we should be responsible for Power
ourselves and no-one else.
Patriarchy – Eva does not agree with men dominating Individualism
For example, “Remember this one because she believes that women have a say. so she
Eva Smith has gone – but there are grouped up with the other girls working in the factory
millions and millions of Eva Smiths to tell Arthur Birling to raise their pay. However, Arthur
and John Smiths left”. treats her differently because she is a female. “You
would not treat me like this if I was a man”. This
This suggests that he has an excuse implies that Mr Birling does not treat her with respect
for every tragedy that doesn’t like he would with a man, showing that men
affect himself and that he treats a dominated in the 1900s and women were often
working class labourer of lesser working class labourers or secondary figures in high
value than a societal elite. society.
Example exam questions
In the opening stage
How does Priestley present
directions, Priestley refers
ideas about gender in An
to Eric as ‘not quite at ease, How important do you think
Inspector Calls?
half shy, half assertive’. How social class is in An
does Priestley present these Inspector Calls and how
and other ideas about Eric does Priestley present ideas
What do you think is the
in An Inspector Calls? about social class?
importance of Eva Smith in
An Inspector Calls and how
does Priestley present her? In Act 2 of An Inspector
Calls, Sheila says to her
mother, Mrs Birling, ‘But we
must stop these silly
What do you think is the
pretences.’ How does
importance of Inspector How does Priestley present
Priestley show, in his
Goole and how does his own ideology through
presentation of Mrs Birling,
Priestley present him? the characters in An
that she often pretends to
be something she is not? Inspector Calls?

Remind yourself of the ending of

the play from ‘The telephone
rings sharply……….’ to ‘…….the
curtain falls.’
How do you respond to this as an How important do you think What is the significance of
ending to An Inspector Calls and social class is in An the social, historical and
how does Priestley make you Inspector Calls and how political context of An
respond as you do by the ways does Priestley present ideas Inspector Calls?
he writes? about social class?
Mr Birling Quotations
Perhaps we may look Still, I can't accept any You must give me a (triumphantly) There you
forward to the time when responsibility. If we were list of those are! Proof positive. The
Crofts and Birlings are no all responsible for accounts. I've got to whole story's just a lot of
longer competing but are everything that happened cover this up as soon moonshine. Nothing but
working together – for to everybody we'd had as I can. (act 3) an elaborate sell! (Act 3)
lower costs and higher anything to do with, it
prices. (Act 1) would be very awkward,
(angrily) Yes, and you
wouldn't it? (Act 1)
As a hard-headed business don't realize yet all (jovially) But the whole
man, who has to take risks This girl. Eva Smith, was you've done. Most of thing's different now.
and know what he's about one of them, she'd had a this is bound to come Come, come, you can
– I say, you can ignore all lot to say – far too much – out. There'll be a public see that, can't you?
this silly pessimistic talk so she had to go. (Act 1) scandal. (act 3) (Imitating Inspector in
(Act 1) his final speech.) You all
helped to kill her.
I’ve always been regarded Rubbish! If you don't come (angrily) Drop that.
(pointing at Sheila and
as a sound useful party down sharply on some of There's every excuse for
Eric, and laughing.) and I
man. So – well – I gather these people, they'd soon be what both your mother
wish you could have
there's a very good chance asking for the earth. (Act 1) and I did (Act 3)
seen the look on your
of a knighthood – so long faces when he said that.
as we behave ourselves, (angrily) Inspector, I've told (Act 3)
That fellow obviously
don't get into the police you before, I don't like the didn't like us. He was
court or start a scandal – tone nor the way you're prejudiced from the start.
eh?(Act 1) handling this inquiry. And I (pointing to Eric and Sheila)
Probably a socialist or
don't propose to give you some sort of crank – he Now look at the pair of
the way some of these much rope. (act 2) talked like one. And then, them – the famous younger
cranks talk and write instead of standing up to generation who know it all.
now, you'd think (dubiously) I must say, Sybil, him, you let him bluff you And they can't even take a
everybody has to look that when this comes out at into talking about your joke- (Act 3)
after everybody else, as the inquest, it isn't going to do private affairs. (Act 3)
if we were all mixed up us much good. The press
together like bees in a might easily take it up—(Act 2)
hive – community and
all that nonsense. (Act 1)
Mrs Birling Quotations
All right, Edna. I'll ring from Yes, I think it was simply a
the drawing room when we piece of gross
want coffee. Probably in impertinence – quite I didn't see any reason to
about half an hour. (Act 1) deliberate – and naturally believe that one story should
that was one of the things be any truer than the other.
(reproachfully) Arthur, that prejudiced me Therefore, you're quite wrong (shocked) Eric! You stole
you're not supposed to against her case. (Act 2) to suppose I shall regret what I money? (Act 3)
say such things- (Act 1) did. (Act 2)

What an expression,
Sheila! Really the things If you think you can bring
you girls pick up these any pressure to bear upon
days! (Act 1) me, Inspector, you're quite Well, I must say his
mistaken. Unlike the other I'm sorry she should manner was quite
Please don't contradict three, I did nothing I'm have come to such a extraordinary; so – so
me like that. And in any ashamed of or that won't horrible end. But I rude – and assertive –
case I don't suppose for bear investigation. (Act 2) accept no blame for (Act 3)
a moment that we can it at all. (Act 2)
understand why the girl
committed suicide. Girls I'll tell you what I told her. Go Really, from the way you
of that class—(Act 2) and look for the father of the children talk, you might be
child. It's his responsibility. If, as she said, he didn't wanting to help him instead
That – I consider – is a (Act 2) belong to her class, and of us. Now just be quiet so
trifle impertinent, was some drunken young that your father can decide
inspector. (Act 2) idler, then that's all the what we ought to do. (Looks
more reason why he expectantly at Birling.) (Act 3)
She was giving herself
(with dignity) Yes. shouldn't escape. He
ridiculous airs. She was
We've done a great should be made an
claiming elaborate fine
deal of useful work in example of. If the girl's
feelings and scruples that
helping deserving death is due to anybody,
were simply absurd in a girl They're over-tired. In the
cases. (Act 2) then it's due to him. (Act 2)
in her position. (Act 2) morning they'll be as
amused as we are. (Act 3)
Inspector Goole Quotations
I’d like some information, if Sometimes there isn't much (cutting in, with authority) he Each of you helped to
you don't mind, Mr Birling. difference as you think. Often must wait his turn. (Act 2) kill her. Remember that.
Two hours ago a young , if it was left to me, I Never forget it. (He looks
woman died on the wouldn't know where to from one to the other of
infirmary. She'd been taken draw the line [between them carefully.) But then
there this afternoon respectable citizens and I don't think you ever
because she'd swallowed a criminals]. (Act 1) will. (Act 3)
(massively) Public men, Mr
lot of strong disinfectant. Birling, have responsibilities as
Burnt her inside out, of well as privileges. (Act 2)
course. (Act 1)

(coolly, looking hard at him) (very deliberately) I think you

(harshly) Yes, but you can't. It's
There might be.(Act 1) did something terribly wrong – One Eva Smith has gone –
too late. She's dead. (Act 1)
and that you're going to spend but there are millions and
the rest of your life regretting millions and millions of Eva
They might. But after all it's it. (Act 2)
better to ask for the earth Smiths and John Smiths still
than to take it. (Act 1) left with us, with their lives,
You think young women their hopes and fears, their
ought to be protected (very sternly) Her position suffering and chance of
(dryly) I don't play golf. (Act 1) now is that she lies with a
against unpleasant and happiness, all intertwined
disturbing things? (Act 2) burnt-out inside on a slab. with our lives, and what we
(slowly) Are you sure you don't
( As Birling tries to protest, think and say and do. We
know? (He looks at Gerald,
turns on him.) Don't stammer don't live alone. We are
then at Eric, then at Sheila.)
and yammer at me again, members of one body. We
(Act 1)
man (Act 2) are responsible for each
(sternly to them both) You see,
we have to share something. other. And I tell you that the
(steadily) That's more or time will soon come when,
less what I was thinking If there's nothing else, we'll (firmly) Yes. (As Birling looks like
have to share our guilt. (Act 2) if men will not learn that
earlier tonight when I was interrupting explosively.) I know lesson, then they will be
in the infirmary looking at – he's your son and this is your taught it in fire and bloody
what was left of Eva Smith. house – but look at him. He and anguish. Good night.
A nice little promising life (sharply) your daughter isn't needs a drink now just to see (Act 3)
there, I thought, and a living on the moon. She's him through. (Act 3)
nasty mess somebody's here in Brumley too. (Act 2)
made of it. (Act 1)
Sheila Quotations (eagerly) I know I'm to blame
“I’m sorry, Daddy.” She – and I'm desperately sorry – (bitterly) I suppose
but I can't believe – I won't I don't dislike you as I did half an
looks attentive, as they all we're all nice people
believe – it's simply my fault hour ago, Gerald. In fact, in some
do. (Act 1) now.(Act 3)
that in that in the end she – odd way, I rather respect you
she committed suicide. That more than I've ever done before.
But these girls aren’t cheap …. But this has made a (flaring up) Well, he
labour- they’re people. (Act 1) would be too horrible –(Act 2)
difference. You and I aren't the inspected us all right.
same people who sat down to And don't let's start
Oh – Gerald – you’ve got it – We all started like that – so dinner here.(Act 2) dodging and
is it the one you wanted me confident, so pleased with pretending now.
to have? (Act 1) ourselves until he began Between us we drove
asking us questions. (Act 2) that girl to commit
suicide. (Act 3)
If she'd been some miserable Don't interfere, please,
plain little creature, I don't father. (Act 2)
(slowly, carefully now) you
suppose I’d have done it. But
mustn't try to build up a kind
she was very pretty and
of wall between us and that
looked as if she could take We've no excuse now for
girl. If you do, then the (tensely) I want to get
care of herself. I couldn't be putting on airs and if we've
inspector will just break it out of this. It frightens
sorry for her. (Act 1) any sense we won't try (Act 2)
down. And it'll be all the me the way you talk.
worse when he does. (Act 2) (Act 3)
It's the only time I’ve ever
done anything like that, and I’ll I behaved badly too. I know I
never, never do it again to did I'm ashamed of it. But now
anybody. (Act 1) I'm not a child, don't forget. you're beginning all over again
I've a right to know. (Act 2) to pretend that nothing much
has happened- (Act 3) I tell you – whoever that
(laughs rather hysterically) Inspector was, it was
why – you fool – he knows. anything but a joke. You
Of course he knows. And I knew it then. You began
hate to think how much he (rather wildly, with laugh) No, to learn something. And
knows that we don't know he's giving us the rope – so that (flaring up) It’s you two who now you've stopped.
yet. You'll see. You'll see. we'll hang ourselves. (Act 2) are being childish – trying not You're ready to go on in
(Act 1) to face the facts. (Act 3) the same old way. (Act 3)
Gerald Quotations
(smiling) Wouldn't dream Getting a bit heavy-handed,
aren't you, inspector? (Act 1) Well, you were right.
of it. In fact, I insist upon (hesitatingly) it's hard to say. I
There isn't any such
being one of the family didn't feel about her as she felt
inspector. We've
now. I've been trying long about me. (Act 2)
been had. (Act 3)
enough, haven't I? (as she So – for god's sake – don't say
does not reply, with more anything to the inspector. (Act 1) No, it wasn't. ( he waits a
insistence.) Haven't I? You moment, then in a low,
know I have. (Act 1) troubled tone.) she told me
(to Sheila) thanks. You're going she'd been happier than she'd
Hear, hear! And I think my to be a great help, I can see. I did keep a girl last
father would agree to that. ever been before – but that
You've said your piece, and she knew it couldn't last – summer. I've admitted
(Act 1) you're obviously going to hate it. And I'm sorry,
hadn't expected it to last. She
this, so why on earth don't didn't blame me at all. I wish Sheila. (Act 3)
(quietly) Thank you. And I you leave us to it? (Act 2) to God she had now. Perhaps
drink to you – and hope I can I'd feel better about it. (Act 2)
make you as happy as you
deserve to be. (Act 1) I happened to look in, one night,
after a long dull day, and as the
I insisted on a parting gift of
show wasn't very bright, I went Everything's all right
(laughs) You seem to be a nice enough money – though it
down into the bar for a drink. It's a now, Sheila. (Holds up
well-behaved family – (Act 1) wasn't so very much – to see
favourite haunt of women of the the ring.) What about
her through to the end of the
town-- (Act 2) this ring? (Act 3)
year. (Act 2)
(lightly) Sure to be. Unless
Eric’s been up to something. (distressed) sorry – I – well, in that case – as I'm rather
(nodding confidentially to I've suddenly realized – taken more – upset – by this
Birling.) and that would be it in properly – that's she's business than I probably
awkward, wouldn't it? (Act 1) dead-- (Act 2) appear to be – and – well, I'd
like to be alone for a while –
I'd be glad if you'd let me go.
(showing annoyance) Any
I made her go to Morgan Terrace (Act 2)
particular reason why I
shouldn't see this girl's because I was sorry for her, and
photograph, inspector? didn't like the idea of her going
(Act 1) back to the palace bar. I didn't ask
for anything in return. (Act 2)
Eric Quotations Why shouldn't they try for
I don't know – really. higher wages? We try for the
( bursting out) What's
Suddenly I felt I just had to highest possible prices. And I Yes. I wasn't in love with her or
the use of talking about
laugh. (Act 1) don't see why she should have anything – but I liked her – she
behaving sensibly.
been sacked just because was pretty and a good sport--
You're beginning to
(rather noisily) All the best! she'd a bit more spirit than No. she didn't want me to marry
pretend now that
She's got a nasty temper the others. You said yourself her. Said I didn't love her – and
nothing's really
sometimes – but she's not bad she was a good worker. I'd all that. In a way, she treated me
happened at all. And I
really. Good old Sheila! (Act 1) have let her stay. (Act 1) – as if I were a kid. Though I was
can't see it like that.
nearly as old as she was. (Act 2)
This girl's still dead, isn't
I left'em talking about clothes she? Nobody's brought
again. You'd think a girl had (suddenly bursting out) I'm her to life, have they?
never any clothes before she sorry – but you see – we were (miserably) Yes. That was the (Act 3)
gets married. Women are having a little party – and I’ve worst of all. She wouldn't take
potty about 'em. (Act 1) had a few drinks, including any more, and she didn't want to
rather a lot of champagne – see me again. (Act 2)
and I’ve got a headache – and
If she'd been some miserable as I'm only in the way here – I
think I'd better turn in. (Act 1) (nearly at breaking point) Then The money's not the
plain little creature, I don't important thing. It's
– you killed her. She came to
suppose I’d have done it. But what happened to the
you to protect me – and you
she was very pretty and girl and what we all did
turned her away – yes, and you
looked as if she could take to her that matters. And
(bitterly) You haven't made it killed her – and the child she'd
care of herself. I couldn't be I still feel the same
any easier for me, have you, have had too (Act 2)
sorry for her. (Act 1) about it, and that's why I
mother? (Act 2)
don't feel like sitting
(unhappily) My God – I'm not
By jove, yes. And as you were down and having a nice
likely to forget. (Act 2)
saying, dad, a man has to look cosy talk. (Act 3)
after himself- (Act 1)
Yes. And that's when it
happened. And I didn't even Well, I don't blame you. But
He could. He could have remember – that's the hellish don't forget I'm ashamed of
kept her on instead of thing. Oh – my God! - how you as well – yes both of you.
throwing her out. I call it stupid it all is! (Act 2) (Act 3)
tough luck. (Act 1)
Higher level terminology
• Capitalism and socialism – growth vs. equality
• Ideology – views, attitudes, beliefs, ideas
• Patriarchy – male dominated society.
• Misogyny – severe sexism against women.
• Marginalised – treated as an outsider, second-class citizen
• Welfare of the community vs. welfare of the economy – the socialist/capitalist
• The free market – equality of opportunity but not equality of outcome
• Meritocracy – if you succeed, it shows that you deserve it
• Responsibility vs. Individualism – everyone looking out for each other vs. every man
and woman for themselves
• Activism – collective bargaining and revolutionary protesting
• Representation – how certain characters are shown and what that shows about the
writer’s ideas
• Effect on the reader – how will the reader respond to these representations
• Character arc – how do characters change and develop as conflict and tension arises
• Dramatic irony – when the audience or another character know more than the other
characters
•
IDEOLOGY
Marxism – nuances of
a left-wing philosophy.

 Identifies the inequality between the middle and upper classes (the haves -
bourgeois society) with the working classes (the have nots - the proletariat).
 Marx’s agenda was to see greater equality in society with an emphasis on the
welfare of the community (socialism)over the welfare of the economy
(capitalism).
 Moderate Marxism – socialism – seeks to peacefully bridge the gap between
the rich and the poor by democratic means with an emphasis on public sector
provision and a ‘there is no such thing as the undeserving poor’ ethos towards
the unemployed, the benefits claimants, the homeless and the marginalised.
 Extreme Marxism – communism - seeks to overthrow the bourgeois
government by violent means and replace it with a proletariat led system of
state control.
 Karl Marx wrote ‘The Communist Manifesto’ which set out the idea that the
proletariat needed to overthrow the bourgeoisie by means of a revolution.
 Marx is a strong critic of capitalism and the free-market equality of opportunity
and not equality of outcome ethos.
 NATIONALISM CONTROL
state focused dictate AUTHORITARIAN
NATIONAL anti-freedom
COMMUNISM FASCISM

FUNDAMENTALISM
TOTALITARIANISM NATIONALISM

COMMUNISM
NATIONALISTIC
SOCIALISM TRADITIONALISM

REPRESENTATION

Ideology STATISM
AUTHORIT-
ARIANISM
CONSERVATISM

SOCIALISM NEOLIBERALISM

LEFt Right
SOCIAL
COMMUNITARIAN DEMOCRACY LIBERALISM PROGRESSIVISM
ECONOMY TARIAN
welfare of the people welfare of the economy
DEMOCRATIC LIBERTARIAN
SOCIALISM CAPITALISM

LIBERTARIAN ACTIVISM LIBERTARIANISM

SOCIALISM
COMMUNISM
ANARCHO-

CAPITALISM
ANARCHO-
ANARCHO-
INDIVIDUALISM
SOCIALISM
SYNDICALISM MUTUALISM
ANARCHO-
COLLECTIVISM ANARCHISM
LIBERTARIAN CONNECT CHAOISM
freedom of the individual relate anti state
 Additional Help Sheet
Writers’ block sentence starters
Priestley illustrates the theme of responsibility through the
characterisation of Inspector Goole…
Priestley reflects on unjust attitudes within society by
showing how Eva Smith is neglected by the Birling family…
One could argue that Inspector Goole is the vicarious
embodiment of Priestley’s own ideological agenda
because...

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