‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play written by J.B. Priestley and first performed in 1945. Set in 1912, the play is a critique of the Edwardian era and the society’s values and beliefs of that time.
It centers around the Birling family and their engagement in a young woman’s suicide. Inspector Goole arrives at the Birlings’ house to investigate the young woman’s death, revealing the family’s dirty secrets and hypocrisy.
The play’s historical context is crucial to understanding its themes and messages. It was written during World War II, a time of great social change in Britain, where the country was seeking to create a more equal and fair society after years of class division. Priestley wrote the play to encourage social responsibility and solidarity in a post-war world.
This GCSE revision guide: ‘An Inspector Calls’ will take you through the key themes, quotes, and help you with formulating essay questions and answers for your upcoming GCSE exams.
Key Themes
Social Class
The play explores the differences between the upper and lower classes in society. The Birling family is wealthy and upper class, while Eva Smith is working-class. The play shows how the upper class exploited the lower class and treated them with disrespect.
Responsibility
Responsibility is a crucial theme in the play. Each character’s actions contribute to Eva’s death, and the Inspector’s message is that everyone is responsible for each other’s welfare. Priestley argues that we are all interconnected and that we must recognise our social responsibility.
Morality
The play highlights the importance of morality and how we should behave towards others. The Inspector represents a moral force and exposes the Birling family’s immoral actions. The play argues that a sense of morality is essential for a civilised society.
Time
Time is a crucial theme in the play, as the Inspector represents a kind of time traveler. He is not bound by linear time and represents the consequences of the past on the present. The play suggests that we cannot escape our past actions and that we must learn from them.
Gender
The play also explores gender issues, particularly the exploitation of women. The character of Eva represents the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. The play suggests that women are treated as objects and that their voices are silenced.
Key Quotes
“We are responsible for each other.” – Inspector Goole
This quote highlights the Inspector’s message about social responsibility. He believes that we are all responsible for each other’s welfare and that we must recognise this interdependence to create a fair society.
“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.” – Inspector Goole
This quote warns of the consequences of not learning the lesson of social responsibility. The Inspector suggests that without recognising our interconnectedness, there will be severe consequences.
“But each of you helped to kill her.” – Inspector Goole
This quote highlights the theme of responsibility. The Inspector argues that each character’s actions contributed to Eva’s death, showing that we must take responsibility for our actions.
“I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business.” – Mr. Birling
This quote highlights Mr. Birling’s arrogance and selfishness. He believes that he is practical and reasonable, but his actions show that he is more concerned with his reputation and money than with the welfare of others.
“Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.” – Inspector Goole
This quote highlights the theme of social responsibility again. The Inspector suggests that those in positions of power have a responsibility to use their privilege to help others.
“The rude way he spoke to Mr. Birling” – Sheila Birling
This quote highlights the theme of class and gender. Sheila notices how the Inspector treats her father with disrespect, which challenges the idea of patriarchal authority and class privilege.
“We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” – Inspector Goole
This quote emphasizes the importance of community and collective responsibility. The Inspector suggests that we must recognize our interdependence to create a fair and just society.
Potential GCSE Essay Questions and How to Answer Them
How does Priestley present social class in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
To answer this question, you could discuss the different characters’ social status and how it shapes their beliefs and actions. You could also analyse how the play criticises the class system and explores the exploitation of the working-class.
What is the significance of the Inspector’s character in the play?
To answer this question, you could discuss the Inspector’s role as a moral force and his impact on the characters. You could also analyse the Inspector’s timelessness and how he represents the consequences of past actions.
How does Priestley use symbolism in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
To answer this question, you could discuss the use of symbols such as the Inspector’s name and the photograph of Eva. You could analyse how these symbols represent the play’s themes and messages.
Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Birling and Sheila Birling.
To answer this question, you could analyze the differences and similarities in their beliefs and actions. You could discuss how the two characters represent different generations and class attitudes.
What is the importance of the play’s setting in 1912?
To answer this question, you could discuss the historical context of the play and how it reflects the societal values and beliefs of that time. You could analyse how the play criticises the Edwardian era and highlights the need for social change.
Example Essay on ‘How Does An Inspector Calls Explore the Themes of Social Responsibility?
‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play that explores the theme of social responsibility and the interconnectedness of individuals in society. Through the character of the Inspector, Priestley highlights the need for collective responsibility and the consequences of individual actions. This essay will analyze how Priestley explores this theme through the play’s characters and events.
The character of the Inspector represents the voice of morality in the play. He serves as a reminder that everyone is interconnected and that each person’s actions can have far-reaching consequences. The Inspector’s language and behavior are very different from the other characters, highlighting his moral superiority. For example, when Mr. Birling boasts about his connections and influence, the Inspector responds by saying, “We don’t need to know who the other man is. We have to share something. If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt.” This quote emphasizes the Inspector’s belief in the need for shared responsibility and the consequences of selfish behavior.
Priestley also uses the character of Eva Smith to symbolize the marginalized and exploited members of society. Eva represents the struggles of women and the working class, who are often ignored and exploited by those in power. Through Eva’s story, Priestley highlights the social injustices faced by these individuals and emphasizes the importance of recognizing their humanity and dignity. For example, when the Inspector asks Sheila why she was rude to Eva, Sheila responds, “I was in a furious temper. I’d been giving a hard time by the shop assistant – a nasty, spiteful, jealous creature.” This quote highlights the exploitation and mistreatment faced by workers like Eva, who are often treated poorly and unfairly by those in positions of power.
The play also critiques the class system and the exploitation of the working class. The Birling family represents the privileged and wealthy upper class, and their actions towards Eva reveal their selfishness and disregard for others. Priestley suggests that those in positions of power have a responsibility to use their privilege to help others. He comments through the Inspector that “Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.” This quote emphasizes the idea that those with privilege have a duty to use it for the greater good, rather than solely for personal gain.
The play’s climax, where the characters realize that they have collectively contributed to Eva’s death, highlights the message of social responsibility. The characters are forced to confront their actions and recognize the need for change. The Inspector’s speech at the end of Act Three reinforces this message, as he says, “We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.” This quote emphasizes the urgency of social change and the consequences of ignoring social responsibility.
In conclusion, ‘An Inspector Calls’ is a powerful play that emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of individual actions. Priestley uses the character of the Inspector and the representation of Eva Smith to highlight the need for collective responsibility and social change. The play also critiques the class system and the exploitation of the working class, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our privilege and using it to help others. Through its characters and events, ‘An Inspector Calls’ teaches us the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness and working towards a fair and just society.
Summary of ‘An Inspector Calls’
‘An Inspector Calls’ is a powerful play that explores themes of social responsibility, class, and gender. The play is set in 1912 but has a timeless quality as it speaks to universal human issues.
The character of the Inspector serves as a moral force and challenges the characters’ beliefs and actions, highlighting the consequences of past actions. The play also critiques the class system and the exploitation of the working class, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility and social change.
‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play that is relevant to contemporary issues and teaches us the importance of recognizing our interdependence and working towards a fair and just society.
GCSE Revision Guide: ‘An Inspector Calls’ by Sandeman Tutoring
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