An Inspector Calls

A good introduction tells your reader exactly what your essay will discuss.
Use the following steps to write an amazing introduction.
(1) Topic Sentence:

(2)

What is the essay about?

Restate the key words of the question.
Ex) An Inspector Calls is a dramatic and
entertaining play.

Personal Opinion

Using 2-3 examples, briefly state why

you thought it was successful
Ex) the twist, interesting characters,
Meaningful theme, etc.
Why did you like it?

(3) Background Info

What is the story about? Discuss the

Plot/characters in a couple of short sentences.

(4) Background Info

Who wrote it? When? A couple of

sentences explaining who JB Priestly is.

(5) Why did he write it?

Think about why it was set before WW1,

what messages does it contain? Class system (rich vs poor), responsibility, etc. What
did he want to tell the world?

Useful resources: There are 3 pages about JB Priestly, 1 was handed out
when we began the play, 2 are inside your homework pack. These may
help you in section 4, 5. Remember, show how who he is (his opinions,
background etc) have influenced his writing. (ex, he is a socialist who believes people should all be treated equally)
Remember to keep it fairly short 8-12 sentences should be plenty.
No need to quote in this paragraph, but you should mention specific examples from the play, especially in sections 2 and 3

An Inspector Calls
Themes
Themes are important because they are the underlying message that an
author is trying to tell the reader/audience. They often say something important about human nature / how the world works.
(1) Topic Sentence:
(2) Responsibility

Key word: Society

A group of people, a community, can be divided into
classes (rich, poor)

What are the main themes in this play?

(Responsibility, Social Classes)
What does the author mean by
responsibility?
What do some of the main characters think
about responsibility? (Birling, Inspector,
Sheila..) Use quote or refer to example.
What does it say about them as people?
See homework book for more info.

(3) Consequences

Actions have consequences. What are

the consequences of the Birlings actions?
What does this show about the world?
Is everything connected? Are we individuals? Or are we a society?

(4) Social Classes

What are social classes? Rich/Poor.
What do they have to do with the play? How do the rich treat
the poor? Why? Are they better people? More caring? More
refined? Use examples to discuss. Ex) Alderman Meggarty,
Eva Smith, etc.
Why was it set in 1912? Was the class system different
then?
Why was a young, poor woman chosen? Why is her true
identity a mystery? Sympathy? For her? For a group that she
represents?
Gerald Croft comes from a high class family, does this impact
how he is treated? Eva Smith comes from a low class family;
does this affect how she is treated?

(5) Personal Response

Briefly: What are your opinions about

these themes? Are they important? Why?

Reminders:
1-2 quotes should be used in this section to help illustrate your key
points. Be sure to explain why you are quoting them (how they relate to
themes). If possible, focus on key words in your quote and explain how
they create meaning.
Always refer to specific examples in your writing. Explain how you
know what you are discussing. Ex; if you think that the rich arent any better than poor people, perhaps use Alderman Meggerty as an example to
show that even rich people can do bad things.
Some examples of quotations you could use:
A man has to mind his own business and look out for himself
(Birling, p. 10)
responsibility
If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody wed
had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldnt it?
(Birling, p.14)
responsibility
It would do us all a bit of good if sometimes we tried to put ourselves in
the place of these young women
(Inspector Goole, p.19/20) class system
You used the power you had, as the daughter of a good customer and
also of a man well known in the town, to punish the girl
(Inspector Goole, p.24)
class system
You see, we have to share something. If theres nothing else, well have to
share our guilt
(Inspector Goole, p.29)
responsibility

In this section, you are asked to comment on

how the words and phrases JB Priestly use
help to create meaning and give additional
information to the reader.

A polite way of saying something offensive. Used by those who wish to sound
professional or dignified.
Example) passed away = died

Saying things in an especially strong

manner. Can be used to persuade others.
May use some exaggeration.

Language designed to create an

emotional reaction in the reader or
Audience.

Language of the time that is no longer

used today. Can show something about
the characters or the time period.

Differences in the way a character speaks can show changes in mood, or over longer periods of time, changes in the characters' ideas or personality
Erics first words is a guffaw (laugh) when Gerald

A posh snob, she is bothered by what people around her

assures Sheila, I will, I will [be careful not to let

say (reproachfully) Arthur, you're not supposed to say

her find out about his affairs with women]. This sug-

such things - (p.2) and she is shocked at Sheila's lan-

gests that he knows about Gerald's affair, but be-

guage Really the things you girls pick up these days(p3)

cause of his own, and he will not tell Sheila even

though she is his own sister.

She calls Goole a trifle impertinent(p.30), and Eva's

calling herself `Mrs Birling' gross impertinence(p.43).

Eric's mood in the opening minutes is cheerful, but

She speaks of The rude way he [Goole] spoke to Mr

he becomes uneasy when he thinks Birling and

Birling and me - it was extraordinary! (p.61). To her,

Gerald know something about him, responding to

any speech which is less than humble and respectful is

Gerald's assurance that they were having a joke

impertinent because as a lady of the upper class with an

with, Well, I don't think it's very funny.(p.10). This

important husband, she `deserves' special treatment

suggests he has a guilty conscience, and is afraid

of his secrets being exposed.
Soon afterwards he `bursts out' Well I think it's a
dam' shame(p.16), and shows understanding for
Eva's wish for higher wages, and respect for her having a bit more spirit than the others.

You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor

only two years ago and that he's still a magistrate(p.31). Mrs Birling is so used to dominating people
by such threats that when she encounters someone who
resists her bullying she reacts angrily.

His language blunt, emotive and harsh: Two hours

He tries to intimidate Goole by telling that the Chief

ago a young woman died in the Infirmary. She'd been

Constable is an old friend of mine, and then actually

taken there this afternoon because she'd swallowed a

threatening I've half a mind to report you(p.17). He is

lot of disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of

willing to use his power and influence to bully people.

course.(p.11) As Birling points out later, Just repeating it shakes you a bit. And that's what he had to
do. Shake us at once - and then start questioning us
until we didn't know where we were.(p.69).

He is boastful, making boring speeches - he thinks he

has earned the right to do this: We can't let these Bernard Shaws and H G Wellses do all the talking. We hardheaded practical businessmen must say something

He is extremely commanding and authoritative,

sometime. And we don't guess - we've had experience -

in his speech and in his personal presence: he cre-

and we know(p.7)

ates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity

and purposefulness.

The stage directions repeat-

edly show him cutting through massively(p.12),

cutting in massively(p.22), massively taking
charge(p.28), With authority(p.34), taking
charge, masterfully(p.55).
He is disgusted and enraged by what has been
done to Eva, saying She died in misery and agony
hating life(p.28). He warns, Public men, Mr Birling,
have responsibilities as well as privileges(p.41).

His arrogant belief that he knows is seems foolish to

the audience by his confidence in the unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable(p.7) Titanic and by the fact that he
dismisses the threat of war I say there isn't a chance
of war(p.6). The implication is that it is tragic that
someone as stupid as this should be in a position
of power.
He has no conscience, and dismisses any suggestion
that he should show responsibility towards his employees: If you don't come down sharply on these people

Priestley uases Goole to voice views which he himself

they'll soon be asking for the earth(p.15). Goole's re-

held. Mr Birling says the Inspector was Probably a

sponse, it's better to ask for the earth than to take it,

Socialist or some sort of crank - he talked like

shows that he thinks Birling has done this taken

one(p.60).
Goole remains calm and unruffled, though speaking

power he doesn't deserve.

coolly(p.30) and impeturbably(p.31).

The inspectors final speech (pg 56) has a strange,
powerful and prophetic quality. This is not the language of a policeman. His images are almost biblical.
He has taken on the role of the prophet of doom.

Sheila feels remorse , and passionately believes that

they should learn from the Inspector's visit. And don't
let's start dodging and pretending now. Between us we
drove that girl to commit suicide.(p.66).
Sheila is honest and realistic. She says We really

Gerald flatters Mr Birling, agreeing with his opinions

must drop these silly pretences(p32) and comments

(p.6) and doesnt argue with him. When Birling is

that Eric has been drinking too much for the past two

explaining why he sacked Eva, Gerald approves of his

years. She says, we've no excuse now for putting on

action I know we'd have done the same thing.

airs(p.41) i.e. behaving as if they are better than

(p.17), and refers contemptuously to the striking

everyone else.

women, saying They'd all be broke - if I know

them.(p.15). Gerald challenges Goole, saying we're
respectable citizens and not criminals. (p.22).
Gerald's manner in the opening scene, before Goole's

She is Sheila is a perceptive - the first to realise that

the Inspector is no ordinary policeman, Why - you fool he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how
much he knows that we don't know yet. Similarly, she

appearance, reflects his confident, relaxed approach to is the first to realise that the father of Eva's baby is none
life. Birling tells him, you're just the kind of son-in-law other than Eric, and tries to get her mother to stop inI always wanted.(p.4). Gerald proves to be similar to sisting that he should be held responsible: (With sudden
alarm) Mother - stop - stop! (p.48).
Mr Birling in his views of business and of women.

As you read the play, it is important to imagine yourself watching and listening
to the action. It is a drama not a novel! The stage directions are important in
helping us to imagine exactly what is going on: they can help us picture each
character's actions and reactions.

The Setting and Lighting are very important. Priestley describes

the scene in detail at the opening of Act 1, so that the audience has
the immediate impression of a "heavily comfortable house." The
setting is constant (all action happens in the same place). Priestley
says that the lighting should be "pink and intimate" before the Inspector arrives - a rose-tinted glow - when it becomes "brighter and
harder." The lighting reflects the mood of the play
The mystery genre is interesting. The Inspector controls the pace
and tension by dealing with one line of enquiry at a time. The story
is revealed gradually, piece by piece, like in a 'whodunit' or a puzzle.

Entrances and exits are crucial. For example, the Inspector arrives
immediately after Birling has told Gerald about his impending knighthood and explained his views on responsibility. Eric leaves and arrives at key moments. Think about the Inspectors exit and Geralds
return with proof.
The timing of the play is 'real time' - in other words, the story lasts
exactly as long as the play. The Birling family and Gerald change
from self-satisfied to extreme self-doubt in this time. What happens to create such a dramatic contrast? How is the drama maintained and the audience involved?

Cliffhangers keep the audience on the edge of their seats and

wanting more. Act 1 ends in the middle of the Inspectors questioning of Gerald Inspector: Well?. Act 2 ends similarly, the audience and Sheila have figured it out, suddlenly Eric enters, looking
extremely pale and distressed Curtain falls quickly In Act 3
the Birlings believed themselves to be off the hook . This releases
some of the tension - but the final call, announcing a real inspector,
suddenly restores the tension very dramatically. It is an unexpected
final twist.

There are subtle hints that not is all as it seems. For example, early
on we wonder whether the happy atmosphere is slightly forced.
Sheila wonders where Gerald was last summer, Eric is nervous
about something, Lord and Lady Croft did not attend the engagement dinner. This arouses interest in the audience - we want to find
out what is going on!
There is dramatic irony . For instance, the audience knows how
wrong Mr Birling is when he makes confident predictions about
there not being a war and is excited about the sailing of The Titanic:
famously, the ship sank on her maiden voyage. This puts the audience at an advantage over the characters and makes us more involved.
Sound effects can add a lot to a play. The doorbell is a sound that
first disturbs the Birlings relaxed evening the Inspector shatters
any hope for a peaceful evening. The sound of the door also alerts
the audience to off-stage characters actions (Eric). The phone call
serves a similar purpose. The audience would want to know what is
Irony is different than dramatic irony. It is when what is being said /
done has the opposite meaning, or the opposite happens can be
similar to sarcasm) Think about the ideas in Act 1. For example,
Birling saying theres a very good chance of a knighthoodso
long as we behave ourselves, dont get into a police court or
start a scandal Soon after, the Birlings and the police are involved
in a large scandal
The stage directions give insight into how Priestly wanted the
drama to unfold. Pay attention to them to see extra clues that
Priestly wanted to give the audience. Do they add to our understanding of the characters? Themes? Do they add tension or drama?
For good examples see: Eric p.10, 55; Sheila p.23, 71; Birling p.6, 8;
Inspector p.28, 55; Sybil p.46, 48; Gerald p.36, 39
One of the most important devices is the Inspector himself, for he is the
pathway to truth. He is like a priest in the way that he gives people a
chance to change, but it is up to them to accept and make the necessary changes. The Inspector is also like the wars because the first one
came, when they did not respond, another was sent to make them pay
"in fire, blood and anguish." People should have seen the error of
their ways and changed while it was possible. Without the inspector,
there is no play. He is certainly no ordinary inspector

J B Priestley was a socialist, but had trouble settling down to the policies
of any one political party. His socialism can was based on compassion
and caring for others. He came from a working class background and felt
empathy with the factory workers who were exploited by the industrialists
such as Arthur Birling.

Although King Edward VII died in 1910, the term Edwardian Era is usually
used for up to 1914. Many people saw the end of the Edwardian Era and
the onset of war as the end to a time of peace and stability. BUT, it was a
period of false security and Priestley uses this to emphasise the dramatic
force of his play.

These were more important in 1912 than today. Many Industrialists (factory
owners) got rich in the 1800s. Men like Arthur Birling may have come from
humble backgrounds but this new wealth allowed them to climb up the social
ladder, gaining power and respect. Marriages between factory owners and
aristocratic land-owning families helped to secure new social positions.

The Labour Party was only just beginning to make an impact on political life in
the country and the rights of workers, such as Eva Smith, were still not taken
seriously by many employers in 1912.

The fictional industrial city of Brumley would have been typical of many towns
where factory owners, who provided much needed jobs, were able to run their
businesses any way they wanted to.

The periods from 1900 to 1950 represent great leaps towards equality between men
and women. Before WW1 (1914) women were expected to be homemakers, raising
and caring for families. Women were expected to behave in a certain way. Mrs Birling
desperately tries to maintain this illusion during the play. Eva Smith certainly goes
against the norm most women did not work and would be shocked at a
single, unmarried pregnant women. Shelias emotional empowerment her
coming of age is similar to the progress in the Womens rights movement.

An Inspector Calls Historical and Social context

The play was written and first performed in 1945. However, it was set in 1912. This is what creates the dramatic
irony; the fact that the audience in 1945 (and beyond) is aware of all the events that have occurred since 1912 and
of which the characters on stage are unaware.
Historical Context
Just because the Kaiser makes a speech or two. (pg 6)
German Empire became established after the downfall of Napoleon III. This led to fears of German domination.
France forged an alliance with Russia. Germany linked with the Austrian Empire and partly Italy. Great Britain was
gradually forced into close association with the Franco-Russian Group when the German navy became more developed.
It was Kaiser Wilhelm who made enemies of Great Britain, Japan and the US for Germany and all countries armed
themselves. Germany and Austria struck at France, Russia and Serbia.
Nobody wants war, except some half-civilised folks in the Balkans (pg 6)
From 1908 the Balkan states were in a bit of turmoil. Austria decided to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Turks
and Serbia objected to this and mobilized their troops. Russia backed Serbia. Britain backed Russia. October 1912
First Balkan War
An audience in 1945 would, of course, have just experienced the horror of the Second World War.
Social Context
J B Priestley was a socialist (left wing), but had trouble settling down to the policies of any one particular political
party. His socialism can be said to be based on compassion and caring for others.
He came from a working class background and felt compassion and empathy with the factory workers who were
exploited by the industrialist such as Arthur Birling.
Although King Edward VII died in 1910, the term Edwardian Era is usually used for up to 1914.
Many people saw the end of the Edwardian Era and the onset of war as the end to a time of peace and stability.
Harking back to this time nostalgically was an escape from an uncertain and unpleasant future.
BUT, it was a period of false security and Priestley uses this to emphasise the dramatic force of his play.
Social Class
Social position was far more important in 1912 than it is today. Industrial production expanded massively in the
nineteenth century and many industrialists made huge fortunes. Men such as Arthur Birling may have come from
humble backgrounds but this new wealth allowed them to climb up the social ladder.
Marriages between these nouveaux riches families and aristocratic (but often impoverished) land-owning families
helped to secure new social positions.
The Labour Party, which was founded by James Kier Hardie in 1893, was only just beginning to make an impact on
the political life in the country and the rights of workers, such as Eva Smith, were still not taken seriously by many
employers in 1912.