1. An InspectorAn Inspector
Calls by J.BCalls by J.B
PriestleyPriestley
SBeSBe

2. Who was J.B Priestley?Who was J.B Priestley?
 John Boyton Priestley was born in Bradford, Yorkshire in 1894 to a Victorian family. Sadly, his mother died the
same year and his father remarried when he was a toddler.
 Priestley decided that he wanted to work rather than to go to university. He wanted to become a writer and he
believed working and seeing how the world worked would inspire him. He became a junior clerk at a local wool
firm.
 Unfortunately, it was during this time that WW1 was declared and as a young and healthy man it was his duty to
fight. In the trenches Priestley experienced horrifying and traumatic experiences. On one occasion he
narrowly escaped being killed when a German shell exploded a few metres from him. He was also a victim of a
gas attack.
 After surviving the war Priestley decided to go to Cambridge University to study History and Politics. But,
Priestley did not enjoy being a student and left in 1921 to become a writer in London with his new wife.
 For the next decade Priestley became very successful in his writing and received some very positive reviews for
his novels and plays. Many of his plays had political messages because Priestley was a socialist; he understood
that people’s actions have an effect on other people and as a socialist Priestley believed that we must care
for one another and be considerate to all people of all walks of life.
 WW2 broke out in 1939 and the major cities of Britain were bombed. People began to realise that to survive they
had to look out for one another and to care for not just family and friends but neighbours and strangers.
 It was during this difficult time that Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls. In 1945, the year that the war ended,
the play was published and a production was put on.
 Priestley lived long past the war and passed away in 1984. Because we understand that we are responsible for one
another the play is still enjoyable and relevant today.
 John Boyton Priestley was born in Bradford, Yorkshire in 1894 to a Victorian family. Sadly, his mother died the
same year and his father remarried when he was a toddler.
 Priestley decided that he wanted to work rather than to go to university. He wanted to become a writer and he
believed working and seeing how the world worked would inspire him. He became a junior clerk at a local wool
firm.
 Unfortunately, it was during this time that WW1 was declared and as a young and healthy man it was his duty to
fight. In the trenches Priestley experienced horrifying and traumatic experiences. On one occasion he
narrowly escaped being killed when a German shell exploded a few metres from him. He was also a victim of a
gas attack.
 After surviving the war Priestley decided to go to Cambridge University to study History and Politics. But,
Priestley did not enjoy being a student and left in 1921 to become a writer in London with his new wife.
 For the next decade Priestley became very successful in his writing and received some very positive reviews for
his novels and plays. Many of his plays had political messages because Priestley was a socialist; he understood
that people’s actions have an effect on other people and as a socialist Priestley believed that we must care
for one another and be considerate to all people of all walks of life.
 WW2 broke out in 1939 and the major cities of Britain were bombed. People began to realise that to survive they
had to look out for one another and to care for not just family and friends but neighbours and strangers.
 It was during this difficult time that Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls. In 1945, the year that the war ended,
the play was published and a production was put on.
 Priestley lived long past the war and passed away in 1984. Because we understand that we are responsible for one
another the play is still enjoyable and relevant today.

3. ContextContext1901- Queen
Victoria died.
King Edward VII,
her son, became
king. The era
changed from
the Victorian era
and became the
Edwardian era.
1901- Queen
Victoria died.
King Edward VII,
her son, became
king. The era
changed from
the Victorian era
and became the
Edwardian era.
1910- King
Edward VII
died and his
son, King
George v, took
the throne.
1910- King
Edward VII
died and his
son, King
George v, took
the throne.
April 15th 1912-
the Titanic
sank.
Approximately
1,500 people
died.
April 15th 1912-
the Titanic
sank.
Approximately
1,500 people
died.
1914-
WW1
broke
out.
1914-
WW1
broke
out.
1918- Germany
surrenders and
WW1 ends.
Approximately 8
million lost their
lives.
1918- Germany
surrenders and
WW1 ends.
Approximately 8
million lost their
lives.
1920s- A time of prosperity.1920s- A time of prosperity.
1930s- America is bankrupted which
effects the rest of the world. It was
named the Great Depression. Adolf
Hitler becomes the Fuhrer (dictator) of
Germany.
1930s- America is bankrupted which
effects the rest of the world. It was
named the Great Depression. Adolf
Hitler becomes the Fuhrer (dictator) of
Germany.
1939- WW2
broke out.
1939- WW2
broke out.
1945-
Germany
surrenders
and WW2
ends. 60
million people
were killed
including
Holocaust
victims,
soldiers and
civilians. This
was 2.5% of
the world’s
population.
1945-
Germany
surrenders
and WW2
ends. 60
million people
were killed
including
Holocaust
victims,
soldiers and
civilians. This
was 2.5% of
the world’s
population.
1945- ‘An Inspector Calls’
was published during a
time when Britain was in
great disorder. People had
learnt to ‘pull together’
during this time they had
to take care of one
another and this is an
important moral message
in the play.
1945- ‘An Inspector Calls’
was published during a
time when Britain was in
great disorder. People had
learnt to ‘pull together’
during this time they had
to take care of one
another and this is an
important moral message
in the play.
Spring 1912- The play is
set two weeks before
the Titanic sank and
two years before WW1
broke out. During this
period there was a very
strict social hierarchy
where the rich and the
poor were divided. The
rich generally did not
care about the poor.
The capitalists took
charge of the country;
there was no welfare
system so this was a
laissez-faire society.
Spring 1912- The play is
set two weeks before
the Titanic sank and
two years before WW1
broke out. During this
period there was a very
strict social hierarchy
where the rich and the
poor were divided. The
rich generally did not
care about the poor.
The capitalists took
charge of the country;
there was no welfare
system so this was a
laissez-faire society.
During WW1 no
matter how
rich or poor
young men
were they were
forced to
conscript to
the armed
forces and
fight the
Germans. What
do you suppose
the implication
would be for
the characters
in the play?
During WW1 no
matter how
rich or poor
young men
were they were
forced to
conscript to
the armed
forces and
fight the
Germans. What
do you suppose
the implication
would be for
the characters
in the play?
1918- Women were given the vote
and although men were still
considered the superior gender
this was a monumental step for
women’s rights.
1918- Women were given the vote
and although men were still
considered the superior gender
this was a monumental step for
women’s rights.
1916- Priestley served during WW1
and was wounded in 1916 by mortar
fire. His experiences during the
war, like so many other soldiers,
changed his perception of society.
1916- Priestley served during WW1
and was wounded in 1916 by mortar
fire. His experiences during the
war, like so many other soldiers,
changed his perception of society.

4. Terms to remember about the context of the playTerms to remember about the context of the play
 During the Victorian and Edwardian periods Britain was a laissez-faire society. This meant that there were no
amenities available for the poor and the government did not interfere with people’s lives even if they were
struggling to survive. If a person had a debt they could not pay they would go to debtor's prison there were no
debt management organisations to help. Working class children often worked and did dangerous jobs such as
chimney sweeping and cleaning out machinery in factories. Rows upon rows of terraced houses were built and often
several families shared a couple of rooms between them. If a person was struggling to shelter, feed or care for
themselves they could voluntarily go to a workhouse. The workhouses were horrendous places to live and many died
there. Life in a workhouse was intended to be harsh, to deter the able-bodied poor and to ensure that only the
truly destitute would apply. People were offered shelter –often a room with only straw or a small bed and a bucket
for sanitation –and in exchange they had to work there. No help was provided for the poor and destitute and many
people preferred being homeless than to be sent to a debtor’s prison or to go to a workhouse.
It is suggested in the play that Eva Smith, when she loses her second job at the department store, goes to
alehouses presumably because she is considering prostituting herself. Neither Gerald or Eric pay to have sexual
intercourse with Eva which suggests that she has stood by her morals. When Mrs Birling refuses to give Eva
welfare she kills herself rather than going to a workhouse voluntarily which shows how horrendous they were.
 During the Edwardian period a welfare system began to emerge. A welfare system is a concept of government in which
the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. The
government realised that the working class were struggling to care for themselves and they began to think about
how they could make their lives better. However, it took a long time for the welfare system to fully form and it was
not until around the time that WW2 broke out –when Priestley was writing –that the welfare system took shape.
 Priestley was a Socialist. During the 1930s Priestley became very concerned about the consequences of social inequality
in Britain, and in 1942 Priestley and others set up a new political party, the Common Wealth Party, which argued for
public ownership of land, greater democracy, and a new 'morality' in politics. The party merged with the Labour
Party in 1945, but Priestley was influential in developing the idea of the Welfare State which began to be put into
place at the end of the war.
 During the Victorian and Edwardian periods Britain was a laissez-faire society. This meant that there were no
amenities available for the poor and the government did not interfere with people’s lives even if they were
struggling to survive. If a person had a debt they could not pay they would go to debtor's prison there were no
debt management organisations to help. Working class children often worked and did dangerous jobs such as
chimney sweeping and cleaning out machinery in factories. Rows upon rows of terraced houses were built and often
several families shared a couple of rooms between them. If a person was struggling to shelter, feed or care for
themselves they could voluntarily go to a workhouse. The workhouses were horrendous places to live and many died
there. Life in a workhouse was intended to be harsh, to deter the able-bodied poor and to ensure that only the
truly destitute would apply. People were offered shelter –often a room with only straw or a small bed and a bucket
for sanitation –and in exchange they had to work there. No help was provided for the poor and destitute and many
people preferred being homeless than to be sent to a debtor’s prison or to go to a workhouse.
It is suggested in the play that Eva Smith, when she loses her second job at the department store, goes to
alehouses presumably because she is considering prostituting herself. Neither Gerald or Eric pay to have sexual
intercourse with Eva which suggests that she has stood by her morals. When Mrs Birling refuses to give Eva
welfare she kills herself rather than going to a workhouse voluntarily which shows how horrendous they were.
 During the Edwardian period a welfare system began to emerge. A welfare system is a concept of government in which
the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. The
government realised that the working class were struggling to care for themselves and they began to think about
how they could make their lives better. However, it took a long time for the welfare system to fully form and it was
not until around the time that WW2 broke out –when Priestley was writing –that the welfare system took shape.
 Priestley was a Socialist. During the 1930s Priestley became very concerned about the consequences of social inequality
in Britain, and in 1942 Priestley and others set up a new political party, the Common Wealth Party, which argued for
public ownership of land, greater democracy, and a new 'morality' in politics. The party merged with the Labour
Party in 1945, but Priestley was influential in developing the idea of the Welfare State which began to be put into
place at the end of the war.

5. Social HierarchySocial Hierarchy
The royal family (kings and
queens)
Aristocracy (lords and ladies)
Upper class
Middle class
Working class
This is the class of people that
Gerald’s family is from (his
mother is referred to as Lady
Croft) and Mrs Birling (who is
noted as Mr Birling’s social
superior.)
Mr Birling is keen to be knighted
because he would automatically
be moved up the social hierarchy
into this higher class of people.
This is the class of people that
Gerald’s family is from (his
mother is referred to as Lady
Croft) and Mrs Birling (who is
noted as Mr Birling’s social
superior.)
Mr Birling is keen to be knighted
because he would automatically
be moved up the social hierarchy
into this higher class of people.
The Birling family are
upper class; they own a
number of factories so are
very wealthy but they were
not born into money like
the aristocratic class.
Mr and Mrs Birling are
keen for Sheila to marry
Gerald because she would
be marrying above her
class.
The Birling family are
upper class; they own a
number of factories so are
very wealthy but they were
not born into money like
the aristocratic class.
Mr and Mrs Birling are
keen for Sheila to marry
Gerald because she would
be marrying above her
class.
Eva Smith is part of the
‘disposable’ working class
and is at the bottom of
the social hierarchy. The
Birlings and Gerald treat
Eva as disposable because
she has no social status
and they don’t realise how
they effect her life.
Eva Smith is part of the
‘disposable’ working class
and is at the bottom of
the social hierarchy. The
Birlings and Gerald treat
Eva as disposable because
she has no social status
and they don’t realise how
they effect her life.
Social hierarchy is the way
that society is ordered.
Everybody fits into divided
layers.
Which layer a person fits
depends on the family they
are born into and the
amount of money they earn
or receive.
Social hierarchy is the way
that society is ordered.
Everybody fits into divided
layers.
Which layer a person fits
depends on the family they
are born into and the
amount of money they earn
or receive.

6. The chain of eventsThe chain of events
Mr Birling sacks
Eva Smith
Sheila has Eva fired
from the department
store
Gerald takes
Eva as his
mistress
Eric treats Eva like an
object and she becomes
pregnant
Mrs Birling
refuses to give
Eva refuge
Eva commits
suicide.
Which family member is most to blame for Eva Smith’s suicide?
Although some members of the family are arguably more cruel to Eva than
others they are all responsible for Eva’s suicide:
• If Mr Birling had not sacked Eva she would not have had to get a job at the
department store and Sheila would not have demanded she be fired
from that job
• If Sheila had not done this then Gerald would not have met her in a dingy
bar and taken her as his mistress
• If Gerald had not dropped Eva she would not have returned to the dingy bar
and met Eric
• If Eric had not treated Eva as a disposable object she would not have
become pregnant and needed charity
• If Mrs Birling had provided welfare for Eva she would not have felt so
desperate and would not have taken her own life.
Which family member is most to blame for Eva Smith’s suicide?
Although some members of the family are arguably more cruel to Eva than
others they are all responsible for Eva’s suicide:
• If Mr Birling had not sacked Eva she would not have had to get a job at the
department store and Sheila would not have demanded she be fired
from that job
• If Sheila had not done this then Gerald would not have met her in a dingy
bar and taken her as his mistress
• If Gerald had not dropped Eva she would not have returned to the dingy bar
and met Eric
• If Eric had not treated Eva as a disposable object she would not have
become pregnant and needed charity
• If Mrs Birling had provided welfare for Eva she would not have felt so
desperate and would not have taken her own life.
1. Is Mr Birling the most to blame? If he had not sacked Eva the chain of
events would not have been set in motion.
2. Eva was happiest when working in the department store, to what extent is
Sheila to blame for Eva’s downfall?
3. Gerald made Eva happy but dropped her without any financial means. Is he
the most to blame?
4. Eric arguably treats Eva the worst is he the most guilty?
5. Mrs Birling is the final link in the chain before Eva committed suicide, to
what extent is she the most responsible?
1. Is Mr Birling the most to blame? If he had not sacked Eva the chain of
events would not have been set in motion.
2. Eva was happiest when working in the department store, to what extent is
Sheila to blame for Eva’s downfall?
3. Gerald made Eva happy but dropped her without any financial means. Is he
the most to blame?
4. Eric arguably treats Eva the worst is he the most guilty?
5. Mrs Birling is the final link in the chain before Eva committed suicide, to
what extent is she the most responsible?
Each member of the family are links in the chain of events which leads to Eva’s
suicide. If one link had been broken Eva would not have killed herself.
Each member of the family are links in the chain of events which leads to Eva’s
suicide. If one link had been broken Eva would not have killed herself.
“Inspector: what happened to her then may have determined what happened to
her afterwards, and what happened afterwards may have driven her to suicide.
A chain of events.”
“Inspector: what happened to her then may have determined what happened to
her afterwards, and what happened afterwards may have driven her to suicide.
A chain of events.”

7. TensionTension
Task
write a short scene about what happens to the Birlings after the curtain falls.
You should include:
• A script format with stage directions.
Tip:
Your scene could follow on from the moment the curtain falls or it could be set a few
(or many) years later.
Task
write a short scene about what happens to the Birlings after the curtain falls.
You should include:
• A script format with stage directions.
Tip:
Your scene could follow on from the moment the curtain falls or it could be set a few
(or many) years later.

8. IronyIrony
Irony is a difficult thing to define but you can often identify it when it happens. An Inspector
Calls features a lot of irony and there are a few different types of irony in the play.
Irony is a difficult thing to define but you can often identify it when it happens. An Inspector
Calls features a lot of irony and there are a few different types of irony in the play.
Definition:
1. A form of humour
in which
someone says
the opposite
of what is
obviously true
2. An absurd
contradiction.
Definition:
1. A form of humour
in which
someone says
the opposite
of what is
obviously true
2. An absurd
contradiction.
Examples:
1. “The irony of it is that Jennie would
have given John the money if he
hadn’t stolen it!”
2. In the first Sex and the City movie the
women are on holiday in Mexico and
Charlotte refuses to eat the
Mexican food in fear of having a
bad stomach and will only eat
American chocolate mousse. The
irony of it is that the mousse gives
her explosive diarrhoea and she
poops herself!
Examples:
1. “The irony of it is that Jennie would
have given John the money if he
hadn’t stolen it!”
2. In the first Sex and the City movie the
women are on holiday in Mexico and
Charlotte refuses to eat the
Mexican food in fear of having a
bad stomach and will only eat
American chocolate mousse. The
irony of it is that the mousse gives
her explosive diarrhoea and she
poops herself!
In An Inspector Calls often the audience knows something that some or all of the characters don’t
know and this is called dramatic irony.
•An example of this occurs at the end of Act one and the beginning of Act two when Gerald and
Sheila have a private discussion. Gerald confessed to Sheila about his love affair with Eva Smith but
asks her not to tell. This is an example of dramatic irony because the other characters are not
aware of it but the audience is.
•Mr Birling boasts that the Titanic is “unsinkable”, that the Germans don’t want a war and by 1940
there will be “peace and Prosperity”. The audience knows that these bold statements are untrue and
these are other instances of dramatic irony.
In An Inspector Calls often the audience knows something that some or all of the characters don’t
know and this is called dramatic irony.
•An example of this occurs at the end of Act one and the beginning of Act two when Gerald and
Sheila have a private discussion. Gerald confessed to Sheila about his love affair with Eva Smith but
asks her not to tell. This is an example of dramatic irony because the other characters are not
aware of it but the audience is.
•Mr Birling boasts that the Titanic is “unsinkable”, that the Germans don’t want a war and by 1940
there will be “peace and Prosperity”. The audience knows that these bold statements are untrue and
these are other instances of dramatic irony.

9. Generational sandwichGenerational sandwich
The characters react differently when they
realise what they have done to Eva Smith. What
is interesting is that the characters reactions
vary depending on their age.
The characters react differently when they
realise what they have done to Eva Smith. What
is interesting is that the characters reactions
vary depending on their age.
The older generation: Mr and Mrs Birling
Mr and Mrs Birling don’t feel that they are guilty
of a crime against Eva Smith.
They feel that if they have not broken the law
they are not guilty.
The older generation: Mr and Mrs Birling
Mr and Mrs Birling don’t feel that they are guilty
of a crime against Eva Smith.
They feel that if they have not broken the law
they are not guilty.
The middle generation: Gerald Croft
Gerald is in his thirties. He
understands how he effected Eva
Smith’s life and feels guilty to a
certain extent about his actions. He is
however relieved to find out that the
Inspector is a fake and no longer feels
as guilty.
The middle generation: Gerald Croft
Gerald is in his thirties. He
understands how he effected Eva
Smith’s life and feels guilty to a
certain extent about his actions. He is
however relieved to find out that the
Inspector is a fake and no longer feels
as guilty.
The younger generation: Sheila and Eric Birling
Sheila and Eric have very strong emotional reactions when
they realise what they have done to Eva Smith. They both
feel guilt stricken even after the family discovers that the
Inspector was a fraud. They understand that the family
will never be the same again. The siblings understand that
they have not broken any laws in harming Eva but, unlike
the other generations, they know they have broken a moral
duty.
The younger generation: Sheila and Eric Birling
Sheila and Eric have very strong emotional reactions when
they realise what they have done to Eva Smith. They both
feel guilt stricken even after the family discovers that the
Inspector was a fraud. They understand that the family
will never be the same again. The siblings understand that
they have not broken any laws in harming Eva but, unlike
the other generations, they know they have broken a moral
duty.
There is a difference between breaking
the law and moral duty. Only the younger
generation (Sheila and Eric) understand
the difference.
There is a difference between breaking
the law and moral duty. Only the younger
generation (Sheila and Eric) understand
the difference.

10. Stage directionsStage directions
Lighting
• Until the Inspector’s arrival, the lighting should be pink and intimate. After the doorbell rings and the
Inspector enters the lighting becomes “brighter and harder” as the events of the play take their
dramatic course and the mood progressively changes.
• Why would Priestley want the light to dramatically change when the Inspector enters?
Lighting
• Until the Inspector’s arrival, the lighting should be pink and intimate. After the doorbell rings and the
Inspector enters the lighting becomes “brighter and harder” as the events of the play take their
dramatic course and the mood progressively changes.
• Why would Priestley want the light to dramatically change when the Inspector enters?
Setting
• The opening stage directions instruct the director how the set should look: “the dining-room of a
fairly large suburban house, belonging to a prosperous manufacturer. It has good solid furniture of
the period. The general effect is substantial and heavily comfortable, but not cosy and homelike.”
• What does this initial description of the Birling’s home suggest about the family?
• A detailed, naturalistic setting would be necessary in order to set the tone of comfort, success and
self-satisfaction required thereafter.
Setting
• The opening stage directions instruct the director how the set should look: “the dining-room of a
fairly large suburban house, belonging to a prosperous manufacturer. It has good solid furniture of
the period. The general effect is substantial and heavily comfortable, but not cosy and homelike.”
• What does this initial description of the Birling’s home suggest about the family?
• A detailed, naturalistic setting would be necessary in order to set the tone of comfort, success and
self-satisfaction required thereafter.
The lighting helps to reinforce the initially rose-tinted mood of the family. When the lighting
becomes bright like a spotlight this demonstrates that the Inspector is interrogating the family.
The lighting helps to reinforce the initially rose-tinted mood of the family. When the lighting
becomes bright like a spotlight this demonstrates that the Inspector is interrogating the family.

11. Mr BirlingMr Birling
In the opening stage directions Mr Birling is described as a "heavy-looking, rather portentous man in
his middle fifties but rather provincial in his speech.“
Portentous: self important and pompous
Provincial: Where an individual’s life has an impact on what they say making them biased or narrow
minded towards people from other cultures or classes.
What does this preliminary description suggest about Mr Birling?
In the opening stage directions Mr Birling is described as a "heavy-looking, rather portentous man in
his middle fifties but rather provincial in his speech.“
Portentous: self important and pompous
Provincial: Where an individual’s life has an impact on what they say making them biased or narrow
minded towards people from other cultures or classes.
What does this preliminary description suggest about Mr Birling?
At the end of the play Mr Birling will be duly punished for
what he did to Eva Smith: he has lost the chance of his
knighthood, his reputation in Brumley will be shattered and
there will be no alliance between Birling and Co. and the
Crofts. However, crucially, Mr Birling has not identified that
he has broken a moral code and takes no responsibility for his
part in Eva’s death.
At the end of the play Mr Birling will be duly punished for
what he did to Eva Smith: he has lost the chance of his
knighthood, his reputation in Brumley will be shattered and
there will be no alliance between Birling and Co. and the
Crofts. However, crucially, Mr Birling has not identified that
he has broken a moral code and takes no responsibility for his
part in Eva’s death.
He has worked his way up
the social hierarchy and is
now influential and
powerful in the town.
Although he owns a large
factory and has been
mayor he does not
advocate socialism.
He has worked his way up
the social hierarchy and is
now influential and
powerful in the town.
Although he owns a large
factory and has been
mayor he does not
advocate socialism.
Mr Birling is aware of people
who are his social superiors like
Gerald’s family. He is proud that
he is likely to be knighted, as
that would move him even higher
in social circles. He claims the
party "is one of the happiest
nights of my life." This is not
only because Sheila will be
happy, but because the marriage
will help unify his business with
the Croft’s and will help to
elevate his family socially.
Mr Birling is aware of people
who are his social superiors like
Gerald’s family. He is proud that
he is likely to be knighted, as
that would move him even higher
in social circles. He claims the
party "is one of the happiest
nights of my life." This is not
only because Sheila will be
happy, but because the marriage
will help unify his business with
the Croft’s and will help to
elevate his family socially.
Task
To what extent is Mr Birling the
most to blame for Eva Smith’s
suicide?
In your answer you should include:
The chain of events
How he reacts as the tension builds.
Task
To what extent is Mr Birling the
most to blame for Eva Smith’s
suicide?
In your answer you should include:
The chain of events
How he reacts as the tension builds.

12. Key quotes for Mr BirlingKey quotes for Mr Birling
 “Birling: I say there isn’t a chance of war.”
 “Birling: the Titanic –she sails next week –every luxury –and unsinkable.”
 “Birling: let’s say, in 1940 –by that time you’ll be living in a world that’ll have
forgotten all these Capital versus Labour agitations and all these silly little war
scares. There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere –except
of course in Russia.”
 “Birling: a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own –and –
we hear the sharp ring of a front door bell.”
 “Birling: If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d
had anything to do with, it would be very awkward.”
 “Inspector: (massively) Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as
privileges.”
 “Birling: There’ll be a public scandal!”
 “Birling: the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a
joke – the telephone rings sharply –that was the police. A girl has just died –a
police inspector is on his way here.”
 “Birling: I say there isn’t a chance of war.”
 “Birling: the Titanic –she sails next week –every luxury –and unsinkable.”
 “Birling: let’s say, in 1940 –by that time you’ll be living in a world that’ll have
forgotten all these Capital versus Labour agitations and all these silly little war
scares. There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere –except
of course in Russia.”
 “Birling: a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own –and –
we hear the sharp ring of a front door bell.”
 “Birling: If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d
had anything to do with, it would be very awkward.”
 “Inspector: (massively) Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as
privileges.”
 “Birling: There’ll be a public scandal!”
 “Birling: the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a
joke – the telephone rings sharply –that was the police. A girl has just died –a
police inspector is on his way here.”

13. As the play progresses Sheila
matures and becomes wiser as
she accepts her responsibility.
She is curious as to who the
Inspector is and when the
family discover he is not an
Inspector she knows that his
identity is not relevant and
whether he is a legitimate
inspector or not they have all
broken a moral code and are
collectively responsible for Eva
Smith’s death.
As the play progresses Sheila
matures and becomes wiser as
she accepts her responsibility.
She is curious as to who the
Inspector is and when the
family discover he is not an
Inspector she knows that his
identity is not relevant and
whether he is a legitimate
inspector or not they have all
broken a moral code and are
collectively responsible for Eva
Smith’s death.
SheilaSheila
Task
After the investigation ends
Sheila retires to her room
exhausted and upset. She takes
out her diary and begins to
write about what has happened.
Write the entry in Sheila’s
diary. You should include:
How she feels about what she
has done
How she feels about her family
now
Whether she loves Gerald and if
she intends to marry him.
Task
After the investigation ends
Sheila retires to her room
exhausted and upset. She takes
out her diary and begins to
write about what has happened.
Write the entry in Sheila’s
diary. You should include:
How she feels about what she
has done
How she feels about her family
now
Whether she loves Gerald and if
she intends to marry him.
In the opening stage directions Sheila is described as "a
pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and
rather excited.“
What does this preliminary description suggest about Sheila?
In the opening stage directions Sheila is described as "a
pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and
rather excited.“
What does this preliminary description suggest about Sheila?
When the play opens the family are celebrating Sheila’s
engagement to Gerald. However, it does not take long
for the audience to notice that something is not quite
right between the two lovebirds. Sheila is playful with
Gerald but there are suggestions that there is
suspicion and distrust beneath the surface of Sheila’s
antagonisms: "last summer, when you never came near
me." Does this suggest that she is not as naive and
shallow as she first appears? What does this
foreshadow for the couple’s future?
When the play opens the family are celebrating Sheila’s
engagement to Gerald. However, it does not take long
for the audience to notice that something is not quite
right between the two lovebirds. Sheila is playful with
Gerald but there are suggestions that there is
suspicion and distrust beneath the surface of Sheila’s
antagonisms: "last summer, when you never came near
me." Does this suggest that she is not as naive and
shallow as she first appears? What does this
foreshadow for the couple’s future?
Although Sheila has never
experienced the type of
suffering that Eva Smith and
the working class would have she
shows a compassion which her
parents and older fiancée do
not.
Sheila, like her brother Eric, is
from a younger generation who
are more socially conscious and
represent the new age of
socialism that would begin after
the collective experience of war.
Although Sheila has never
experienced the type of
suffering that Eva Smith and
the working class would have she
shows a compassion which her
parents and older fiancée do
not.
Sheila, like her brother Eric, is
from a younger generation who
are more socially conscious and
represent the new age of
socialism that would begin after
the collective experience of war.

14. Key quotes for SheilaKey quotes for Sheila

 “Sheila: But these girls aren’t cheap labour –they’re people.”
 “Sheila: So I’m responsible? Inspector: No, not entirely –but you’re
partly to blame. Just as your father is.”
 “Sheila: Gerald, I think you’d better take this with you. (she hands
him the ring.) –I rather respect you more than I’ve ever done
before.”
 “Sheila: Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide.”
 “Sheila: You’re forgetting one thing I still can’t forget. Everything
we said had happened really had happened –it frightens me the
way you talk.”


 “Sheila: But these girls aren’t cheap labour –they’re people.”
 “Sheila: So I’m responsible? Inspector: No, not entirely –but you’re
partly to blame. Just as your father is.”
 “Sheila: Gerald, I think you’d better take this with you. (she hands
him the ring.) –I rather respect you more than I’ve ever done
before.”
 “Sheila: Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide.”
 “Sheila: You’re forgetting one thing I still can’t forget. Everything
we said had happened really had happened –it frightens me the
way you talk.”


15. GeraldGerald
Task
Write a letter addressed from Gerald to Eva
explaining to her his reasons for breaking off
their relationship.
You should include:
Appropriate letter format and language (formal).
Task
Write a letter addressed from Gerald to Eva
explaining to her his reasons for breaking off
their relationship.
You should include:
Appropriate letter format and language (formal).
Gerald is described as "an attractive
chap about thirty, rather too manly
to be a dandy but very much the easy
well-bred man-about-town.“
Dandy: A man devoted to style,
neatness, and fashion in dress and
appearance. (the Victorian
metrosexual)
What does this preliminary
description suggest about Gerald?
Gerald is described as "an attractive
chap about thirty, rather too manly
to be a dandy but very much the easy
well-bred man-about-town.“
Dandy: A man devoted to style,
neatness, and fashion in dress and
appearance. (the Victorian
metrosexual)
What does this preliminary
description suggest about Gerald?
He is an aristocrat - the son of Lord and Lady
Croft. We realise that they are not impressed by
Gerald's engagement to Sheila because they
declined the invitation to the dinner. They know
that the Birlings are from a lower class in the
social hierarchy and therefore believe that Gerald
has made a poor choice making Sheila his fiancée.
The audience may assume that Gerald is marrying
Sheila because he is passionately in love with her.
However, we know that this is not the case
because he cooled off their relationship during
the previous summer and engaged in a sexual
relationship with Eva Smith. Why has Gerald
chosen Sheila to be his bride?
He is an aristocrat - the son of Lord and Lady
Croft. We realise that they are not impressed by
Gerald's engagement to Sheila because they
declined the invitation to the dinner. They know
that the Birlings are from a lower class in the
social hierarchy and therefore believe that Gerald
has made a poor choice making Sheila his fiancée.
The audience may assume that Gerald is marrying
Sheila because he is passionately in love with her.
However, we know that this is not the case
because he cooled off their relationship during
the previous summer and engaged in a sexual
relationship with Eva Smith. Why has Gerald
chosen Sheila to be his bride?
He is not as willing as Sheila and
Eric to admit his part in the girl's
death to the Inspector and initially
pretends that he never knew her.
However, he feels more guilty than
Mr and Mrs Birling demonstrating
the different attitudes of the
various generations in the play.
He is not as willing as Sheila and
Eric to admit his part in the girl's
death to the Inspector and initially
pretends that he never knew her.
However, he feels more guilty than
Mr and Mrs Birling demonstrating
the different attitudes of the
various generations in the play.
In Act 3 he tries to come up with as
much evidence as possible to prove that
the Inspector is a fake - because that
would get him off the hook. It is Gerald
who confirms that the local force has no
officer by the name of Goole, he who
realises it may not have been the same
girl and he who finds out from the
infirmary that there has not been a
suicide case in months. He seems to
throw his energies into "protecting"
himself rather than "changing" himself
(unlike Sheila).
In Act 3 he tries to come up with as
much evidence as possible to prove that
the Inspector is a fake - because that
would get him off the hook. It is Gerald
who confirms that the local force has no
officer by the name of Goole, he who
realises it may not have been the same
girl and he who finds out from the
infirmary that there has not been a
suicide case in months. He seems to
throw his energies into "protecting"
himself rather than "changing" himself
(unlike Sheila).

16. Key quotes for GeraldKey quotes for Gerald
 “Gerald: (distressed) Sorry –I –well, suddenly realized –taken in properly –
that’s she’s dead.”
 “Gerald: I want you to understand that I didn’t install her there so that I
could make love to her –I was sorry for her.”
 “Inspector: were you in love with her, Gerald? Gerald: I didn’t feel about
her as she felt for me.”
 “Gerald: She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before –but
that she knew it couldn’t last –she didn’t blame me at all.”
 “Gerald: No girl has died in there today. Nobody’s been brought in after
drinking disinfectant. They haven’t had a suicide for months.”
 “Gerald: (distressed) Sorry –I –well, suddenly realized –taken in properly –
that’s she’s dead.”
 “Gerald: I want you to understand that I didn’t install her there so that I
could make love to her –I was sorry for her.”
 “Inspector: were you in love with her, Gerald? Gerald: I didn’t feel about
her as she felt for me.”
 “Gerald: She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before –but
that she knew it couldn’t last –she didn’t blame me at all.”
 “Gerald: No girl has died in there today. Nobody’s been brought in after
drinking disinfectant. They haven’t had a suicide for months.”

17. EricEric
Eric is characterised as being “in his
early twenties, not quite at ease, half-
shy, half-assertive.”
What does this preliminary
description suggest about Eric?
Eric is characterised as being “in his
early twenties, not quite at ease, half-
shy, half-assertive.”
What does this preliminary
description suggest about Eric?
Eric arguably treated Eva
Smith/Daisy Renton the worst of
all because he presumably raped
her on the first occasion they had
sexual relations and when she fell
pregnant with his child he
financed her with stolen money.
Eric arguably treated Eva
Smith/Daisy Renton the worst of
all because he presumably raped
her on the first occasion they had
sexual relations and when she fell
pregnant with his child he
financed her with stolen money.
Eric drinks excessively
although his parents are
unaware. Gerald admits,
"I have gathered that he
does drink pretty hard.“
when drunk Eric became
sexually aggressive
towards Eva Smith and
presumably forced
himself upon her.
Eric drinks excessively
although his parents are
unaware. Gerald admits,
"I have gathered that he
does drink pretty hard.“
when drunk Eric became
sexually aggressive
towards Eva Smith and
presumably forced
himself upon her.
At the end of the play, like Sheila, he
is fully aware of his social
responsibility. He is not interested in
his parents' efforts to cover
everything up: as far as he is
concerned, the important thing is
that a girl is dead. He is appalled by
his parents' inability to admit their
own responsibility. He tells them
forcefully, "I'm ashamed of you."
At the end of the play, like Sheila, he
is fully aware of his social
responsibility. He is not interested in
his parents' efforts to cover
everything up: as far as he is
concerned, the important thing is
that a girl is dead. He is appalled by
his parents' inability to admit their
own responsibility. He tells them
forcefully, "I'm ashamed of you."
Task
It is 1916. Eric, along with so many other young men, has been sent to the front-line.
Write a descriptive piece about Eric’s life.
You should include:
•How Eric has changed physically and mentally
•The everyday sights, sounds and experiences Eric faces
•How Eric now feels about what happened the night Inspector Goole came and how he feels
about his and his family’s actions.
Task
It is 1916. Eric, along with so many other young men, has been sent to the front-line.
Write a descriptive piece about Eric’s life.
You should include:
•How Eric has changed physically and mentally
•The everyday sights, sounds and experiences Eric faces
•How Eric now feels about what happened the night Inspector Goole came and how he feels
about his and his family’s actions.

18. Key quotes for EricKey quotes for Eric
 “Sheila [referring to Eric]: He’s been steadily drinking too much
for the last two years.”
 “Inspector: You went with her to her lodgings that night? Eric:
Yes, I insisted –she didn’t want me to go in –I threatened to
make a row.”
 “Eric: I wasn’t in love with her or anything –but I liked her –she
was pretty and a good sport.”
 “Birling: (angrily to Eric) You’re the one I blame for this.”
 “Sheila [referring to Eric]: He’s been steadily drinking too much
for the last two years.”
 “Inspector: You went with her to her lodgings that night? Eric:
Yes, I insisted –she didn’t want me to go in –I threatened to
make a row.”
 “Eric: I wasn’t in love with her or anything –but I liked her –she
was pretty and a good sport.”
 “Birling: (angrily to Eric) You’re the one I blame for this.”

19. Mrs BirlingMrs Birling
What is a monologue?
A monologue is a long speech by one actor in a play or movie.
Task
Mrs Birling is on the stage alone. Write a monologue for Mrs Birling
You should include:
 A script format with sage directions
 An explanation for the audience about how she feels about what has happened and about her actions.
What is a monologue?
A monologue is a long speech by one actor in a play or movie.
Task
Mrs Birling is on the stage alone. Write a monologue for Mrs Birling
You should include:
 A script format with sage directions
 An explanation for the audience about how she feels about what has happened and about her actions.
Sybil remains untouched by the
Inspector’s questioning as she
refuses to see how Eva Smith’s
death was a result of her actions.
Arguably Mrs Birling is one of the
crueller characters in her actions
toward Eva. She is the last link in
the chain of events before Eva’s
suicide and should not have
discriminated Eva’s case for welfare.
She admits she was "prejudiced"
against the girl who applied to her
committee for help and saw it as her
"duty" to refuse to help her. Her
narrow sense of morality dictates
that the father of a child should be
responsible for its welfare,
regardless of circumstances.
Sybil remains untouched by the
Inspector’s questioning as she
refuses to see how Eva Smith’s
death was a result of her actions.
Arguably Mrs Birling is one of the
crueller characters in her actions
toward Eva. She is the last link in
the chain of events before Eva’s
suicide and should not have
discriminated Eva’s case for welfare.
She admits she was "prejudiced"
against the girl who applied to her
committee for help and saw it as her
"duty" to refuse to help her. Her
narrow sense of morality dictates
that the father of a child should be
responsible for its welfare,
regardless of circumstances.
In the opening stage
directions Sybil is
described as being “about
fifty, a rather cold woman
and her husband’s social
superior.”
In the opening stage
directions Sybil is
described as being “about
fifty, a rather cold woman
and her husband’s social
superior.”
Only when she is faced with
the realisation that her
actions have led to the death
of her grandchild does Mrs
Birling break down.
Only when she is faced with
the realisation that her
actions have led to the death
of her grandchild does Mrs
Birling break down.
like her husband, she refuses to
believe that she did anything
wrong and doesn't accept
responsibility for her part in
Eva's death.
like her husband, she refuses to
believe that she did anything
wrong and doesn't accept
responsibility for her part in
Eva's death.

20. Key quotes for Mrs BirlingKey quotes for Mrs Birling
 Mrs Birling: You’re quite wrong to suppose I shall
regret what I did.
 Eric: you killed her. She came to you to protect me –
and you turned her away –yes, you killed her –and
the child she’d have had too –my child- your own
grandchild –you killed them both –damn you.
Mrs Birling: (very distressed now) No –Eric –please –I
didn’t understand.
 Mrs Birling: You’re quite wrong to suppose I shall
regret what I did.
 Eric: you killed her. She came to you to protect me –
and you turned her away –yes, you killed her –and
the child she’d have had too –my child- your own
grandchild –you killed them both –damn you.
Mrs Birling: (very distressed now) No –Eric –please –I
didn’t understand.

21. Inspector GooleInspector Goole
When the Inspector enters the stage
directions state: “the Inspector need
not be a big man but he creates at
once an impression of massiveness,
solidity and purposefulness. He is a
man in his fifties, dressed in a plain
darkish suit of the period. He speaks
carefully, weightily, and has a
disconcerting habit of looking hard at
the person he addresses before
actually speaking.”
When the Inspector enters the stage
directions state: “the Inspector need
not be a big man but he creates at
once an impression of massiveness,
solidity and purposefulness. He is a
man in his fifties, dressed in a plain
darkish suit of the period. He speaks
carefully, weightily, and has a
disconcerting habit of looking hard at
the person he addresses before
actually speaking.”
Task:
The Inspector is a mysterious character of whom we learn very little about.
You must write a descriptive piece about what the Inspector does either before he goes to the Birling’s house or just
after he leaves it.
You must decide:
• If Inspector Goole is really an Inspector or a fraud
• If he is human or supernatural
• If he knew Eva Smith personally (friend of family member perhaps)
• Where he is from and why he presents himself as Inspector Goole.
Task:
The Inspector is a mysterious character of whom we learn very little about.
You must write a descriptive piece about what the Inspector does either before he goes to the Birling’s house or just
after he leaves it.
You must decide:
• If Inspector Goole is really an Inspector or a fraud
• If he is human or supernatural
• If he knew Eva Smith personally (friend of family member perhaps)
• Where he is from and why he presents himself as Inspector Goole.
Throughout his enquiries, the
Inspector remains entirely in
control and Sheila notes that that
no-one told him anything that he did
not already know. This leads the
audience to question the origins of
Inspector Goole whether he is a
ghoul, God, the voice of Priestley or
social conscience itself.
Throughout his enquiries, the
Inspector remains entirely in
control and Sheila notes that that
no-one told him anything that he did
not already know. This leads the
audience to question the origins of
Inspector Goole whether he is a
ghoul, God, the voice of Priestley or
social conscience itself.
The effect of the
Inspector whoever he may
be, has been to split the
Birling family unit. While
Gerald birling and Sybil
laugh at what they believe
was a hoax, Sheila and
Eric are horrified by the
effects of their actions.
The effect of the
Inspector whoever he may
be, has been to split the
Birling family unit. While
Gerald birling and Sybil
laugh at what they believe
was a hoax, Sheila and
Eric are horrified by the
effects of their actions.
His final speech is like a
sermon. He leaves the
family with the message
"We are responsible for
each other" and warns
them of the "fire and
blood and anguish“ –
Priestley’s reference to
WW1. Priestley gives the
Inspector an almost
supernatural quality.
His final speech is like a
sermon. He leaves the
family with the message
"We are responsible for
each other" and warns
them of the "fire and
blood and anguish“ –
Priestley’s reference to
WW1. Priestley gives the
Inspector an almost
supernatural quality.

22. Key quotes for InspectorKey quotes for Inspector
GooleGoole
 Inspector: what happened to her then may have determined what
happened to her afterwards, and what happened afterwards may
have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.
 Inspector [referring to Gerald’s responsibility]: I knew already.
 Inspector: Each of you helped to kill hr. remember that. Never forget
it. (He looks from one to the other of them carefully.)
 Inspector: One Eva Smith has gone –but there are millions and millions
and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us –all
intertwined with our lives –we don’t live alone. We are member of
one body. 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.
 Birling: he wasn’t an Inspector. Sheila: He inspected us all right.

 Inspector: what happened to her then may have determined what
happened to her afterwards, and what happened afterwards may
have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.
 Inspector [referring to Gerald’s responsibility]: I knew already.
 Inspector: Each of you helped to kill hr. remember that. Never forget
it. (He looks from one to the other of them carefully.)
 Inspector: One Eva Smith has gone –but there are millions and millions
and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us –all
intertwined with our lives –we don’t live alone. We are member of
one body. 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.
 Birling: he wasn’t an Inspector. Sheila: He inspected us all right.


23. Eva SmithEva Smith
Task:
The audience never see Eva Smith but she is the reason for the play and we learn snippets about her as each character is
investigated in turn. The Inspector says that she had kept a sort of diary, which helped him piece together the last two years of
her life.
You must choose one of the events in Eva’s life when one of the Birlings or Gerald was cruel to her. Write a diary entry about
what happened to her and how it has left her feeling. You should:
 Use emotive language
 Check the script to ensure you are being accurate as to what happened.
Task:
The audience never see Eva Smith but she is the reason for the play and we learn snippets about her as each character is
investigated in turn. The Inspector says that she had kept a sort of diary, which helped him piece together the last two years of
her life.
You must choose one of the events in Eva’s life when one of the Birlings or Gerald was cruel to her. Write a diary entry about
what happened to her and how it has left her feeling. You should:
 Use emotive language
 Check the script to ensure you are being accurate as to what happened.
we never see Eva Smith on stage in the play: we only have the evidence that the Inspector and the Birlings and Gerald give
us.
we never see Eva Smith on stage in the play: we only have the evidence that the Inspector and the Birlings and Gerald give
us.
The Inspector, Sheila Gerald and Eric all
say that she was "pretty." Gerald describes
her as "very pretty - soft brown hair and
big dark eyes."
The Inspector, Sheila Gerald and Eric all
say that she was "pretty." Gerald describes
her as "very pretty - soft brown hair and
big dark eyes."
The audience find out that Eva’s parents
were dead so she had no loved ones and
had to fend for herself. Eva was not
from Brumley originally and we know this
because Mr Birling speaks of her being
"country-bred“ which indicates that not
only was she without a family but also
without a friendship group. Eva was
working class making her vulnerable in
this laissez-faire society.
The audience find out that Eva’s parents
were dead so she had no loved ones and
had to fend for herself. Eva was not
from Brumley originally and we know this
because Mr Birling speaks of her being
"country-bred“ which indicates that not
only was she without a family but also
without a friendship group. Eva was
working class making her vulnerable in
this laissez-faire society.
in Act 3 we begin to wonder whether Eva
ever really existed. Gerald says, "We've
no proof it was the same photograph and
therefore no proof it was the same girl."
Birling adds, "There wasn't the slightest
proof that this Daisy Renton really was
Eva Smith." Yet the final phone call,
announcing that a police inspector is
shortly to arrive at the Birlings' house to
investigate the suicide of a young girl,
makes us realise that maybe Eva Smith
did exist after all. What do you think?
in Act 3 we begin to wonder whether Eva
ever really existed. Gerald says, "We've
no proof it was the same photograph and
therefore no proof it was the same girl."
Birling adds, "There wasn't the slightest
proof that this Daisy Renton really was
Eva Smith." Yet the final phone call,
announcing that a police inspector is
shortly to arrive at the Birlings' house to
investigate the suicide of a young girl,
makes us realise that maybe Eva Smith
did exist after all. What do you think?
Eva’s name is symbolic. Eva is Latin for
Eve. In the bible Eve was the first woman
and ate the forbidden apple and in doing
so cursed mankind for eternity. Her
surname Smith is an incredibly common
surname. The second name she takes,
Daisy Renton, is also significant. Daisies
are incredibly common, fields are often
covered in daisies which suggests that
she is not a special case but one of
millions who have also gone through
similar discriminations as her. Therefore,
Eva Smith embodies the entire female
working class who are not only repressed
because of their low class but because of
their gender.
Eva’s name is symbolic. Eva is Latin for
Eve. In the bible Eve was the first woman
and ate the forbidden apple and in doing
so cursed mankind for eternity. Her
surname Smith is an incredibly common
surname. The second name she takes,
Daisy Renton, is also significant. Daisies
are incredibly common, fields are often
covered in daisies which suggests that
she is not a special case but one of
millions who have also gone through
similar discriminations as her. Therefore,
Eva Smith embodies the entire female
working class who are not only repressed
because of their low class but because of
their gender.

24. Structuring your essayStructuring your essay
Introduction
 Context:
 The play is set in 1912 – what was significant about this year and what was
about to happen to Britain? What is the effect on the audience of the
play?
 The play was published in 1945 – what state was Britain in during this
time? What happened in England in the space between 1912 when the
play is set and 1945 when it was published? How is the message of the
play affected by this?
Introduction
 Context:
 The play is set in 1912 – what was significant about this year and what was
about to happen to Britain? What is the effect on the audience of the
play?
 The play was published in 1945 – what state was Britain in during this
time? What happened in England in the space between 1912 when the
play is set and 1945 when it was published? How is the message of the
play affected by this?
Make sure that when
you use this structure
in the exam to directly
answer the question!
During the exam you will have forty-five minutes to answer your
chosen question on An Inspector Calls. It is vital that you spend the
first ten minutes planning your answer, thirty minutes writing your
answer and five minutes proof-reading your work.
During the exam you will have forty-five minutes to answer your
chosen question on An Inspector Calls. It is vital that you spend the
first ten minutes planning your answer, thirty minutes writing your
answer and five minutes proof-reading your work.

25. Structuring your essayStructuring your essay
Paragraph one
 Dramatic devices:
 How is the lighting used as a dramatic device? Why is it pinkish when the family
are alone celebrating at the beginning of the play? Why are the lights made
brighter when Inspector Goole enters the stage?
 Why are the stage directions so specific? Priestley uses a lot of description in
his stage directions, why has he done this? Why is the play actually set in
the Birling’s home?
 Each act ends on a cliff-hanger, why has Priestley used this dramatic device?
 Why does the Inspector only question one character at a time? Why does he
only show the photograph to one person at a time?
 THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT DRAMATIC DEVICES IN THE PLAY SO
FEEL FREE TO USE ANY THAT YOU FEEL CONFIDENT WITH!

Paragraph one
 Dramatic devices:
 How is the lighting used as a dramatic device? Why is it pinkish when the family
are alone celebrating at the beginning of the play? Why are the lights made
brighter when Inspector Goole enters the stage?
 Why are the stage directions so specific? Priestley uses a lot of description in
his stage directions, why has he done this? Why is the play actually set in
the Birling’s home?
 Each act ends on a cliff-hanger, why has Priestley used this dramatic device?
 Why does the Inspector only question one character at a time? Why does he
only show the photograph to one person at a time?
 THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT DRAMATIC DEVICES IN THE PLAY SO
FEEL FREE TO USE ANY THAT YOU FEEL CONFIDENT WITH!


26. Structuring your essayStructuring your essay
Paragraph two:
 Themes:
 Social hierarchy – why did the Birlings each in their separate ways harm Eva
Smith? Why do they worry about what other people might think of them?
 The difference between the younger and older generations – how do Mr Birling
and Mrs Birling react to the Inspector’s enquiries? How do Sheila and Eric
react differently and why? Why is Gerald’s reaction to the Inspector’s
enquires not as distressed as Eric and Sheila’s but is more upset than Mr
and Mrs Birling? How does WW1 fit into all of this?
 Moral duty – The Birlings have not done anything illegal to Eva Smith but they
are guilty, what is the difference between breaking the law and acting
immoral? Which characters are aware of the difference? What is
Priestley’s message?
 THERE ARE OTHER THEMES THAT YOU COULD ALSO EXPLORE!
Paragraph two:
 Themes:
 Social hierarchy – why did the Birlings each in their separate ways harm Eva
Smith? Why do they worry about what other people might think of them?
 The difference between the younger and older generations – how do Mr Birling
and Mrs Birling react to the Inspector’s enquiries? How do Sheila and Eric
react differently and why? Why is Gerald’s reaction to the Inspector’s
enquires not as distressed as Eric and Sheila’s but is more upset than Mr
and Mrs Birling? How does WW1 fit into all of this?
 Moral duty – The Birlings have not done anything illegal to Eva Smith but they
are guilty, what is the difference between breaking the law and acting
immoral? Which characters are aware of the difference? What is
Priestley’s message?
 THERE ARE OTHER THEMES THAT YOU COULD ALSO EXPLORE!

27. Structuring your essayStructuring your essay
Paragraph three
 Characters and their behaviour:
 The family are links in a chain of events which tragically lead to Eva
Smith’s suicide. If there is a question on one specific character
then concentrate on that character and how they interact with
the other characters on stage and how they personally react to
the line of enquiry.
 If the question refers to the family as a whole then ask yourself:
how much tension is there between the family before the
Inspector enters? How do the family interact with the inspector?
Why do they turn on each other? Why do Mr and Mrs Birling take
sides against Eric and Sheila?
Paragraph three
 Characters and their behaviour:
 The family are links in a chain of events which tragically lead to Eva
Smith’s suicide. If there is a question on one specific character
then concentrate on that character and how they interact with
the other characters on stage and how they personally react to
the line of enquiry.
 If the question refers to the family as a whole then ask yourself:
how much tension is there between the family before the
Inspector enters? How do the family interact with the inspector?
Why do they turn on each other? Why do Mr and Mrs Birling take
sides against Eric and Sheila?

28. Structuring your essayStructuring your essay
Conclusion
Your personal response:
 Summarise your argument and refer to the question
directly.
 End with a punchy sentence!
Conclusion
Your personal response:
 Summarise your argument and refer to the question
directly.
 End with a punchy sentence!
And don’t forget to
refer to the
question in each
paragraph to
direct your answer!
To round up the essay
structure:
Introduction: Context
Paragraph one:
Dramatic devices
Paragraph two:
Themes
Paragraph three:
Characters
Conclusion: Personal
response

29. Practice questionsPractice questions
 How does Priestley show that tension is at the heart of the Birling
family? (30 marks)
 Priestley criticises the selfishness of people like the Birlings.
What methods does he use to present this selfishness? (30
marks)
 “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are
responsible for each other”.
How does the play present the need to take that advice?
 You should look closely at characters, language and action in your
answer. (30 marks)
 How does Priestley present the character of Sybil? (30 marks)
 How does Priestley present the characters Sheila and Eric? (30
marks)
 How does Priestley present the character Gerald Croft? (30
marks)
 How does Priestley show that tension is at the heart of the Birling
family? (30 marks)
 Priestley criticises the selfishness of people like the Birlings.
What methods does he use to present this selfishness? (30
marks)
 “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are
responsible for each other”.
How does the play present the need to take that advice?
 You should look closely at characters, language and action in your
answer. (30 marks)
 How does Priestley present the character of Sybil? (30 marks)
 How does Priestley present the characters Sheila and Eric? (30
marks)
 How does Priestley present the character Gerald Croft? (30
marks)