Characters

Who is the patriarch of the Birling family in the play 'An Inspector Calls'?

Arthur Birling.

How is Arthur Birling described in terms of his demeanor?

He is presented as arrogant and pompous.

What major social belief does Arthur Birling represent?

Capitalist businessman ideals.

What does Arthur Birling's obsession with public reputation reveal about his character?

His desire for status and titles.

Who is contrasted sharply with Arthur Birling in the play?

Inspector Goole and his children.

What does Sybil Birling symbolize in the play?

The privileges of the upper classes.

How does Sybil Birling treat Eva Smith?

Dismissively, referring to her only as 'the girl'.

What key characteristic describes Sybil Birling's attitude toward the working class?

She views them as morally inferior.

How is Eric Birling characterized at the beginning of the play?

As socially awkward and lacking confidence.

What does Eric Birling eventually confess to the Inspector?

His affair with Eva and that she was pregnant.

How does Sheila Birling react when she first sees the photograph of Eva Smith?

She becomes genuinely regretful for her actions.

What transformation does Sheila undergo by the end of the play?

She becomes more assertive and refuses to continue her engagement with Gerald.

What is Gerald Croft's initial attitude toward Eva Smith?

He presents himself as having rescued her.

What hypocrisy is shown in Gerald's treatment of Eva Smith?

He ultimately discards her when he loses interest.

How is Inspector Goole described in terms of his physical presence?

He creates an impression of massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness.

What supernatural element is associated with Inspector Goole's character?

His mysterious awareness of events surrounding Eva's death before it occurred.

What does Inspector Goole symbolize in the play?

Social responsibility.

How is Eva Smith characterized in the play?

As the victim, representing the vulnerable working class.

What shocking event reveals Eva Smith's plight to the audience?

The graphic account of her suicide.

What moral standards does Eva Smith have compared to the Birling family?

She has higher moral standards than them.

What does Sheila's dialogue foreshadow in Act I?

Future events, including Gerald's affair and Eric's drinking problem.

What role does Gerald Croft play in relation to Eva Smith?

He is both her benefactor and her exploiter.

What attitude does Sybil Birling maintain towards her son Eric in the play?

She is dismissive and refuses to believe he has a problem with alcohol.

In what way does Eric Birling change by the end of the play?

He becomes more assertive and takes responsibility for his actions.

How does Arthur Birling react to the Inspector's questioning?

He is brusque and tries to assert dominance.

Which character in the play is portrayed as the least compassionate?

Sybil Birling.

What effect does the Inspector's arrival have on the Birlings?

He changes the tone of the evening and introduces scrutiny.

What does Priestley’s portrayal of Eva Smith suggest about social class?

It critiques the exploitation and marginalization of the working class.

How does Sybil Birling's demeanor contribute to the themes of privilege in the play?

Her snobbishness and lack of empathy symbolize upper-class entitlement.

What are the consequences of Arthur Birling's refusal to accept responsibility?

He remains unchanged and continues to shield himself from truth.

What statement most clearly represents the Inspector's message?

Social responsibility is essential.

In what way does Sheila Birling show maturity compared to her parents?

She quickly accepts responsibility for her actions.

How does the Inspector control the narrative of the play?

By deciding when each character sees the photograph and in what order truths are revealed.

What does Eric's language reveal during his confrontation with his family?

He is emotionally charged and critical of their attitudes.

What is revealed about Gerald Croft's character at the end of the play?

He has not truly learned from the experience and offers Sheila the ring again.

How does the audience perceive the Inspector by the end of the play?

As a catalyst for change, striking a moral tone.

What does Eva Smith's lack of presence in the play signify?

The invisibility and marginalization of the working class.

What irony surrounds Arthur Birling's optimism about the future?

His predictions are naive and demonstrate his complacency.

What is the significance of Sheila's early comments about Gerald's absence?

They foreshadow his affair with Eva Smith.

In what way does Eric Birling's confession about Eva's pregnancy serve the play's message?

It exposes the vulnerability of women and the consequences of male actions.

What does Sybil Birling's refusal to help Eva highlight?

Her moral indifference and self-serving nature.

How does the play depict the divide between generations?

Younger characters like Sheila and Eric show potential for change, contrasting with older characters.

How does Inspector Goole's character challenge the views of the Birlings?

He questions their moral philosophies and insists on personal accountability.

What role does dramatic irony play in Arthur Birling's character?

It highlights his flaws and shortsightedness, especially regarding social issues.

How does Eva Smith's portrayal affect the audience's emotions?

Her victimhood evokes sympathy and outrage.