An Inspector Calls - Quotes and Questions

The Inspector “They will be taught…

“… It in fire, blood and anguish” - Class, Conflict

A chilling message with a apocalyptic tone - Moral Reckoning - Without change society will face disaster - Similar to the painful consequence of war for the 1946 audience

The Inspector “Millions and millions…

“Of Eva Smith’s and John Smith’s” - Class Disparities, Social Change

In his final speech he emphasises the many others of the working class who face similar systematic inequalities - Reflects Priestley’s view on advocating for social justice and collective responsibility

The Inspector “We are all…

“Responsible for each other” - Social Responsibility, Politics

Central Didactic Message - A direct appeal to the Birlings/Audience to recognise the interconnectedness of society - Contrasts Capitalist views

The Inspector: “We are…

“Members of one body” - Social Responsibility, Morals

Delivering his final speech at the end to present a more impactful Socialist view - We all have a moral responsibility for each other - Challenges the Birling’s Individualistic, Capitalist view

Eric to Inspector “Not really. I…

“Intended to pay it back” - Class, Morals, Accountability

Shows remorse but also attempts to excuse his behaviour and absolve himself of blame - Illustrates how he assumes his intentions have a bigger impact than his actions - Privileged Childhood

Eric to Inspector “I was in the state…

“Where a chap turns nasty” - Class, Power, Generation

Admitting to sexual assault - Drunk and emotionally unstable - Clear idea of Moral Responsibility unlike parents - Also suggests alcohol is to blame not him

Mrs B about Eva “Girls of…

“That class” - Class, Responsibility

Highlights her dismissive and snobbish attitude towards the working class - Encompasses her belief that they are inherently inferior and undeserving of help or empathy

Gerald Confession “It happened that…

“A friend of mine…nice set of rooms” - Gender, Class

Tries to describe the affair in a way that downplays its significance - Presents him as sophisticated - Reflects Power Imbalance - Eva is dependent - Men use privilege to manipulate women

Inspector to Sheila “You might be said…

“To have been jealous of her” - Social Responsibility, Hierarchy

The inspector suggests she acted out of jealousy/insecurity which she later admits - Highlights Inspector’s ability to uncover truths - Emotions combined with Privilege have consequences - Reflects Morality Play aspects - Sheila is Envy

Eric to Mr B “Why shouldn’t…

“They try for higher wages” - Age, Class, Hope

Hints at Erics more socially conscious empathetic nature - Ironic after later sexually assaulting Eva

Inspector criticising Gerald “These young…

“Women counting their pennies” - Class, Gender

Critiques how he takes advantage over working class women - Emotive Language highlights deficit in Social Advantage - Unfairness of Social System in Edwardian Britain - Audience side with Priestley’s ideology

Mr B “A man has to…

“Mind his own business” - Capitalism Vs Socialism

Preaches his individualism to younger generation - Inspector then “Cuts in massively” with the doorbell - Sets up Didactic nature of the play

Gerald to Sheila “How about…

“This ring?” - Gender, Class, Generation, Responsibility

Gerald expects Sheila to take him back - Believes Inspector was a hoax which makes it ok - Highlights his lack of learning and gender power imbalance from Sheila’s response - Phone is about to ring suggesting Gerald is summoning him - Similar to Mr Birling in Act 1

Sheila to Gerald “No, not yet"…

“It’s too soon i must think” - Relationships, Responsibility

Sheila refuses to to accept back the ring - Significant for Sheila’s characterisation from ignorance to knowledge - Sheila is deeply affected by the Inspector as her sense of responsibility grows - She does not outright refuse highlighting the lack of power women have

Mrs B to Sheila “You’ll have to…

“Get used to that, just as i had” - Gender, Age

Senselessly accepting marriage and male behaviour - Reflects her Patriarchal mindset

Mr B to Everyone “The Germans…

“Don’t want war” - Age, Class

Dramatic Irony - Mr Birling is very ignorant due to his Capitalist construct - WW2 has just happened - Audience doubt Mr Birling

What is a Well-made play and what are the characteristics of a Well-made Play?

A well-made play is a popular dramatic genre from the 19th-century. In a well-made play the plot is intricate and complex and the action builds to a climax. This is often concerned with events that happened before the events of the play.

Tightly Structured - A sequence of rising tension leading to a resolution where each characters actions lead to the central revelation

Suspense - A continuous build towards the climax where the characters express their emotions and intentions clearly

High level vocab - polished and sophisticated language used to enhance the dialogue and themes

How does Priestley subvert the structure of a 'Well-Made play'?

The action remains unresolved by the play’s ending and some characters are still unable to fully reconcile their moral failings, despite the strong impact from the Inspector

How does An Inspector Calls fulfil the ideas of a “Greek Drama”?

An Inspector Calls incorporates elements of Greek drama through its focus on moral lessons, the tragic fate of characters due to their flaws, and the interaction of fate with personal responsibility.

It also uses the Unities by Aristotle:

Unity of Time - Happens within a day

Unity of Place - Occurs in one setting

Unity of Action - One main plot

This creates a sense of urgency and concentration, which allows Priestley’s message to be delivered strongly and clearly

How is the genre of Naturalism conveyed?

Realistic Representation - A truthful depiction of everyday life and society through the use of characters with deep ties to a socioeconomic background

Social Realism - Highlights the struggle of the working class and the consequences of exploiting them

Human Psychology - The influence of a person’s environment and class on their behaviour

How is Naturalism subverted?

In a Naturalistic Play, a character’s actions are often explained through their environment, upbringing, and social conditions. However, subversion occurs when Priestley introduces the supernatural character which is the Inspector, who challenges the characters and audience to reflect on their actions and societal responsibilities, stepping beyond the deterministic view of human behaviour.

What are the key features of a Morality Play?

An allegory/moral lesson

Good Vs Evil

Characters reflecting the 7 deadly sins

Protagonist in a situation that tests their moral values

What is the play’s Didactic lesson?

Social and collective Responsibility

This is done through the Inspector who voices Priestley’s ideas, delivering moral judgement and lessons which encourage the audience to reconsider their roles in society, and the potential consequences their actions hold.

How does An Inspector Calls utilise a Cyclical Structure?

It ends with the Birlings believing they have escaped the Inspector when they receive a phone call that foreshadows the arrival of another similar scandal.

This use of Dramatic Irony highlights the recurring themes of accountability and the inescapable nature of one’s actions, reinforcing the play's moral message.