An Inspector Calls: Character Revision Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards for key characters, language and form, context, and insights from 'An Inspector Calls', facilitating a deeper understanding of the play.

Arthur Birling

A hard-headed, practical man of business representing capitalist greed and ignorance.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds; used to show arrogance and pride in Birling's character.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the characters do not; Birling's claim of the Titanic being 'unsinkable' is discredited.

Capitalist Hypocrisy

The contrast between lower costs and higher prices that exposes the moral corruption of capitalism.

False Guilt

The concept illustrated by Birling's repeated statement of willingness to give money for redemption, showing the inability to address moral failure.

Deictic

A linguistic term that creates distance; used in Sybil Birling's quote 'girls of that class' to convey superiority and prejudice.

Irony in Charity

The judgmental nature of 'deserving cases' reveals the hypocrisy of charitable organizations.

Moral Finality

Expressed through Sybil Birling's declaration of accepting no blame, contrasting with the Inspector’s message.

Moral Blindness

Indicated by Sybil Birling's triumph when she says 'I told you so', reflecting persistent capitalist arrogance.

Superficial Optimism

Illustrated by Sheila's initial description of herself as 'rather excited', reflecting her sheltered life.

Moral Awakening

Demonstrated by Sheila's realization that 'these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people'.

Metaphor for Emotional Divide

Used in Sheila's statement about not building walls; urges social unity and reflects Priestley’s message.

Moral Awareness

Shown through Sheila's statement 'it frightens me the way you talk', indicating the fear of old indifference.

Juxtaposition

A literary technique that highlights inner conflict, seen in Eric's characterization of being 'half shy, half assertive'.

Rhetorical Question

Eric's use of 'Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?' reflects moral reasoning against capitalist selfishness.

Euphemism for Rape

Eric’s reference to his actions in a detached manner critiques male entitlement and exposes patriarchal hypocrisy.

Generational Revolt

Illustrated in Eric's admission of guilt: 'You killed her – and the child she’d have had too', symbolizing moral awakening.

Massiveness, Solidity, and Purposefulness

A triplet used to describe the Inspector, representing authority and moral weight.

Metaphor for Unity

Embodied in the phrase 'We are members of one body', conveying Christian and socialist ideals of moral responsibility.

Tricolon

A rhetorical device consisting of three parallel clauses or phrases, used in 'Fire and blood and anguish' to underscore the prophecy.

Biblical Tone

The allusion to biblical language in the Inspector's prophecy warns of the consequences of societal ignorance.

Methodical Structure

The Inspector's inquiry structure, reflected in 'one line of inquiry at a time', symbolizes moral order and truth.

Conflict

The struggles between characters representing different social classes and ideologies within the play.

Social Responsibility

A central theme where characters are urged to recognize their impact on others, particularly the less fortunate.

Capitalism vs. Socialism

The ideological conflict at the heart of the play, showcased through the characters' differing views on social welfare.

Generational Divide

The differing outlooks and values between the older and younger generations, particularly in relation to social change.

Character Development

The evolution of characters, especially Sheila, from naïvety to awareness and empathy throughout the play.

Inspector Goole

A figure of moral authority in the play, embodying Priestley’s socialist ideals and serving as the voice of conscience.

Social Change

An overarching goal that Priestley advocates for through character revelations and critiques of the status quo.

Class Prejudice

The discriminatory attitudes portrayed by characters like Sybil Birling, reflecting Edwardian social values.

Youth Perspective

The contrasting views of youth, like those of Sheila and Eric, demonstrating hope and potential for change.

Moral Corruption

The ethical decay highlighted through the older characters' actions and beliefs, emphasizing the need for reform.

Empathy

A key theme represented in Sheila's transformation, advocating for compassion and understanding across class lines.

Biblical Allusion

References in the text that draw parallels to biblical themes, enhancing the moral urgency of the Inspector's message.

Social Hypocrisy

Exposed through characters’ actions that contradict their stated beliefs, particularly in relation to charity and responsibility.

Cyclical Ignorance

The tendency of the ruling class to repeat mistakes due to a refusal to learn from the past, as warned by the Inspector.

Dialogue

The interactions between characters that reveal their personalities, values, and conflicts within the narrative.

Conflict Resolution

The struggle to address and reconcile differences in values, particularly between the younger and older generations in the play.

Symbolism

Objects, characters, or events that hold deeper meanings, enhancing the themes of social responsibility and morality.

Patriarchal Hypocrisy

The critique of traditional male dominance showcased through Eric's actions and his eventual confrontations with guilt.

Generational Hope

The belief in the younger generation's ability to bring about positive change, as embodied by characters like Sheila.

Moral Responsibility

The idea that individuals must acknowledge their role in society and the impact of their actions on others.

Empowerment

The theme of gaining control over one's life and choices, illustrated through the development of female characters.

Foreshadowing

Hints provided in the dialogue that suggest future events and contribute to the play's tension and intricacy.

Voice of Justice

The role of the Inspector in advocating for moral and ethical accountability across socioeconomic boundaries.