An Inspector Calls - paper 2

• How many characters in AIC?

  7

  ・Inspector Goole

  ・Mr Birling

  ・Mrs Birling

  ・Shelia

  ・Eric

  ・Gerald

  ・Edna
• What are the Birlings celebrating?

  Shelia and Gerald's engagement
• How does Mr Birling describe the Titanic?

  Give a quote

  'Unsinkable absolutely unsinkable.'
• What is capitalism?

  The idea that the rich (upper class) were in the power than the poor (lower class)
• What is socialism? 


  The idea that everyone is treated equally
• What happens when the inspector arrives? 


  There is a sense of tension
• What does the inspector tell the Birlings and Gerald?

  That a young woman named Eva Smith had killed herself
• How does Eva Smith kill herself?

  By drinking disinfectant which burned her insides
• What is the interrogation order?

  ・Mr Birling

  ・Shelia

  ・Gerald

  ・Mrs Birling

  ・Eric
• How does Mr Birling know Eva Smith?

  She used to work for him at his factory but then fired her
• Why does Mr Birling fire Eva Smith?

  She demanded a strike for higher wages
• What does Mr Birling say about the situation about Eva Smith?

  Give a quote

  'I can't accept any responsibility'
• 'I can't accept any responsibility' (Act 1)

  What does this quote mean?

  Mr Birling refuses to accept that he played a part in Eva Smith's death. He argues that his involvement was small and unimportant. He also implies that it was Eva's own fault she ended up in that situation.
• Where does Shelia first meet Eva Smith?

  At Milwards where she was shopping
• Why does Shelia get Eva Smith fired?

  Shelia thought that Eva was laughing at her while trying on a dress. She uses her family's influence to get her fired.
• 'Look mummy isn't it a beauty? ' (Act 1)

  What does this quote mean?

  ・Shelia is excited to be marrying a good looking wealthy man

  ・the noun 'mommy' suggest that she is child-like at the beginning of the play

  ・she plays a stereotypical higher-class woman at the start

  ・ Priestly uses this to highlight how much she changes later on
• So I'm really responsible? (Act 1)

  What does this quote mean?

  ・Shelia acknowledges that she plays a key role in Eva Smith's suicide

  ・this contrast Mr Birling's complete denial
• 'Why - you fool - he knows! ' (Act 1)

  What does this quote mean?

  ・Shelia quickly realises that the Inspector has a good judgement and is smart

  ・she knows the family and Gerald cannot hide anything from the Inspector and that he knows all the answers and how they are involved
• Why does Mr Birling describe the Titanic as 'unsinkable'?

  ・he embraces his capitalist mindset

  ・makes Mr Birling seen foolish using dramatic irony

  ・highlights the flaws of his character and in society
• What is dramatic irony?

  When the audience knows something that the character doesn't know in the story