an inspector calls

• Who wrote 'An Inspector Calls' and in what year?

  JB. Priestley in 1945
• Where is 'An Inspector Calls' set?


  In an English manufacturing town called Brumley
• How many acts are in 'An Inspector Calls'?


  Three acts
• What does it mean that the play is set in 'real time'?


  There is no change in time or location between acts
• Who visits the Birling family in the play?

  A mysterious inspector
• What is the inspector investigating?


  The death of a young woman by suicide
• How does Priestley portray the Birling family's involvement in the woman's death?


  Each family member is revealed to be partially responsible
• Who are the main characters in 'An Inspector Calls' and what do they represent?

  • Arthur Birling: Capitalist businessman
  • Sybil Birling: Upper-class, socially prominent wife
  • Sheila Birling: Impressionable, socially-aware younger generation, feminist movement
  • Eric Birling: Impressionable, socially-aware younger generation, toxic masculinity
  • Gerald Croft: Privilege, dominance of upper classes and patriarchy
  • Inspector Goole: Socialism, social responsibility, ideal justice system
  • Eva Smith: Neglected lower-classes
• What event is the Birling family celebrating at the beginning of the play?


  The engagement of Sheila to Gerald
• What does Mr. Birling toast to during the dinner?


  The progress made by society
• What does the inspector reveal about Eva Smith's death?


  She died after drinking disinfectant
• Why did Mr. Birling fire Eva Smith from his factory?


  She led a strike asking for higher wages
• How does Sheila Birling feel about her actions towards Eva Smith?


  She feels bad and swears she won't act like that again
• What name does Eva Smith change to when she is unable to find work?


  Daisy Renton
• What does Gerald Croft initially do when Sheila accuses him of having an affair?


  He denies it but eventually confesses
• What does Mrs. Birling do at the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation?


  She refuses help to a young, pregnant woman
• How does Eric Birling react to the situation with Eva Smith?


  He admits to drinking heavily and acting aggressively towards her
• What warning does the Inspector give to the Birlings at the end of the play?


  If they don't accept responsibility, "fire and blood and anguish" will follow
• How do the family members react after the Inspector leaves?


  They argue and realize the Inspector wasn't a real police investigator
• What happens at the end of the play?

  A girl has just died on the way to the Infirmary, and an inspector is on his way
• What are the key themes and conflicts introduced in Act 1?

  • Class conflict
  • Social responsibility
  • Gender roles
  • The impact of individual actions on others
  • The contrast between Capitalism and Socialism
• How does Mr. Birling view the concept of community?


  He dismisses it as "nonsense" and believes in self-reliance
• What does the lighting in the opening scene symbolize?


  It creates a sense of luxury and reflects the characters' ignorance of wider struggles
• What does Mr. Birling predict about the future?


  He predicts a world of personal freedom and wealth, dismissing the threat of war
• How does Priestley use the Titanic as a symbol in the play?


  It represents the flaws of Capitalist ideals, as it sank despite being deemed "unsinkable"
• What does Mr. Birling's lecture to Eric and Gerald reveal about his character?

  It shows his belief in individualism and rejection of social responsibility
• How does the structure of Act 1 introduce the characters and themes?


  • Dominant male figures: Mr. Birling and Gerald speak first
  • Sheila's possessiveness hints at jealousy
  • Eric's awkwardness foreshadows his drinking problem
  • Mrs. Birling's coldness is evident in her actions
  • Themes of class, responsibility, and gender roles are introduced
• What does the phrase "self-made man" signify in Mr. Birling's ideology?


  It signifies the belief in individual success without regard for community or social responsibility
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?


  She becomes more socially aware and critical of her family's actions
• What does the term "dramatic irony" refer to in the context of Mr. Birling's statements?


  It refers to the audience knowing more about the future than Mr. Birling, creating tension
• How does Priestley use stage directions to convey character traits?


  Stage directions reveal the characters' emotions and social status through their actions and descriptions
• What does the phrase "blissfully ignorant" imply about the Birlings' perspective?


  It implies they are unaware of the struggles faced by the lower classes
• How does the character of Inspector Goole challenge the Birlings' beliefs?


  He represents social responsibility and the need for community, opposing their capitalist views
• What does the term "socially-aware younger generation" refer to in the context of Sheila and Eric Birling?


  It refers to their growing awareness of social issues and responsibilities
• How does the play's setting in 1912 contribute to its themes?


  It highlights the class divisions and social issues that were prevalent before the World Wars
• What does the character of Eva Smith symbolize in the play?


  She symbolizes the neglected lower classes and the consequences of social injustice
• How does the play's conclusion reflect Priestley's message about social responsibility?


  It emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their impact on others and the importance of community
• What role does the lighting play in the opening scene of Act 1?


  It creates an intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the underlying tensions
• How does Sheila's reaction to her engagement ring reflect her character development?


  It shows her growing independence and rejection of Gerald's control
• What does Mr. Birling's attitude towards the future reveal about his character?


  It reveals his optimism and ignorance regarding social issues