An Inspector Calls

• What is the title of the play discussed in the lesson?

  An Inspector Calls
• What is the purpose of the lesson described in the material?

  To provide essential context, themes, and character quotes for An Inspector Calls
• What is the first context point to remember about An Inspector Calls?

  Priestly was a socialist who criticized the capitalist Edwardian system
• How did women’s rights during the Edwardian era affect the characters in An Inspector Calls?


  Women had few rights and needed marriage for stability, which Priestly critiques through female characters
• What significant event does the play An Inspector Calls precede?

  World War One
• What does Priestly illustrate through the theme of class in An Inspector Calls?


  He highlights the deep class divisions and the abuse of power by the upper classes
• What is the second theme to remember in An Inspector Calls?


  The theme of age
• How does Priestly view the older generation in An Inspector Calls?


  He is pessimistic about their willingness to change
• What message does Priestly convey about social responsibility in An Inspector Calls?


  Wealthy individuals have a duty to help the poor
• How does Priestly use female characters to illustrate gender issues in An Inspector Calls?


  He shows their mistreatment and lack of power compared to men
• What does Mr. Birling's quote about the Titanic illustrate?

  His out-of-touch perspective and ignorance of societal issues
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about labor costs reveal?

  His dehumanization of workers, referring to Eva as "labor"
• What does Sheila's quote about "These girls aren't cheap labor" signify?


  Her growing awareness and sympathy for working-class women
• What does Gerald Croft's quote about being "respectable citizens" illustrate?


  His ironic self-perception despite his immoral actions
• How does Mrs. Birling's use of the term "girls of that class" reflect her views?

  It shows her condescension and lack of empathy towards working-class women
• What does Eric Birling's admission about Daisy illustrate?

  His selfishness and the consequences of his actions
• What does Inspector Goole's statement about public men having responsibilities convey?


  It emphasizes the duty of those in power to help the less fortunate
• What are the five main context points to remember for An Inspector Calls?

  1. Priestly was a socialist criticizing capitalism.
  2. Women had few rights and needed marriage for stability.
  3. Edwardian England had deep class divisions.
  4. The idea of the "undeserving poor" was prevalent.
  5. The play is set just before World War One.
• What are the four main themes in An Inspector Calls?


  1. Class: Deep divisions and abuse of power.
  2. Age: Pessimism about the older generation's willingness to change.
  3. Social Responsibility: Duty of the wealthy to help the poor.
  4. Gender: Critique of the mistreatment of women.
• What are the three key quotations for Mr. Birling?

  1. "The Titanic... unsinkable" - illustrates his ignorance.
  2. "It's my duty to keep labor costs down" - dehumanizes workers.
  3. "The famous younger generation who know it all" - mocks change.
• What are the three key quotations for Sheila Birling?

  1. "These girls aren't cheap labour" - shows her sympathy.
  2. "I started it" - takes responsibility for her actions.
  3. "There's nothing to learn here" - criticizes her family's behaviour.
• What are the three key quotations for Gerald Croft?


  1. "We're respectable citizens and not criminals" - ironic self-perception.
  2. "I liked the power I had over Daisy" - reveals his manipulative nature.
  3. "You know what girl..." - dismissive attitude towards women.
• What are the three key quotations for Mrs. Birling?

  1. "Girls of that class" - shows her condescension.
  2. "She made use of our name" - justifies her refusal to help.
  3. "You might be wanting to help him instead of us" - sees the inspector as an outsider.
• What are the three key quotations for Eric Birling?

  1. "I don't remember... that's the hellish thing" - shows his selfishness.
  2. "You lot" - informal language indicates his outsider status.
  3. "Maybe you've let yourself love that nicely but I can't" - reflects his struggle with guilt.
• What are the three key quotations for Inspector Goole?

  1. "A young woman died... she was in great agony" - represents the suffering of women.
  2. "Public men... have responsibilities" - emphasizes social duty.
  3. "Millions of Eva Smiths... need our help" - calls for collective responsibility.
• What must students analyze in addition to the language and structure of the play for their exams?


  They must understand the context of the play.
• What are the two sides to context in "An Inspector Calls"?


  • Influence on Priestley during production
  • Influence on the audience during reception
• What was one of Priestley's main goals when writing "An Inspector Calls"?


  To attack capitalism.
• How did Priestley view individualism and capitalism?


  He viewed them as selfish ways of behaving.
• What social concept did Priestley advocate for in the play?

  Socialism, specifically social responsibility.
• How does Priestley highlight the progress Britain has made socially in "An Inspector Calls"?


  By using dramatic irony related to historical events.
• In what year is "An Inspector Calls" set?

  1912
• When was "An Inspector Calls" first performed?


  1945
• What were the three distinct tiers of the class system in early 20th century Britain?


  1. Working class
  2. Middle class
  3. Upper class
• What percentage of the British population did the working class represent?

  About 80%
• What types of jobs did the working class typically have?


  Physically intensive labor jobs.
• What was a common belief among the working class regarding their lives?

  That their lives were better than in the Victorian era.
• What was the role of middle-class women in early 20th century Britain?


  To get married and manage the household.
• How were upper-class women expected to contribute to society?


  By maintaining or improving their family's social standing.
• What were the inequalities faced by women in 1912 society?


  • Seen as second-class citizens
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Expected to marry and raise children