Power

• Who is the playwright of "An Inspector Calls"?

  1. B. Priestley
• What is the main theme discussed in the video about "An Inspector Calls"?


  The theme of power
• What does the theme of power relate to in the play?


  Gender, age, class, wealth, and status
• Who is suggested to have the most power in the play?

  Upper-class male homeowners
• How is power connected to characters' professions in the play?


  Characters like the inspector and Mr. Birling have power due to their professions
• What alternative terms might be used in the exam instead of "power"?


  Authority, control, or dominance
• What is the significance of dashes in character dialogue in "An Inspector Calls"?


  • Indicates interruption by another character
  • Suggests dominance in conversation
  • Shows control over dialogue flow
• What does conversational dominance mean in the context of the play?


  It refers to a character steering the conversation to their interests
• How does the inspector assert control during the investigation?


  By controlling the proceedings one line of inquiry at a time
• What does the inspector's use of straightforward declarative sentences imply?


  It gives him power and authority in the conversation
• What does Mr. Birling imply when he mentions Colonel Roberts to the inspector?


  He implies he could influence the inspector's conduct
• How does the inspector respond to Mr. Birling's threat regarding Colonel Roberts?


  He responds dryly, indicating he is not intimidated
• What negative aspect of power is highlighted through Sheila's actions?


  She misuses her power to punish Eva due to jealousy
• What does the verb "punished" imply about Sheila's use of power?


  It suggests cruelty and unnecessary suffering
• How does the inspector's stage direction "massively taking charge" characterize him?


  It presents him as an authority figure with complete control
• What does Mrs. Birling's reminder of her husband's status suggest about her character?


  It shows she uses power to threaten and intimidate others
• What does the phrase "of course" imply in Mrs. Birling's dialogue?


  It suggests arrogance and an expectation of respect for her husband's power
• What does the inspector's question about Mrs. Birling's influence imply about her character?


  It suggests she abused her power as a committee member
• What are the key aspects of power as presented in "An Inspector Calls"?


  • Power is connected to gender, age, class, wealth, and status
  • Characters like the inspector and Mr. Birling exemplify power dynamics
  • Power can be misused, leading to negative consequences
  • Authority does not guarantee moral integrity
• What point is Priestley making about power in relation to character morality?


  Having power does not necessarily make you a good person.
• What does the phrase "of course" imply about Mrs. Birling's view of Mr. Birling's reputation?


  It implies that she thinks his reputation and power are obvious and must be respected.
• How does Priestley portray the negative aspects of power through Mrs. Birling's actions?


  She uses her influence to deny help to Eva out of prejudice.
• What does the inspector ask Mrs. Birling regarding her influence on the committee?


  Was it owing to your influence as the most prominent member of the committee that help was refused to the girl?
• What do the terms "influence" and "most prominent" suggest about Mrs. Birling's power?


  They suggest that she is the most powerful person on the committee.
• How does the inspector's professional power compare to Mr. Birling's domestic power?


  The inspector's professional power is more powerful than Mr. Birling's domestic power.
• What does Mr. Birling's use of the imperative "no" signify in his interaction with Eric?


  It signifies his exertion of domestic power to control his son.
• What does the inspector's dialogue reveal about his respect for Mr. Birling's domestic power?


  It shows that he acknowledges Mr. Birling's domestic power while still asserting his own authority.
• How does the inspector's use of imperative sentences contribute to his portrayal of power?


  It shows that he is exerting a lot of power through commands.
• What does Mr. Birling's jovial remark at the end of the play indicate about his attitude towards the inspector's authority?


  It indicates a complete disregard for the inspector's authority.
• What broader comment is Priestley making about power in society through the characters of the Birling family and Gerald?


  He condemns those who misuse their power for personal interests at the expense of others.
• How does Priestley portray the inspector in contrast to the other characters regarding power?


  The inspector is portrayed as a powerful character shown in a positive light.
• What does Priestley suggest about the ability of powerful individuals to cause permanent change in others?


  He suggests that no single person can cause permanent change in others.
• What does Priestley imply about societal change through the inspector's character?


  Societal change can only be achieved through collective effort, not just individual influence.
• What are the key themes related to power in JB Priestley's play?


  • Power can be abused by those in authority.
  • The inspector represents a positive use of power.
  • Social responsibility is a recurring theme.
  • The impact of power on personal morality.
• How do the characters of the Birling family and Gerald use their power in relation to Eva Smith?


  • They exert their power for personal interests.
  • They show a lack of social responsibility.
  • Their actions contribute to Eva's downfall.
• What does Priestley want the audience to recognize about the upper-class characters in the play?


  • They are responsible for societal inequalities.
  • Their power is often misused.
  • They are depicted negatively in contrast to the inspector.
• What is the significance of the inspector's final interactions with the Birling family?


  • They highlight the failure of the family to learn from their mistakes.
  • They show the inspector's temporary influence.
  • They emphasize the theme of social responsibility.