Writers big ideas+Techniques

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

  1. B. Priestley
• How does Priestley structure the play?

  With careful precision like an engineer
• What does Priestley do to increase tension in Act Two?

  Delays Gerald's confession to build curiosity
• How does the Inspector release information to build tension?

  Bit by bit, showing photos one at a time
• What changes occur in the family’s behavior throughout the play?

  They transition from seated to standing and shouting
• What does an exit signify in the play?

  A character escaping an intense atmosphere
• How does the Inspector use exits to gather information?

  By leaving characters alone to discuss
• What sound is significant when characters enter or exit?

  The front door bangs loudly
• How does Priestley create tension between acts?

  By freezing the action at key moments
• What question does the Inspector ask at the end of Act One?

  "Well?"
• What effect does the cliffhanger at the end of Act Two have?

  It builds suspense for Eric's return
• What is a key exam tip for discussing Priestley's drama?

  Talk about ways he creates drama
• How does the language of characters reveal their social class?

  Through the use of specific words and slang
• What does Sheila's reaction to the word "squiffy" indicate?

  Generational differences in language use
• How does Birling's language reflect his character?

  It shows his business-minded perspective
• How does the Inspector's language differ from Birling's?

  It is plain and direct
• Why do the older Birlings find the Inspector offensive?

  Due to his rude and impertinent manner
• How does Sheila's language evolve throughout the play?

  From childish to confident and assertive
• What does Priestley suggest about the use of euphemisms?

  They cover up unpleasant truths
• What is the Inspector's message regarding truth?

  Accepting the truth is essential
• What is imagery in the context of the play?

  Language that creates strong visual pictures
• How does the Inspector use graphic imagery?

  To shock and distress the audience
• What biblical imagery does the Inspector use?

  "We are members of one body"
• What does the phrase "fire and blood and anguish" suggest?

  Consequences for societal sins
• What are the key themes in 'An Inspector Calls'?

  • Collective social responsibility
  • Change is possible
  • Hope lies with the younger generation
  • Challenges to social hierarchies of class and gender
• How does Priestley use dramatic irony in the play?

  By giving the audience knowledge the characters lack
• What is the effect of euphemisms used by the Birlings?

  They obscure the harsh realities of life
• What does the Inspector's final speech aim to achieve?

  To leave a lasting impression on the audience
• How does Priestley promote a socialist ideology?

  By arguing for collective social responsibility
• What does Priestley suggest about the younger generation?

  They hold the hope for future change
• How does Priestley challenge social hierarchies?

  By critiquing class and gender inequalities