An Inspector Calls - GCSE

• A rather cold woman, and her husbands social superior


  Description of Mrs Birling
• As if a girl of that sort would refuse money


  Mrs Birling referring to lower class 'That sort' - refusal to say lower class Doesn't want any association with them (might sully her name/ status)
• The most prominent member of the committee


  Mrs Birling Immediately demonstrates her authority and status to the inspector
• We have the more reason to take offence


  Mrs Birling to the Inspector - Responsibility Plays the victim Avoids responsibility
• I don't believe it. I won't believe it. / But surely... I mean... its ridiculous


  Mrs Birling, about Eric's relationship with Eva Smith Juxtapostition Ellipsis demonstrates change in character from the certain, authoritarian person previously portrayed towards an hesitant, unsure character. This uncertainty shows the reader a potential facade that has been put forward
• I consider I did my duty


  Mrs Birling's refusal to help Eva Use of personal pronoun 'I' portrays self obsession No responsibility
• I was the only one who didn't give into him


  Mrs Birling after the Inspector leaves Passing blame Cold personality - making her own children feel guilt Attempting to cover up her mistakes
• heavy-looking , rather portentous looking man


  Description of Mr Birling Stereotypical Victorian fat cat Rich industrialist
• The titanic - unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable


  Mr Birling Dramatic Irony - shows his belief that he is better than others and is all knowing. Repetition - confidence in himself
• Like bees in a hive


  Mr Birling's view of Socialism Simile - envisages his view on socialism - contrasts his acceptance of capitalism
• It has nothing to do with this wretched girl's suicide. Eh, Inspector?


  Mr Birling refusing responsibility Colloquial Language 'Wretched' - sex & class discrimination Informal Language with the inspector to manipulate him on his side
• Be quiet Sheila


  Birling to Shiela Patronism, Sexism from complete dismissal of his daughter
• I would give thousands yes thousands

  Birling Capitalist views - fixation on money Facade of a change in heart Contradiction - shows rage towards eric for only taking £50
• There will be a public scandal


  Birling learning no lesson, still fixated on public appearances
• We have been had - that's all

  Birling after the inspector leaves
• Oh - how horrible! Was it an accident


  Shiela when finding out about Eva's death - Naivity Pause shows how she doesn't know how to react as she has never experience such an abnormal scene
• Was she pretty?


  Shiela's question to the inspector about Eva Shallow Stereotypical - obsession on looks
• But these girls aren't cheap labour they are people


  Shiela Socialist view - Going against father's view - rebellious
• I'll never do it again


  Sheila's apologetic statement Apologetic Accepting responsibility Naive - Cannot take back her actions - Death = irreversible
• Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide


  Sheila Trying to influence others - like the inspector Socialist view Concerned for others
• Half shy, half assertive


  Description of Eric Uncomfortable in family - contradiction as its is usually considered a safe environment No strong, dominating characteristics In the shadow of his perfect sister and the model son, Gerald
• Eric suddenly guffaws


  Eric cannot explain his laughter Foreshadowing his nervousness after stealing the money
• Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?


  Eric Socialist ideals Accepts/Supports lower class Naivety - ignorant to the potential consequences as they need a wage to survive
• She was a good sport


  Eric No Affection Actions provoked by sexual desire Contradicts socialist views Believes he is above women - uses her (AO3)
• My God - I'm not likely to forget


  Eric Reflecting on his actions Understanding consequences
• I don't give a damn now


  Eric standing up to parents Appalled by his parents behaviour Rage Change in character - stands up to father
• Easy well bred young-man-about-town


  Description of Gerald Foreshadowing of affair
• last summer, when you never came near me.


  Sheila to Gerald Foreshadowing
• We're respectable citizens and not dangerous criminals.


  Gerald Looking down on lower class as criminals Irony
• I don't come into this suicide business


  Gerald trying to protect his reputation and image Close-minded - can't comprehend how he is at fault
• I'm rather more upset - by this business than I probably appear to be.


  Gerald on the 'business' Audience assume he has learnt his lesson and anticipates change in character Initially acted out of kindness, partially redeeming him, but gave into lust and cheated on sheila. 'Business' Capitalist mindset
• Everything's alright now, Sheila.


  Gerald reassuring Sheila Dismisses previous responsibility Assumes Sheila will forgive him instantly
• Give us some more light


  Inspector stage direction Symbolism - the knowledge and secrets the inspector makes come into the light
• An impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness


  Description of Inspector Stage direction Doesn't break down and is focused on his purpose Shows his control on the situation His physical appearance matching his identity (imposing, dominating)
• No, thank you, Mr Birling. I'm on duty.


  Inspector to Birling Pragmatic - does not accept bribes Polite but blunt and direct Contrasting to Mr Birling - unemotional
• Don't worry Mrs Birling, I shall do my duty

  Inspector to Mrs Birling Contradiction to Mrs Birling ignoring her duty and making decisions based on personal opinion/ out of spite 'Ghoul' Spiritual - higher entity 'Duty'Repetition Takes responsibility seriously
• We are members of one body


  Inspector Socialist mindset Voice of Priestley 'We' - inclusive
• They will be taught in fire and blood and anguish


  Inspector at the end of speech'They' - exclusive → he is above the people in our society Contrast against 'we' Unnerving as he loses his calm logical persona
• “Identity is performatively constituted by the very ‘expressions’ that are said to be its results.”