responsibility and guilt

• What does Mr Birling refuse to accept in Act 1?

  His part in Eva Smith’s death
• What does Inspector Goole say about public men?

  They have responsibilities as well as privileges
• What realization does Sheila come to in Act 1?

  She understands her responsibility
• What metaphor does Inspector Goole use in Act 3?

  We are members of one body
• What does Eric acknowledge in Act 3?

  They did her in alright
• How does Priestley present guilt and responsibility in the play?

  • Through character actions and dialogues
  • The Inspector holds characters accountable
  • Consequences for refusing responsibility
• What does the telephone call at the end of the play symbolize?

  Consequences for refusing responsibility
• What role does the Inspector play in the narrative?

  He embodies social responsibility
• How do Mr and Mrs Birling represent their generation?

  They are selfish and neglectful
• What does Sheila's guilt represent?

  The younger generation's acceptance of responsibility
• What shocking revelation is made about Eric?

  He raped Eva Smith
• How does Priestley use the theme of responsibility in the setting?

  To show wealth disparity and lack of compassion
• What is the plot structure centered around in An Inspector Calls?

  • Inspector's interrogations of the Birlings
  • Revealing guilt and responsibility
  • Connecting individual actions to consequences
• How do Sheila and Eric represent Priestley’s audience?

  As a more progressive and responsible generation
• What dramatic device does Priestley use to create tension?

  Dramatic irony about the Inspector's questioning
• What effect does the Inspector have on the younger Birlings?

  A lasting, transformative effect
• What are the consequences of selfishness and ignorance depicted in the play?

  • Leads to tragic outcomes
  • Reflects societal issues
  • Highlights the need for social responsibility
• What actions do Mr and Mrs Birling take that contribute to Eva's death?

  Mr Birling fires her, Mrs Birling denies help
• How does Gerald's behavior change throughout the play?

  He shows contrition but learns nothing
• What does Eric's theft signify in the context of the play?

  His desperation to support Eva
• What does the Inspector's questioning reveal about the Birlings?

  Each bears some guilt for Eva's death
• What does the Inspector argue about the wealthy's responsibility?

  They must support the vulnerable
• How does the play's structure contribute to its message?

  It reveals guilt and responsibility progressively
• What is the significance of the Inspector's role in the play?

  He challenges the characters' moral integrity
• What does the ending of the play suggest about accountability?

  There are consequences for inaction
• What does the phrase "chain of events" refer to in the play?

  The interconnected actions leading to Eva's death
• How does Priestley use dramatic tension in the play?

  Through cliffhangers at the end of acts