English Literature - An Inspector Calls

• In what country was An Inspector Calls first performed? How might this be significant?

  Moscow, Russia because Priestley didn't not receive a positive response from British theatres.
• Where did Priestly grow up and how did this inform his political opinions?

  Bradford. He saw the consequences of a class of over-worked, underpaid people living in crowded housing.
• What is the Welfare State and when was it created? How does it reflect the themes in An Inspector Calls?

  In 1942 the Beverage Report outlined a system of social insurance to cover every citizen regardless of income, 'cradle-to-grace' welfare system
• What was surprising about the 1945 general election results?

  That Labour won over Churchill, after only holding office on two occasions
• How were women's roles different in 1912 (when the play is set) and in 1945 (when the play was written)?

  1912- considered domestic and subservient to men1945- more active and valued role in the work force because of the war
• What are Aristotle's 'Unities' and how do they relate to An Inspector Calls?

  Unity of Action, Unity of Time, Unity of Place
• What is your understanding of the term 'denouement' in reference to the play?

  The final part of a narrative, when all the strands of the plot are drawn together. This is subverted originally, until Birlings and Gerald are brought together by the phone ringing.
• Define the term 'social conscience' in your own words.

  Having a sense of responsibility for the problems others face in society, even though it may not affect you
• What is symbolic about Mr. Birling's references to the Titanic?

  During the play, the Titanic has not set sail yet. In Mr. Birling's opinion both the Titanic and Capitalism are unsinkable.
• What are the men wearing at the opening of the play?

  Tails
• In the opening stage directions, who is described as Mr. Birling's social superior?

  Mrs. Birling
• What is the name of the Birlings' housekeeper?

  Edna
• What doesn't Gerald pretend to know much about?

  Port
• What does Sheila not want Gerald to be like?

  These purple-faced old men
• What is the special occasion that the Birlings are celebrating?

  Eric and Sheila's engagement
• What, according to Mrs. Birling, do men sometimes need to spend all their time and energy on?

  Their business
• What does Sheila accuse Eric of being when he says 'suddenly I felt I just had to laugh'?

  Squiffy
• What reason is given for Sir George and Lady Croft's absence?

  They are abroad
• What did Sir George and lady Croft send to Mr. Birling?

  A cable
• What is Mr. Birling's business called?

  Birling and Company
• What is the name of Sir George's business?

  Crofts Limited
• Who has a nasty temper according to Eric?

  Sheila
• What happened 'last month' that caused the 'wild talk about possible labour trouble in the near future'?

  A mining strike
• When did the Titanic set sail in relation to the events in the play?


  Next week
• Mr. Birling says that by 1940 there will be peace, prosperity and rapid everywhere except for which country?

  Russia
• Who does Mr. Birling feel objects to Sheila and Gerald's engagement?

  Lady Croft
• What position did Mr. Birling hold two years ago?

  Lord Mayor
• What are Mrs. Birling and Sheila talking about when Eric leaves them to return to Gerald and Mr. Birling?

  Clothes
• How does Mr. Birling describe people who 'think everyone has to look after everyone else'?

  Cranks
• From which institute does Mr. Birling say he has learned about the way of the world?

  Hard school of experience
• What is Mr. Birling doing when the doorbell rings?

  Lecturing Gerald and Eric
• What does Eric say that Mr. Birling has 'piled on a bit' tonight?


  Advice
• What does Mr. Birling offer the Inspector when he arrives?

  A drink
• What has the girl's death been ruled as?

  Suicide
• What did the young girl swallow?

  Disinfectant
• How long ago did the young girl die according to the Inspector?

  Two hours ago
• What had the young woman left in her room?

  A letter and a sort of diary
• If the Inspector doesn't take one line of enquiry at a time, what does he say will happen?

  There'll be a muddle
• When did the young girl stop working for Birling?

  End of September
• How does Mr. Birling describe a situation in which everyone is responsible for everyone else?

  Awkward