english literature

• In what year does the play mentioned in the study material take place?

  1913
• What is the significance of the characters being absent during the family celebration?


  It highlights the themes of influence and acceptance in the play.
• How does Eric's questioning of Mr. Birling reflect the class dynamics in the play?

  It demonstrates the tension between the upper class and the working class.
• What role does the inspector play in the narrative?

  • Questions the characters about their involvement with Eva Smith
  • Represents social responsibility
  • Challenges the capitalist views of Mr. Birling
• Who is Eva Smith in relation to Mr. Birling?


  She was an employee who was fired by Mr. Birling.
• What happens to Eva Smith after she leaves Mr. Birling's factory?

  She finds employment in a clothes shop called Milwards.
• How does the character of Sheila Birling react to Eva Smith's situation?

  Sheila becomes angry at Eva and has her fired from Milwards.
• What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

  She symbolizes the struggles of the working class and the consequences of social injustice.
• What does the study material suggest about the themes of femininity in relation to Eva Smith?


  Eva conforms to a stereotype of femininity that values beauty, fashion, and sophistication.
• How does the play depict the relationship between social class and personal responsibility?

  The play critiques the upper class's lack of accountability for their actions towards the working class.
• What are the main themes explored in the play?

  • Social responsibility
  • Class conflict
  • Gender roles
  • The impact of individual actions on others
• What is the emotional response of the characters when they learn about Eva Smith's death?

  They are shocked and begin to reflect on their actions.
• How does the setting of the family celebration contribute to the play's themes?

  The celebration contrasts with the serious issues raised by the inspector, highlighting social disparities.
• What does the inspector's arrival signify in the context of the play?

  It signifies a turning point where the characters must confront their moral failures.
• What is a political diatribe?

  A political attack
• What does the term microcosm refer to?

  A small group of people who represent sections of society
• What does the term façade mean?

  An appearance
• What is capitalism?

  A system of organizing society by which businessmen control money and keep it for themselves
• What is socialism?

  A system of organizing society by which money is shared equally
• What does collectivist mean?

  The group is more important than the individual
• What does individualist mean?

  The individual is more important than the group
• What is dramatic irony?

  The audience knows more than the characters
• What does the term arrogant mean?

  Self-important, believing that one is superior to others
• What is morality?


  The code of right and wrong
• What does reputation refer to?

  How an individual's character is seen by other members of society
• What does discredited mean?

  Disgraced, having a damaged reputation
• What is hypocrisy?

  Pretending to believe in something you don't agree with
• What does obstinate mean?

  Stubborn, unwilling to change
• What does overbearing mean?

  Domineering, asserting power over other people
• What does materialistic mean?


  Interested only in money and things
• What are the key characteristics of capitalism and socialism?


  • Capitalism:
  • Businessmen control money
  • Wealth is kept by individuals
  • Socialism:
  • Money is shared equally
  • Focus on collective ownership
• What are the differences between collectivist and individualist ideologies?

  • Collectivist:
  • Group importance over individual
  • Individualist:
  • Individual importance over group
• What are the implications of dramatic irony in literature?


  • Audience has knowledge that characters do not
  • Creates tension and engagement