an inspector calls

• What is the role of Inspector Goole in the play?

  • Points out the responsibility of each main character for Eva Smith
  • Advocates for social responsibility among individuals
  • Critiques the self-interest of the privileged classes
• What does Inspector Goole believe about society's responsibility?


  People in society are responsible for each other.
• How does Inspector Goole view the capitalist society?

  He believes it exploits the poor.
• What are the main themes presented in the play?

  • Community responsibility
  • Class system
  • Gender roles
  • The generation gap
  • Social expectations
• What class do the Birling family represent?

  Middle class
• What does Arthur Birling refer to himself as?

  "Social superior"
• What does the character Eva Smith symbolize?

  The working class
• How does Mrs. Birling view women's roles in society?

  She believes women should support their husbands' careers.
• What does Arthur Birling believe about the natural order of society?

  He believes in a natural hierarchy.
• How does Inspector Goole's character differ from Arthur Birling's views?

  Inspector Goole is unimpressed by Arthur's claims of superiority.
• What is the generational divide in the play?

  • Older generation (Gerald, Arthur, Sybil) dismisses the younger generation's views.
  • Younger generation (Eric, Sheila) feels a sense of responsibility.
  • Inspector suggests younger people are more impressionable and open to moral influence.
• What literary technique does Priestley use to convey irony in the play?

  He uses dramatic irony.
• What is an oxymoron?

  A pairing of two contradictory ideas.
• What does Sheila Birling express about her feelings towards her actions?

  She feels guilty about her actions.
• How does Mrs. Birling's character reflect societal attitudes towards women?

  She embodies the expectation for women to support their husbands.
• What does the Inspector mean by saying "we are members of one body"?

  It emphasizes the interconnectedness and shared responsibility of society.
• How does the character of Arthur Birling view labor issues?

  He dismisses concerns about labor trouble as exaggerated.
• What does the phrase "self-assured" imply about a character's demeanor?

  It suggests confidence and certainty in one's actions or beliefs.
• What does "dramatic irony" create in the context of the play?

  It creates a lack of credibility in the characters' beliefs.
• How does the Inspector's character challenge the Birlings' views?

  He confronts their self-centered attitudes and emphasizes social responsibility.
• What does the Inspector mean by "giving us the rope so that we'll hang ourselves"?

  It suggests that the characters will reveal their own guilt through their actions.
• What does Sheila mean when she says, "You and I aren't the same people who sat down to dinner here"?

  It indicates that the events have changed their perspectives and sense of responsibility.
• How does the character of Gerald Croft represent the upper class?

  He embodies the traits of privilege and self-interest.
• What does the phrase "we've passed the worst of it" imply about Arthur Birling's attitude towards the future?

  It suggests he is overly optimistic and dismissive of potential issues.
• How does the Inspector's presence affect the Birling family?

  It forces them to confront their actions and responsibilities.
• What does the Inspector's statement "we don't live alone" suggest about his views on society?

  It emphasizes the importance of community and collective responsibility.
• How does the play reflect the social issues of its time?

  It critiques class disparity and advocates for social responsibility.
• What does the character express about their financial situation compared to Eric's age?

  They have more money to spend and time to spare than they had when they were Eric's age.
• What does the phrase "A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own" imply about the character's values?

  It suggests a self-centered and individualistic approach to life.
• How does Sheila's statement about the inquest reflect her understanding of the situation?

  Sheila realizes that the outcome of the inquest will not benefit them.
• What does Inspector Goole insist on knowing?

  He insists on knowing all that happened.
• What does Priestley's voice convey about social responsibility?

  It conveys that we are all interconnected and have a duty to one another.
• How does the Inspector describe the girl he is investigating?

  He describes her as friendless, almost penniless, and desperate.
• What does the Inspector mean by "We have to share something. If there's nothing else, we'll have to share our guilt"?

  It means that everyone involved has a collective responsibility for the girl's fate.
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about public men suggest about his character?

  It suggests he believes that public figures have responsibilities that come with their privileges.
• What does the Inspector mean by "No hushing up, eh?"

  He means that the truth cannot be concealed or ignored.
• What does the phrase "men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire, blood and anguish" imply about societal consequences?

  It implies that if society does not learn from its mistakes, it will face severe repercussions.
• What does Eric Birling's character reveal about his relationship with his family?

  He is willing to speak up and express his views, indicating a level of conflict.
• How does Gerald's admission about keeping a girl as a mistress reflect his character?

  It shows that he has been unfaithful but acknowledges his actions.
• What does Sheila's statement about driving the girl to suicide reveal about her character development?

  It shows her growing awareness of the consequences of her actions and her remorse.