Overview & Key scenes

• Who wrote 'An Inspector Calls' and in what year was it written?

  1. B. Priestley wrote 'An Inspector Calls' in 1945.
• In what year is 'An Inspector Calls' set?

  It is set in 1912.
• What is the significance of the play being set in real time?

  It means there is no change in time or location between acts.
• What class does the Birling family belong to?

  The Birling family is upper-middle class.
• Who visits the Birling family and what is his purpose?

  A mysterious inspector visits to investigate the death of a young woman by suicide.
• How does Priestley portray the responsibility of the Birling family in the death of Eva Smith?

  Each family member is revealed to be involved and partially responsible for her death.
• Who is Arthur Birling and what does he represent?

  Arthur Birling is the head of Birling and Company and represents the capitalist businessman.
• What is Sybil Birling's role in the play?

  Sybil Birling is the wife of Arthur Birling and represents the upper-class, socially prominent wife.
• How does Sheila Birling's character contribute to the themes of the play?

  Sheila represents the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the feminist movement.
• What does Eric Birling symbolize in the play?

  Eric represents the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the consequences of toxic masculine culture.
• Who is Gerald Croft and what does he represent?

  Gerald Croft is the son of Sir and Lady Croft and represents privilege and the dominance of the upper classes and patriarchy.
• What ideals does Inspector Goole represent?

  Inspector Goole represents the ideals of socialism and social responsibility, as well as the ideal justice system.
• Who is Eva Smith and what does she symbolize?

  Eva Smith is a lower-class young girl who is mistreated by the Birlings and represents the neglected lower classes.
• What are the main events in Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls'?

  1. The Birlings celebrate Sheila's engagement to Gerald.
  2. Inspector Goole arrives to speak with Mr. Birling about Eva Smith's death.
  3. Mr. Birling reveals he fired Eva after she led a strike for higher wages.
  4. Sheila admits to having Eva fired from Milward's out of jealousy.
  5. The Inspector reveals Eva changed her name to Daisy Renton.
  6. Sheila accuses Gerald of having an affair with Daisy Renton.

  
• What does Mr. Birling toast to during the dinner in Act 1?

  He toasts to the progress made by society.
• What tragic event does the Inspector reveal has occurred?

  A young woman, Eva Smith, has died at the Infirmary after drinking disinfectant.
• How does Mr. Birling justify firing Eva Smith?

  He believes he was fully justified in firing her after she led a strike for higher wages.
• What does Sheila's reaction to Eva's firing reveal about her character?

  Sheila feels guilty and acknowledges her actions had serious consequences.
• What does Gerald admit to during the Inspector's questioning?

  Gerald admits to having an affair with Daisy Renton.
• What are the key events in Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls'?

  1. Gerald admits to his affair with Daisy Renton.
  2. The Inspector questions Mrs. Birling about her refusal to help a pregnant woman.
  3. The family realizes the father of the unborn child is Eric.
  4. Eric admits to drinking heavily and acting aggressively towards Eva.
  5. The Inspector loses patience and emphasizes the need for social responsibility.

  
• What does Mrs. Birling do at the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation?

  She ensures a young, pregnant woman is refused help.
• How does Eric's admission of guilt affect the family dynamics?

  It creates tension and reveals the family's moral failings.
• What are the key events in Act 3 of 'An Inspector Calls'?

  1. Eric admits to his aggressive behavior towards Eva.
  2. The Inspector tells the Birlings they must accept responsibility.
  3. The family argues about the Inspector's legitimacy.
  4. They discover the Inspector was not a real police investigator.
  5. A phone call reveals a girl has just died, and another inspector is on the way.

  
• What does the Inspector mean by "fire and blood and anguish"?

  He warns that failing to accept social responsibility will lead to dire consequences.
• What does Gerald do after admitting to his affair?

  He leaves to go on a walk, feeling emotional.
• How do Sheila and Eric differ from the rest of the family in their response to the Inspector's visit?

  They believe they should learn from their misdeeds, while the others dismiss guilt.

  
• What is the final twist at the end of the play?


  A girl has just died on the way to the Infirmary, and another inspector is on the way to question the Birlings.
• What are the key themes introduced in Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls'?

  • Class and social responsibility
  • The impact of individual actions on others
  • Gender roles and expectations
  • The conflict between capitalism and socialism

  
• How does Priestley use stage directions to convey the setting in Act 1?

  He describes the lighting as "pink and intimate," indicating a sense of luxury and comfort.
• What does Mr. Birling's speech about the future reveal about his character?

  It shows his optimism and ignorance regarding the realities of the world, particularly about war.
• How does the audience's knowledge of the Titanic affect their perception of Mr. Birling?

  It creates dramatic irony, as the audience knows the Titanic sank, contrasting Mr. Birling's confidence in progress.
• What does Mr. Birling's dismissal of "community" suggest about his values?

  It suggests he values individualism and self-interest over collective responsibility.
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?

  She becomes more aware of social issues and takes responsibility for her actions.
• What role does the structure of Act 1 play in establishing character dynamics?

  It highlights the dominance of male figures and sets up conflicts among family members.
• What does the phrase "good solid furniture" imply about the Birling family?


  It implies their wealth and social status as a prosperous family.
• How does Priestley use lighting to influence the audience's perception of the Birlings?

  The "pink and intimate" lighting creates a false sense of security and ignorance among the characters.
• What does Mr. Birling's reference to "bees in a hive" suggest about his view of society?

  It suggests he views community and cooperation as primitive and undesirable.
• How does Sheila's possessiveness towards Gerald foreshadow future conflicts?

  It hints at underlying jealousy and insecurity in their relationship.
• What does the phrase "silly pessimistic talk" reveal about Mr. Birling's attitude towards social issues?

  It reveals his dismissive and arrogant attitude towards concerns about labor strikes and war.

  
• How does the structure of dialogue in Act 1 reflect the social hierarchy within the Birling family?

  Mr. Birling and Gerald dominate the conversation, reflecting their higher social status.