AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Overall Purpose J B Priestley was a passionate Socialist who uses his play to criticise societies treatment of the working classes. So… any theme or character you are given needs linking to this in your introduction! Set in 1912 (a time of class divide, Capitalist society) Written 1946 (aftermath of WWs)

Play structure Dramatic irony in Birling’s speeches deliberately used to undermine the character. Arthur Birling is the first one to be responsible – Capitalism is the root of all problems for the working classes. Juxtaposing responses towards guilt / responsibility from younger and older generations. Telephone at end – cyclical structure – punishment for their failure to accept responsibility. Family dinner (exposition) Arthur Birling (obligatory scene) Sheila Birling (obligatory scene) ----------------- (climatic curtain) Gerald Croft (obligatory scene) Sybil Birling (obligatory scene) ----------------- (climatic curtain) Eric Birling (obligatory scene) Inspector Goole Gerald returns

Character Symbolism Arthur Birling – Capitalism Sheila Birling – Hope for the future, changing role of women Gerald Croft – Upper class superiority and sense of entitlement Sybil Birling – Cold, hypocritical attitude of upper classes Eric Birling – Hope for the future, redemption Inspector Goole – Socialism, author’s voice Eva Smith – Treatment of the working classes (name!) Key word: epitome Who could be considered as foils?

Themes Social Class – Eva is deliberately shown to be more moral than the middle/upper class characters Responsibility – juxtaposing speeches (Birling and Inspector) challenge views on social responsibility Appearance and Reality – highlighting the corruption of the middle classes Gender – mistreatment of working class women, changing attitudes to the role of women Generations – younger offer hope for change in society (if exposed to the teachings of socialism)

Lighting and Staging “the lighting was pink” – rose tinted views; false sense of importance “brighter and harder” – Inspector shines the light of truth, exposes reality “comfortable but not cosy and homelike” – theme of appearance vs reality – the family are not what they seem

Greek Unities and Chorus All action takes place in same time / setting. This adds intensity and the characters (and audience) cannot escape from facing up to the truth. The inspector’s final speech fulfils the role of the Greek chorus, conveying a message to the audience.

Morality teaching against the deadly sins Priestley carefully crafts the play to ensure we condemn the characters for their actions. In particular, the lack of redemption from Arthur Birling and Sybil Birling focuses the audience on the sin of pride and greed, which Priestley associates with the class system.

Symbolism Port: social class and false appearances Ring: engagement, marriage as a financial agreement Doors: Sheila and Eric return accepting responsibility; Edna, as a member of the working class, welcoming in the Inspector Disinfectant: kills Eva, ‘cleans’ the Birling family Telephone: final ‘call’ brings justice due to lack of redemption

In the exam… Clear introduction linking the question to the purpose of the play Plan to include (where relevant): Play genre (Greek / morality) Play structure (cyclical / use of ___ / dramatic irony / lighting) Character symbolism / purpose Symbolism (port / ring / door / disinfectant / telephone) Lots of examples of character actions / quotations Language choices Audience reactions