GCSE English Literature Unit 1 Modern Texts An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley LO: to explore the way Priestley uses dramatic irony to present Eric Key words: SOCIAL SUPERIOR / CLASS HIERACHY / CHARITY Make sure you pay close attention to the stage directions.

DECEITFUL BITTER DRUNK Which words best depict Eric’s personality so far? SULKY SLY YOUNG SPOILT WILD ANGRY IMMATURE KIND DECEITFUL BITTER DRUNK GENEROUS CHILDISH FOOLISH

What do we know about Eric so far? What does Mr Birling say about him in Act 1? What is Sheila’s relationship with Eric like? What has the audience discovered about his political beliefs? His attitude to responsibility? What clues are there that he has had any involvement with Eva/Daisy? DRAMATIC IRONY

Eric’s role Choose adjectives to describe Eric’s mood at the start of Act Three. Why do you think he drinks? Eric helps himself to a drink before relating his relationship with Eva, confirming to the others his familiarity with heavy drinking. What else do we and the other characters learn about Eric in this scene? Does your opinion of him change after reading this scene? Adjectives students may suggest include: bitter, angry, guilty, miserable.

Dramatic irony Mrs Birling passes the responsibility onto Eric, without realising it. I’ll tell you what I told her. Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility. What was Eric responsible for? What gave Eric the right to behave in this way? How did he face his responsibility? How does he feel now? What would be the audience’s response to Eric’s behaviour. Worksheet Twenty-one accompanies this slide. 5

Eric Personality Evidence Build up a character profile of Eric, Act 3, using the table below. Find quotes and examples to support your ideas. Personality Evidence Worksheet Ten accompanies this slide.

How does Priestly present Eric in Act 3? Track Eric’s intervention in Act 3 Opening speeches How does he come across? Quotes/explore the significance of key words What is Priestley inferring/suggesting - themes?

How responsible do you think Eric is for the death of Eva Smith? Say it: ………. Prove it: “ “ Explain it: This suggests/highlights/indicates that………………………………….. [link clearly to themes + context]

Or….. Imagine you are Eric and you have gone to visit your AA counsellor and you confess to him the reasons why you have turned to drink. Try and make your writing realistic by keeping in the style with Eric’s character.

Assessment Objectives AO 1 10% Respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations AO 2 Explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of characters, ideas, themes and settings

B Grade: I can explain in detail my views of a character and can justify and support my views with quotes. C Grade: I can say what I think about the character and use quotations. D Grade: I can say what I think about the character.