Key Context
In what year was the play set?
1912
Who is the first character to be questioned by Inspector Goole?
Mr Arthur Birling
Fill in the blank:
Mr Birling: 'I'd give ........... - yes ............'
Thousands...thousands
Which theme in the play is most clearly represented by Inspector Goole?
responsibility
Which of the following best describes Mr Birling?
a) Compassionate and forward-thinking
b) Arrogant and self-serving
c) Weak and indecisive
d) Generous and humble
b) Arrogant and self-serving
What political ideology does Priestley promote through the character of the Inspector?
Socialism and collective responsibility
What is the reason for Mr Birling firing Eva Smith from his factory?
She asked for higher wages.
Fill in the blank:
Mrs Birling: 'That - I consider - is a ....... ................, Inspector'
trifle impertinent
How does the theme of class division impact Eva Smith's fate?
How does Sheila Birling change over the course of the play?
Sheila starts as a naïve and privileged young woman but becomes more socially aware and remorseful after learning about her role in Eva Smith’s downfall. Unlike her parents, she accepts responsibility for her actions and embraces the Inspector’s message of social change.
How does the time when the play was written contrast with the time in which it is set?
In 1945, Britain has just won World War II, while in 1912, people were unaware of World War I that was to come.
What secret does Gerald reveal about his involvement with Daisy (Eva Smith)?
He had an affair with her and helped her for a short time.
Fill in the blank:
Sheila: 'But we really must stop these silly ..............'
pretences
How does Priestley present the theme of power in the play?
Power is shown through class, gender and social status. The wealthy Birling's and Gerald use their power to exploit Eva Smith, showing the corruption of privilege.
In what way does Eric Birling’s character contrast with his father’s?
Unlike Mr. Birling, who refuses to take responsibility for his actions, Eric acknowledges his mistakes and expresses genuine remorse. His character arc represents the potential for change in younger generations, aligning with Priestley’s message about social responsibility.
How does Priestley use dramatic irony to undermine Arthur Birling's confidence in his beliefs?
Birling insists there will be no war and that the Titanic is unsinkable. The audience from 1945 onwards know that both of these things are untrue.
What twist is revealed at the end of the play?
The Inspector was not a real police inspector and was just there to make the family reflect on their own behaviour towards society.
Fill in the blank:
Stage directions about Eric: 'He handles the decanter with all the familiarity of ......, ........... drinking'
quick, heavy
What is the significance of the younger generation's response to the Inspector's message?
Sheila and Eric show guilt and a willingness to change, whereas their parents remain stubborn. This suggests hope for the future and that the younger generations are more open to social responsibility.
How does Gerald Croft's reaction to the Inspector’s revelations differ from Sheila’s?
Gerald initially appears remorseful about his affair with Eva but later tries to undermine the Inspector’s authority by questioning his legitimacy. Unlike Sheila, he is eager to dismiss the events of the evening and return to normal life, showing his reluctance to change.
How does An Inspector Calls reflect Priestley's hopes for post-war Britain?
He supports the idea of working together as a society and rejecting selfishness.
What is J.B Priestley's main message for the audience?
People should take responsibility for their actions and help others.
Fill in the blanks:
Gerald: 'It's the favourite ......... of women of the .........'
haunt, town
How does the cyclical (circular) structure of the play reinforce the theme of responsibility?
The play ends similarly to how it began, with another phone call about an inspector investigating a suicide. This suggests the Birling's have not learned from their mistakes and history will repeat itself.
What is the significance of Inspector Goole’s name?
The name “Goole” sounds like “ghoul,” suggesting he may be a supernatural figure or a symbolic force rather than a real inspector. This ambiguity reinforces his role as a moral conscience, guiding the characters to reflect on their actions.