An Inspector Calls
J.B Priestley
The question is worth 34 marks (30 for content and 4 for spelling and grammar)
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Theme and Character based questions
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Paired with Poetry. Total exam time 2 hour 15
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Year 11 November 2024
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The Exam
Set Texts
Revision Checklist
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the main events of a play, novel, film, or similar work
Plot
Why do I need to know this?
In an essay, you will need to show that you understand where the extract you are given, fits in with the rest of the play-- what happens before and what happens after the extract? Why is the extract important to the progression of the play or the characters it involves?
Act 1-3 Analysis
Act 2 and 3 Questions
Extension Questions
Comic Strip
Quotes
Why do I need to know this?
In an essay, you will need to show evidence from the text. You will have an extract, however you will need to memorise events and quotations from other parts of the play, too. Your quotes will need to be analysed and you must include a Word Level Analysis, author's intentions and effect on the reader.
Exploding Quotes
Examples:
“Lower costs, higher prices”
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Capitalism
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Makes us consider what his true intentions are
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Industrial revolution
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Superlative shows intensity (LowER, highER)
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Contrast shows range (lower/higher)
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Shows he is upper class because cheap labour= profitable
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He was at dinner with Gerald when he said this, which was very much a BUSINESS transaction, so he focusses on how he can make a PROFIT. Impressing Gerald?
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Priestley was a socialist so he has a biased against the character he created.
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Talking business at an engagement dinner—arrogant, selfish, unaware of surroundings
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Trying to exert his power and authority, showing the control of his business
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Shows he is of a higher social class and DOESN’T CARE about the needs of his workers. A jerk.
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The author positions us to hate him and think very negatively about him—antagonist
“There will be a public scandal—unless were lucky”
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Worried about reputation
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Is he worried about HIS reputation or his family’s?
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Worried what this could do for his business—Public—outer world, US vs THEM
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While worried, he is hopeful at the end—relies on luck to get him out of it? Not hard work?
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One of the only times in the play where he shows uncertainty—not expected of his pompous character
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Scandal—very serious
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May lose respect and be seen differently. Public persona is very important to him
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Through this, Priestley’s message is…
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This reflects the theme of social class because….
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This tells us that Birling is very…. Because…
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The writer positions us to feel this way because….
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“There will be”—definitive/controlling. There definitely will be… he is being very decisive.
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He is saying this to his family, after hearing about Eva’s death which surely makes them feel…. Because… is it right to make the family feel this way?
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Patriarchy
Try exploding these quotes:
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"silly, little war scares"
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"Just let me finish, Eric"
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"Community and all that nonsense"
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Birling calls the Inspector's visit a "hoax"
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"Theyre not cheap labour, theyre people!
an idea that reoccurs in a work of art or literature.
Themes
Why do I need to know this?
In an essay, you will need to comment on how the extract ties into a theme of the play. What is the message the author is trying to say about this theme? What is the author's attitudes or beliefs about this message? What does s/he want you to think? Is the theme tied to a specific character? Explain.
Characters
A person in a novel, play or film.
AIC Characters
AIC Characters
'An Inspector Calls': Eva Smith Character Analysis (animated)
'An Inspector Calls': Eric Character Analysis (animated)
'An Inspector Calls': Gerald Animated Character Analysis (spoilers)
Character Revision Booklet
Why do I need to know this?
In an exam question, you may be asked about a specific character. You must know what kind of person they are-- their appearance, their personality and how they have (or haven't!) developed through the play. You will need to use precise vocabulary for this section and you will also need to know at least 5 quotations for each character.
Revision Booklets
Stoke Newington Revision Book
General
Revision Book
Practise Exam Questions
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How far do you agree that Mr Birling is a man who takes care of his family?
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How far do you agree that Mr Birling is a "man of the time?" Link this to historical context and evidence from the text
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How does Priestley present contrasting views about social responsibility? Use at least two moments from the text
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Analyse the inspectors last speech. How does Priestley present social responsibility in this speech? Comment on at least 3 things.