Example Coursework Essay Plan
Question: Explore how Priestley presents power in ‘An Inspector Calls.’
KQ: Can I plan my coursework effectively?
Intro:
Para 4:
Power presented through characters’ words and actions.
Power needs to be handled carefully – misuse of power not only
Ruins the lives of the less powerful but the Birlings’ lives also.
Knowledge is power – he is almost a supernatural being in his power.
The Inspector is ‘ghoul-like’ and holds most power in the play, even
imposing his will and ideology on Sheila Birling. Almost makes her a
surrogate inspector.
Para 1:
Arthur Birling – first powerful character. Caricature of capitalism.
Representation of the bourgeoisie. Power and exploitations.
Refusal to let sentiment affect his rise to power – alliterative
‘hard-headed’ and ‘practical’ – ‘lower costs and higher prices.’
Para 2:
Para 5:
Interesting that Priestley allows two different characters with opposing
views to be ‘powerful’ in the play. Birling says ‘a man has to look after
himself’ whilst the inspector insists ‘we are all part of one body.’ One
uses his power for good, however, to bring about responsibility.
Arthur Birling continued – relation to Eva Smith. Fears losing
power over workers. Fear of unionisation – says she had ‘too
much’ to say for herself. Rise of the proletariat is the capitalist’s
fear. Abuse of power – power is a negative, corrupting force.
Para 6:
Para 3:
Para 7:
The Inspector is just as powerful as Arthur Birling, with his
commanding presence and ability to force disclosure through
ordered thinking and short, direct questions like ‘well?’
Power in his omniscience also.
Mrs Birling’s prejudice and contempt of the lower classes is another
example of abuse of power Says that is it ‘absurd’ for Eva to have
‘scruples’ whilst being ‘a girl of her position.’ Lack of repentance – even
tells the inspect that he has ‘no power to make me change my mind.’
Last character in relation to power – Mrs Birling. Born into power and
wealth. Perceived social superiority means that she expects to not be
questioned at all, calling the inspector’s questions ‘a trifle impertinent.’
Conclusion: Priestley shows power is a corrupting force and should be used for good. Birlings and G Croft are all shown to have grossly abused their powers and in doing so,
Priestley makes the audience feel unsympathetic towards the Capitalist ideals – which break family, collegiate working and espouse prejudice in the community.