An Inspector Calls – JB
Priestley
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
What do we need to do in this unit:
• We will study a play which has been written and
performed after 1914
• We will be thinking about character as well as
plot and setting
• Our main focus will be the theatrical elements of
the play and the social and historical context (
what was going on at the time )
• We will read the whole play but we will only focus
on short extracts from various scenes
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
What was happening when the play was written?
•Although the play is set in 1912, it was written in 1945, as the
Second World War was just ending. It was a time of great turmoil
for the British people.
•This play is set during 1912 – the period immediately before the
First World War. It was a time when people were uncertain about
the future and Britain were no longer quite as powerful as they
thought they were.
•After the war was an equally difficult time. There was the General
Strike in 1926 and the Great Depression in during the 1930’s.
•There was a large difference in class systems; the rich got richer
and the poor got poorer.
•Many people believed that, after two world wars and the problems
that came about after them, the world needed to be a fairer place
and people needed to treat others better.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
•
What clues are there in the initial stage directions that the
Birling family are wealthy and upper class?
•
The opening few lines of the play are given to Mr Birling. What
impression do we get of his character?
•
At the bottom of page 2, Mrs Birling scolds her husband for what
he says. Why do you think what he said was so wrong?
•
Look again at Mrs Birling’s speech on p.3 of the play. What
impression do we get of the position between men and women
during this time?
•
Birling is clearly pleased that Sheila is marrying Gerald – why do
you think he is so pleased?
•
Look again at p.5 of the play. Do you think Gerald and Sheila are
really in love? What clues are there?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
The opening of the play introduces the main
characters, and in particular, the character of Mr
Birling.
Above is one person’s interpretation of what
Mr Birling might look like. Based on your
reading, either draw or write a paragraph
explaining what you think the character
might look like. Once you have done this,
choose one quotation from the opening few
pages of the play which you think sums up
the character best.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Part of the importance of studying a play like this, is the
audience’s interpretation of the characters … both in the way
they look and their personality.
Our job is to use our own imagination to construct a
character.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Synopsis so far …
Mr Birling, a wealthy and ambitious man, and his family
are celebrating the engagement of his daughter, Sheila
to Gerald, the son of upper class business people. Mr
Birling is seen to be confident and controlling whereas
his wife fits happily into the role of rich housewife. The
family enjoy a luxurious life, complete with hired help,
champagne and cigars. The playwright shows that Mrs
Birling is of a different social class to her husband, as
she knows how to behave in front of guests whereas her
husband shows off. He is also pleased with the marriage
because it will improve business relations. Gerald gives
Sheila an engagement ring – they are clearly in love – but
her attention is taken away when her father wants to
make yet another speech.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Part of the importance of studying a play and writing
coursework essays is finding evidence to support our
opinions and ideas.
The following slide contains four points about the
scene between Mr Birling and Gerald – the scene we
have just read aloud. Your job is to find quotations
from the play – evidence – to support your ideas.
You can use stage directions and speech, but your
quotation must appear exactly as it does in the play.
The first one has been done to help you.
Focus on p.8 and p.9 only!
Point
Evidence
Mr Birling is conscious of the
fact that Gerald is his social
superior
Mr Birling: ‘Lady Croft – while she
doesn’t object to my girl – feels you
might have done better for yourself
socially.’
Mr Birling enjoys showing off to
prove himself. (p.8)
J.B. Priestley ( the playwright )
hints that Eric might have a drink
problem. (p.9)
Mr Birling believes a man should
be the head – and most important
member - of the family. (p.9)
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Which one of the following is the odd one out?
Mr
Birling
An
engagement
ring
World War
One
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
What themes have we seen in the play so far?
Suspense
Ambition
Love
Murder
Deceit
Money
Social class
Anger
Passion
Desire
Jealousy
Loneliness
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
You have a secret that, if it got out, would damage not only your
personal relationships but also your reputation and business
connections. However, if you keep your secret, you know that other
people will get the blame for what you have done. Do you:
•Own up and face the consequences.
•Not own up and leave the country, for fear that you might be
found out.
•Not own up and refuse to feel guilty about what you have
done.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
The setting for An Inspector Calls is the Birling household – they are
celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald. However, by the
end of Act two, the reason why these people have come together this
evening, is over and Sheila and Gerald have broken off their
engagement.
What words would you use to describe Gerald and Sheila at this point
in the play? Choose three words for each character – make a note of
them in your exercise book.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Disappointed
Smug
Angry
Guilty
Repentant
Determined
Optimistic
Honest
Nonchalant
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
As we approach the end of Act two, we need to
start looking at how the playwright presents each
character and how the Inspector interrogates each
suspect in turn.
You will be given two pages of the play to look at within your group. You will also be given
question that you have to answer. You will be expected to find three quotations to match the
answer to the question.
Make your notes on the sheet and be prepared to feedback your answers to the rest of the
class.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group one
Look again at p.14 and p.15
How does Mr Birling react when the Inspector interrogates him?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group two
Look again at p.24 and p.25
How does Sheila react when the Inspector interrogates him?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group three
Look again at p.38 and p.39
How does Gerald react when the Inspector interrogates him?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group four
Look again at p.11 and p.12
What impression do we get of the Inspector when he begins his
interrogation of the Birling family?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group five
Look again at p.2 and p.3
What impression do we get of the Birling family when we first meet them?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group six
Look again at p.1 and p.2
How does JB Priestley set the scene for the play in his opening stage
directions?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Now that you have read through the
interrogation of Mrs Birling, answer the following
questions in full sentences, using evidence to
support your points.
•
What word does JB Priestley repeat in the stage directions on
p.41? What does this tell us about Mrs Birling’s reactions to his
questioning?
•
What does the Brumley’s Women’s Charity Organisation do? How
does Mrs Birling feel about her work with the charity?
•
What words in the stage directions on p.43 shows us that Mr and
Mrs Birling are beginning to get concerned about this case?
•
What does Mrs Birling admit to being when it came to Eva Smith /
Daisy Renton on p.43?
•
Look again at Mrs Birling’s speeches on p.45. Do you think she
feels guilty about what she did to Eva / Daisy?
•
What is Mr Birling concerned about on p.46? What does this tell
us about how he feels about the case of Eva / Daisy?
•
Who does Mrs Birling blame for Eva / Daisy’s situation? Why do
you think JB Priestley focuses on this point so often in this
scene?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
As we near the end of Act two – and the play – the characters and
their behaviour starts to change.
What do we notice about each character in the following quotations?
Inspector: ‘That doesn’t make it any less yours.
She came to you for help, at a time when no woman
could have needed it more. And you not only
refused it yourself but saw to it that others
refused it too. She was here, alone, friendless,
almost penniless, desperate. She needed not only
money but advice, sympathy, friendliness. You had
children. You must have known what she was
feeling. And you slammed the door in her face’
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
As we near the end of Act two – and the play – the characters and
their behaviour starts to change.
What do we notice about each character in the following quotations?
Mrs Birling: ‘Secondly, I blame the young man who
was the father of the child she was going to have.
If, as she said, he didn’t belong to her class, and
was some drunken young idler, then that’s all the
more reason why he shouldn’t escape. He should be
made an example of. If the girl’s death is due to
anybody, then it’s due to him.’
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
As we near the end of Act two – and the play – the characters and
their behaviour starts to change.
What do we notice about each character in the following quotations?
Sheila: (with sudden alarm) ‘Mother – stop – stop!’
Birling: ‘Be quiet, Sheila.’
Sheila: ‘But don’t you see –’
Mrs B: (severely) ‘You’re behaving like a hysterical
child tonight.’
(Sheila begins crying quietly. )
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
As we near the end of Act two – and the play – the characters and
their behaviour starts to change.
What do we notice about each character in the following quotations?
Birling: (terrified now) ‘Look Inpsector, you’re not
trying to tell us that – that my boy – is mixed up in
this - ?’
Inspector: (sternly) ‘If he is, then we know what to
do, don’t we? Mrs Birling has just told us.’
Birling: (thunderstruck) ‘My God! But – look here –’
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Cutting in, sharply
Exchanges a frightened glance her husband
Severely
With sudden alarm
Calmly
Thunderstruck
With dignity
Astounded
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
Severely
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
Severely
Astounded
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
Severely
Astounded
Cutting in, sharply
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
Severely
Astounded
Cutting in, sharply
With sudden alarm
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
Severely
Astounded
Cutting in, sharply
With sudden alarm
Exchanges a frightened glance her husband
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What
order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?
Calmly
With dignity
Severely
Astounded
Cutting in, sharply
With sudden alarm
Exchanges a frightened glance her husband
Thunderstruck
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
So far, we have seen how each one of the characters
contributed to the death of Eva Smith; everyone did
something to make her unhappy. The only one left to
speak is Eric … but is he the one who is ultimately to
blame? Is it his fault?
Read through the scene carefully. Once you have done
so, look at the following statements and decide which
ones are true and which are false.
•
•
•
•
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR
Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just
passing the time with Eva Smith.
Eric looks up to his father and men like him OR Eric hates what
his father stands for.
•
Mr Birling blames his son for the death of Eva Smith OR Mr
Birling accepts that everyone in the family must take some
responsibility for what has happened.
•
Eric feels guilty about what he has done to Eva Smith
unconcerned about what he has done to Eva Smith.
•
Eric is furious at his parents and their behaviour towards Eva
OR Eric is
Smith OR Eric understands why his parents did what they did.
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
•
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
•
•
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR
Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just
passing the time with Eva Smith.
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
•
•
•
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR
Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just
passing the time with Eva Smith.
Eric looks up to his father and men like him
his father stands for.
OR Eric hates what
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
•
•
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR
Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just
passing the time with Eva Smith.
OR Eric hates what
•
Eric looks up to his father and men like him
his father stands for.
•
Mr Birling blames his son for the death of Eva Smith OR Mr
Birling accepts that everyone in the family must take some
responsibility for what has happened.
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
•
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
•
•
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR
Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just
passing the time with Eva Smith.
OR Eric hates what
•
Eric looks up to his father and men like him
his father stands for.
•
Mr Birling blames his son for the death of Eva Smith OR Mr
Birling accepts that everyone in the family must take some
responsibility for what has happened.
•
Eric feels guilty about what he has done to Eva Smith
unconcerned about what he has done to Eva Smith.
OR Eric is
•
•
•
•
•
Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal
young man who lies the occasional drink.
We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We
are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet
financially.
Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva
OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.
Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR
Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just
passing the time with Eva Smith.
Eric looks up to his father and men like him OR Eric hates what
his father stands for.
•
Mr Birling blames his son for the death of Eva Smith OR Mr
Birling accepts that everyone in the family must take some
responsibility for what has happened.
•
Eric feels guilty about what he has done to Eva Smith
unconcerned about what he has done to Eva Smith.
•
Eric is furious at his parents and their behaviour towards Eva
OR Eric is
Smith OR Eric understands why his parents did what they did.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Throughout this play we have met three main
male characters – each one of them have had
dealings with Eva Smith and have played a part in
her death.
Which of the men do you sympathise with the
most? Why do you sympathise with this
character? What makes you less sympathetic with
the other two characters?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
This play has been ambiguous and complex. We
have met many characters and have formed clear
opinions about them.
What do we think is going to happen at the end of the
play?
Which characters are going to have been changed by their
experiences?
What is going to happen to the Inspector? Who is he and
what is he trying to prove?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
JB Priestley wrote this to explore the ideas of the social
conscience – he wanted to see whether people would take
responsibility for what they did to others.
The Inspector was somewhat successful in his mission …
although he did not manage to change the whole family, he
did manage to alter the views of some of them.
Look at the table on the next slide. Your aim is to decide
whether you think each character has been changed by
their interrogation from the Inspector or whether they
remain the same sort of person.
Once you have decided whether they have changed or not,
you will need to find a relevant quotation from the end of
the play to support your opinion.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Character
Have they
changed?
Mr Birling
X
Mrs Birling
Sheila
Gerald
Eric
Evidence
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
If we are to decipher how JB Priestley creates tension
throughout the play, we need to think about the
opening, calm scene. This is the starting point and the
scene changes as the Inspector is introduced.
***
Together, we are going to make class notes
which will help us to write our essay. However,
certain people will be looking at certain aspects
of the text.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group one
‘The dining room …Eric suddenly guffaws.’
(p.1 – 3)
What clues are there that this family is wealthy and rich?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group two
‘Giving us the port, Edna …much nicer really.’
(p.2 – 4)
What clues are there that this is a happy, family occasion?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group three
‘I’m delighted about this engagement … they both laugh’
(p.6 - 9)
What impression do we get of Mr Birling at the beginning of the play?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
What words would we use to describe the
opening of the play?
Tranquil
Exciting
Calm
Jubilant
Smug
Elegant
Dramatic
Revealing
Nervous
Confident
Sophisticated
Idyllic
Wealthy
Arrogant
Reserved
Difficult
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Class notes on the opening of the play.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
‘Edna goes out – They all have their glasses filled. Birling beams at them
and clearly relaxes.’ This proves that the Birling family are having a good
time.
‘Oh come, come – I’m treating Gerald like one of the family.’ This proves
that the family are happy and relaxed.
‘I’ll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee.’ This proves that
the family are wealthy and of a high social status.
‘Port, cigar box and cigarettes.’ This proves that the family are used to
luxuries in life.
Birling: ( raising his glass ) So here’s wishing you both the very best that
life cane bring.’ This proves that Birling is delighted at the engagement
between Gerald and Sheila.
‘I speak as a hard-headed businessman who has to take risks and know
what he’s about.’ This proves that Mr Birling cares only about business and
money.
Mrs Birling: ‘Our congratulations and very best wishes.’ This proves that
Mrs Birling wants everyone in the family to know that she approves of the
engagement.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
When we begin to write an essay, we need to
think about not only what we write but also how
we write. You will not get a C grade if you do not
write in the appropriate way.
The most important thing is that you use a
particular formula in all of your essay writing. This
formula is called Point – Evidence – Explanation.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Point
This is where you introduce the point you are going to
make. This should only be one – two sentences.
Evidence
This is where you include your quotation. It should be
short, relevant and accurate.
Explanation
This is the most important part of your paragraph as this is
where you explain what your quotation shows us. This is
where your examiner will decide what grade you are.
!
If you use Point – Evidence –
Explanation you will automatically be
awarded a C grade. If you do not,
examiners will find it harder to
award you the best grades.
An example of Point – Reason –
Justification might be …
At the beginning of the play, JB
Priestley shows us what the character
of Mr Birling is like.
This is your
Evidence.
The quote
follows on
from the Point
above.
This is the Point.
It is brief and only
introduces the
point you are
going to make.
‘So – well –I gather there’s a very good
chance of a knighthood – so long as we behave
ourselves, don’t get into the police court or
start a scandal – eh?’ (p.8)
This proves that Mr Birling is a man who is only
concerned with business and social status. He
is looking forward to a knighthood because he
believes that it will make him look better to
people like Gerald’s parents. JB Priestley tries
to get the audience to dislike Mr Birling.
This is your
Explanation. It is
the longest part of
your paragraph
and it is where you
show what you
know.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
In this section of your essay you need to …
•
Write one paragraph about how Mr Birling is portrayed in the
opening of the scene.
•
Write one paragraph about the way in which the family are
portrayed as wealthy and upper class.
•
Write one paragraph about relaxed and happy the family are at
the beginning of the play.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
The only version of An Inspector Calls is the black and
white version we watched in class. Yet, the play is studied
by hundreds of GCSE students.
Imagine you are the casting director of a major new – blockbuster
– version of the play. You have been given responsibility for
casting the roles of …
Mr Birling
Mrs Birling
Sheila
Gerald
Eric
Inspector Goole.
Who would you choose to play these parts? Think
carefully about your choices – don’t just choose people
you like; choose those who you think would be well
suited to the part.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group one
Inspector:’Mrs Birling, you’re a member … Mrs B: But I accept no
blame for it at all.’
(p.42 – 47)
How does the Inspector question Mrs Birling? How does Mrs Birling
react to this? What does this show us about the Inspector’s
opinion of this family?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group two
Inspector:As soon as I mentioned the name … Inspector: I see …
(p.33 - 37)
How does the Inspector question Gerald? Does the Inspector ever
give the audience – or Gerald – any information? Why do you think
JB Priestley does this?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group three
Extracts from p. 12 and p.21.
Who does the Inspector show the photograph to? How do they
react? What do their reactions tell us about their characters?
Why does he not need to show the photo to other characters?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group four
Inspector: ‘Mr Birling? … Mr Birling: This unpleasant business.’
(p.11 – 17)
How does Mr Birling react to the Inspector when he first comes into
the Birling household? How does his reaction change? What does
this tell us about how Mr Birling feels after the Inspector has
questioned him?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Group five
There are three acts in this play. Look again at the ending of each act.
What happens at the end of each act? Why do you think JB Priestley
chooses to end the scene in this way? How does the ending of the
act add to the tension of the play?
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Playwrights try to very the tension of their plays – if every
scene was as tense as the last, the audience would find the
play predictable and boring.
In your exercise books, design a graph. On this graph,
plot five key points from the play. Decide where you
would put them on the tension scale, rating the least
tense scene as 1 and the most tense scene as 10.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
10
What do you notice about the points you
have plotted in your graph? What insight
does this give you into the mind of the
playwright … what is he trying to do?
5
1
The
party
The
Inspector
arrives
Sheila’s
story
Mrs Birling’s
story
The end
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
Class notes on the play …
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
At the beginning of the play, Mr Birling tries to make friends with the
Inspector and is inviting and pleasant. ‘Mr Birling: Have a glass of port – or
a little whisky.’
As the scene continues, Mr Birling tries to get rid of the Inspector. ‘Mr
Birling: We shall be along in a minute now, just finishing.’
As he finished his questions, Mr Birling starts to get annoyed and is nasty
to the Inspector. He forgets all of his social graces and manners. ‘Mr
Birling: ( angrily ) Look here, Inspector. I find this uncalled for and
officious.
The Inspector shows the photograph to Mr Birling. ‘( takes a photograph,
about postcard size, out of his pocket and goes to Birling. )
The Inspector also shows the photo to Gerald. ‘Gerald: Any particular
reason why I shouldn’t see this girls’ photo, Inspector?’
The Inspector also shows it to Sheila. ‘( she looks at it closely, recognises
it with a little cry, gives a half stifled sob, and then runs out.’ )
The Inspector only shows the photo to certain people and never shows the
photo to the whole family. It makes us wonder whether it is the same girl
or not.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Class notes on the play …
The Inspector takes control of the situation when questioning Gerald,
even though Gerald is of a higher social position than him. ‘Inspector: He
must wait his turn.’
The Inspector only asks basic questions of Gerald, but Gerald gives him
lots of detailed answers. ‘When and where did you meet her?’ Gerald tells
his tale without having to, suggesting he has a guilty conscience and wants
to get things off his chest.
The Inspector questions Mrs Birling very promptly and pointedly; he
doesn’t waste time with manners and pleasantries. Mrs Birling doesn’t like
this. ‘Mrs Birling: If that was any business of yours. ‘
Mr Birling does not trust the Inspector and stands up for his family, even
though he is a hard-headed businessman. ‘Birling: Is there any reason why
my wife should answer that question, Inspector.’
The end of Act one finishes on a cliffhanger. ‘Inspector: Well?’ This is so
everyone comes back to watch the play.
The end of Act two also ends with a tense moment. ‘Mother, I begged and
begged you to stop.’ Although the audience can guess what is coming, we
need to watch the rest of the play to see what happens.
The end of Act three is the most tense of all. ‘Mr Birling: That was the
police. A girl just found dead …’ Most plays answer all our questions at the
end, but this play leaves us with questions unanswered.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
In this section you need to …
•
Write one paragraph on how the Inspector questions Mr
Birling.
•
Write one paragraph on how the Inspector questions Gerald.
•
Write one paragraph about how the Inspector uses the photo
to interrogate the Birling family.
•
Write one paragraph about how the Inspector questions Mrs
Birling.
•
Write one paragraph about how the writer ends each of the
acts.
An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley
The whole of this play takes place in the
Birling household, in fact, in one room of
the Birling household.
Why do you think JB Priestley does this?
Introduction
JB Priestley set the play, An Inspector Calls, in 1912. The play
is set during the years before World War One and is set in a
large house where the Birling family, the main characters, live.
The family are wealthy, smug and of a high social class. The
play is based on the suicide of Eva Smith and Inspector’s
Goole’s investigation of the family. This essay will focus on the
Birling family and how they are connected to Eva’s suicide,
looking at the interrogation of the Birling family at the hands
of Inspector Goole.
Writing your essay …
The structure of your writing should go as follows
…
Title – How does JB Priestley present the
interrogation scene in An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley.
Introduction
Social and Historical Setting
Scene analysis ( white PEE sheet )
Conclusion