Teacher-of-English.com An Inspector Calls GCSE English Literature

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An Inspector CallsAn Inspector Calls

GCSE English LiteratureGCSE English Literature

Author and Author and contextcontext

Objectives:To make predictions about the text based on the front and back covers and the blurb.

To learn about the author and setting of the play

PredictionsPredictionsLook at the front and back cover of An Inspector Calls, what clues do they offer about the story?

One member of the class read out the blurb. How does the blurb try to make the play sound intriguing?

What does the title ‘An Inspector Calls’ suggest about the story?

Use evidence to back up your opinions.

Click the film spool to watch a trailer for An Inspector Calls

J B Priestley was born in Bradford in1894 and died in 1984. He left school at 16 in 1910 and began work as a junior clerk at a wool firm. Priestley said that the period just before the first world war (1911 to 1914) ‘set their stamp upon me’ and it is this period of history that Priestly chose to set his play An Inspector Calls. Priestly was a committed socialist and a great deal of his writing conveyed his political beliefs. Priestley was very critical of the social inequality of life in Britain in the first half of the twentieth century and he was influential in developing the idea of the Welfare State which the Labour Party established in the years following World War II.

J.B. PriestleyJ.B. Priestley

Key ThemesKey Themes

Socialism

Capitalism

An Inspector Calls is a very political play. To understand it fully you will need to discover what is meant by the

following words:

Key ThemesKey Themes

Socialisma political theory or system in which the means of production and distribution are controlled by the people and operated according to equity and fairness rather than market principles

Capitalisman economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market motivated by profit

In the 1940s theatres were competing for audiences with the cinema. The most popular form of theatre were musicals and detective thrillers by writers such as Agatha Christie.For Priestley to get his message across to as many people as possible he chose the latter form of popular theatre to spread his socialist message.

The theatrical contextThe theatrical context

An Inspector Calls was written in 1945 just after the second world war, a time of great change and opportunity. Through the play J B Priestly encouraged his audiences to take the opportunities for progress available to them. He wanted the public to reject the values of early twentieth century Britain and build a new, more equal society out of the ruins of the second world war. Priestley sets his play 33 years earlier in 1912, the era of the Titanic and World War One. This was before the days of the welfare state, Britain was a country of great social inequality and deeply divided by class.

The Historical The Historical ContextContext

Click here to watch an episode of Andrew Marr's

The Making of Modern Britain - A New Dawn

1.1.When was An Inspector Calls written?When was An Inspector Calls written?

2.2.What was happening in Britain at this What was happening in Britain at this time?time?

3.3.When is An Inspector Calls set?When is An Inspector Calls set?

4.4.Why did Priestly set his play in this Why did Priestly set his play in this era?era?

5.5.What were Priestley’s political beliefs?What were Priestley’s political beliefs?

6.6.Explain the difference between Explain the difference between socialism and capitalism.socialism and capitalism.

7.7.Why did Priestly choose the detective Why did Priestly choose the detective thriller/’whodunnit’ genre for his play?thriller/’whodunnit’ genre for his play?

Check your Check your understandingunderstanding

When you have finished discuss your answers with the rest of the class.

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An Inspector Calls 2An Inspector Calls 2

Features of a drama textFeatures of a drama text

An Inspector An Inspector CallsCalls

Objectives:

To learn about the features of a drama text.

To learn how to deduce character from stage directions

Drama texts are written for actors who play the characters and perform the dialogue and action.

Drama scripts are used for plays, radio performances, television and films and each

type of script contains different features. Read the opening scene of Shakespeare’s Macbeth on

the following slide.

What is Drama?What is Drama?

Stage Script - MacbethStage Script - MacbethAct 1, Scene 1

SCENE I. A desert place.

Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches

First Witch: When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won.

Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun.

First Witch: Where the place?

Second Witch: Upon the heath.

Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth.

Stage Script - MacbethStage Script - Macbeth

First Witch I come, Graymalkin!

Second Witch Paddock calls.

Third Witch Anon.

ALL Fair is foul, and foul

is fair: Hover through

the fog and filthy air.

Exeunt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFydNpk2Y4I

Script in performanceScript in performanceClick on the link below to watch a Click on the link below to watch a

performance of Macbeth, Act I, Scene iperformance of Macbeth, Act I, Scene i

What are the features of a stage script?

Act 1, Scene 1

SCENE I. A desert place.

Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches

First Witch: When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won.

Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun.

First Witch: Where the place?

Second Witch: Upon the heath.

Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth.

Features of a stage Features of a stage playplay

A play is set out very differently from a novel or a poem and contains different features. Could you explain what these features are? Complete the sentences below.

Stage DirectionsStage Directions are…

Characters Characters areare …

DialogueDialogue is…

Deducing directionsDeducing directions Read the stage directions at the start of the play then

complete the table with what you can deduce about the characters. The first has been done for you.

character

Stage directions I deduce that…

Mr Birling ‘A prosperous manufacturer…a heavy looking, rather portentous man’

Mr Birling is an overweight, rich industrialist – the stereotypical image of a ‘fat cat’. The word ‘portentous’ suggests that he is pompous. He is not presented as a likeable character.

Mrs. Birling ‘A rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior’

Sheila

Eric

Gerald

Stage DirectionsStage DirectionsWhat have you learned about the Birling family just from the stage directions at the start of the play? You could use some of the sentence starters below to write a paragraph about your first impressions:

12th March 10

The Birling Family

The first thing we notice about the family is the description of their house….

Mr Birling is…and his wife is…..

Their daughter Shelia appears to be…whilst Eric is…

Sheila’s fiancé, Gerald Croft is described as…



Dramatic irony and themeDramatic irony and theme

Dramatic irony Dramatic irony and themeand theme

Objectives:

To begin to explore the key themes of class and social status.

To learn how Priestly uses dramatic irony to convey character and theme

Who said that?Who said that?Can you match up the character with the quote?

Mr Birling All last summer you never came near me

Mrs Birling We’ll drink their health

Sheila Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things-

Eric I’m treating Gerald like one of the family

Gerald I was awfully busy at the works all that time

Who said that?Who said that?Can you match up the character with the quote?

Mr Birling All last summer you never came near me

Mrs Birling We’ll drink their health

Sheila Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things-

Eric I’m treating Gerald like one of the family

Gerald I was awfully busy at the works all that time

Social ClassSocial ClassAlready in the first few lines of the play we see the emergence of one of the play’s key themes – social class. In the opening stage directions Mr Birling is described as ‘rather provincial in his speech’ and his wife, we are told is ‘her husband’s social superior’.

The play begins with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft. Gerald is the son of Sir George and Lady Croft and therefore in a higher social position than the Birlings.

It is interesting that Gerald’s parents are not there to celebrate their son’s engagement to Sheila. Could there be a reason for this other than the excuse Birling makes?

Birling says that he thinks Gerald’s parents feel that Gerald might have ‘done better for himself socially’ and he tells Gerald that he is expecting a knighthood which would improve the social position of his family.

1. What is the difference in social status between the Birling’s and Gerald’s family?

2. Why is Mr Birling so keen to have Gerald Croft as his son-in-law?

3. What do you think motivates Arthur Birling? Explain your answer.

4. Think back to what we said about capitalism and socialism. Is Birling a socialist or capitalist? Explain your answer.

Dramatic irony is a situation in which the audience has a fuller knowledge of what is happening in a drama than a character does.

Priestly uses this technique a number of times in An Inspector Calls to present character and to explore his themes.

The first example of dramatic irony is used in act one when Mr. Birling lectures Eric and Gerald.

Setting the play in the past allows Priestly to use dramatic irony very successfully to affect the audience’s opinion of Arthur Birling.

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony…the Titanic…

unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony In Act One Arthur Birling talks about the future and makes a number of incorrect judgements. Complete the table below.

Issue Birling’s prediction What actually happened

The Titanic

War

Labour relations

HG Wells & G B Shaw

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony In Act One Arthur Birling talks about the future and makes a number of wrong judgements. Complete the table below.

Issue Birling’s prediction What actually happened

The Titanic Absolutely unsinkable Sank weeks later on 14th April 1912

War No chance of war breaking out Two world wars between 1914 and 1945

Labour relations

Problems will disappear General strike in 1926

HG Wells & G B Shaw

Talk ‘nonsense’ – their socialist ideas should be ignored

HG Wells, GB Shaw and British socialist movement were very influential in the early C2oth.

1.How does Priestley introduce the theme of social class at the start of the play?

2.What is dramatic irony?

3.How accurate are Mr Birling’s predictions?

4.Is Mr Birling a symbol of Capitalism or Socialism?

5.What is Priestley saying about the judgement of men such as Birling?

6.Remember Priestley’s political beliefs? Why would he present the character of Mr Birling in this way?

Check your Check your understandingunderstanding



The InspectorThe Inspector


Objective:

• To learn how playwrights use stage directions, dialogue and action to create characters

• To develop understanding of the character of Inspector Goole

Stage directions, dialogue, Stage directions, dialogue, action!action!

Can you match up the word with its correct definition?

Stage directions What the character says

Dialogue What the character does

Action notes telling an actor how to look, move and behave

Stage directions, Dialogue, Stage directions, Dialogue, Action!Action!

Can you match up the word with its correct definition?

Stage directions What the character says

Dialogue What the character does

Action notes telling an actor how to look, move and behave

Inspector GooleInspector GooleWhat are your first impressions of Inspector Goole?

What words or phrases could you use to describe him?

Inspector GooleInspector Goole Look at the Inspector’s arrival in act one and pay close attention to stage directions, dialogue and actions.

Quotation Stage direction,

dialogue or action

What it suggests about him

‘He creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness.’

Stage direction

“Id like some information, if you don’t mind, Mr Birling.”

Write a paragraph explaining how Priestley uses stage directions, dialogue and action to present the character of Inspector Goole to the audience.

You could use some of the sentence starters on the next slide to get you up and running.

12th March 10

Inspector Goole

My first impression of Inspector Goole is that he is a…


Inspector GooleInspector GooleWhat are your first impressions of Inspector Goole? Below are a few sentence starters to help with your paragraph:

Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is introduced to the audience in act one where he…

Inspector Goole is described as …

When he arrives, just after… he says…

The author’s use of stage directions, dialogue and action gives the reader an immediate insight into Inspector Goole’s character…



Contrast: The Inspector & BirlingContrast: The Inspector & Birling

Contrast : Contrast : Birling and Birling and GooleGooleObjectives:

• To understand the meaning of contrast in writing

• To learn how Priestley uses contrast

to present the characters of Mr. Birling and Inspector Goole

What is Contrast?What is Contrast?What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the word

contrast?

Maybe you think about a TV or computer screen.

What does the contrast button do?

Spot the ContrastSpot the ContrastLook at the picture below.

What contrast can you see?

Spot the ContrastSpot the ContrastLook at the image below.

What contrast can you see?

Spot the ContrastSpot the ContrastLook at the images of the two

characters below.

What contrasts are there between Birling and Goole?

Contrast Mr. Birling and Contrast Mr. Birling and Inspector Goole Inspector Goole

The characters of The characters of Mr. Birling and Mr. Birling and the inspector are the inspector are very different.very different.

Now you have Now you have read the opening read the opening scenes think scenes think about the about the contrast contrast between these between these two characters.two characters.

Draw a table like this one in your books then, after discussion with a partner, complete the necessary details.

Mr Birling Inspector Goole

Lacks clear judgement

Pompous

Discuss your findings with a partner or the rest of the class. Explain what the contrasts are between Mr. Birling and Inspector Goole. Do they have any similarities? Why do you think the author has chosen such different characters? Could these characters symbolise something else?

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Explaining the evidenceExplaining the evidence

Explaining the Explaining the evidenceevidenceObjectives:

To learn how to use P.E.E. when writing about a drama text.

To learn how Priestly uses character to convey a political message

Writing about textsWriting about texts You should always, when writing about any text, use the P.E.E formula. Make a point, find some

evidence and then explain the evidence in detail.

Points & EvidencePoints & Evidence Look at how Inspector Goole is presented to the audience in act one

through the use of stage directions, dialogue and action. Find examples of these from act one then explain what they reveal about his character.

Point Evidence Explain

The inspector arrives as Birling is telling Eric and Gerald that they should only look after themselves in life.

(Birling)’a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own – and – We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell. Birling stops to listen.’

The timing of the inspector’s arrival is very significant. The ‘sharp’ door bell cuts into Birling’s speech about self interest and ‘stops’ Birling’s diatribe.

Don’t forget to explain Don’t forget to explain yourselfyourself

Use the information from the table to write 5 points about Inspector Goole. Add a quote and

explanation for each point.For exampleFor example

Inspector Goole is …

he says:

this shows that the inspector is...

Read your paragraph about Inspector Goole to the rest of the group.

Do they agree or disagree with your description of him?

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Arthur and EvaArthur and Eva

Arthur Arthur and Evaand Eva

Objective:

• To learn how Priestley introduces the character of Eva Smith

• To develop understanding of how Priestley uses character to explore themes

Eva Smith is introduced to the audience by the inspector. He uses very dramatic and emotive language to introduce her: ‘a young woman died…swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant…burnt her inside out’.

1. Why do you think Priestley uses such emotive language here?

2. How does the introduction of Eva’s suicide contrast with the mood of the play so far?

3. How do different members of the Birling family react to the news of Eva’s horrible death?

Eva Smith Eva Smith

Two hours ago a young woman died in the infirmary…her name was Eva

Smith

4. How are Mr Birling and Eva Smith connected?

5. Why does the inspector only show Birling the photograph?

You’re fired! We discover that Arthur Birling fired Eva Smith for her part in organising

a strike. Was Mr Birling justified in firing her? What would you have done?

Birling was right because… Birling was wrong because…

Arthur BirlingArthur BirlingWhat have you learned about Mr. Birling so far?

Jot down words or phrases to describe him.

Arthur BirlingArthur Birling You have studied the first part of the play and followed closely the character of Birling.

What is revealed about Birling

shows What it tells us about him

Arthur Birling says that the Titanic is unsinkable and that there will not be a war

shows

He lacks intelligence, good judgement and foresight.

Birling sacks Eva for asking for higher wages

shows

Birling tries to intimidate the inspector

shows

shows

How does Priestley present the character of Arthur Birling in An Inspector Calls. Why does he present him in this way? What does Birling represent? What is Priestley’s message to the audiences of the 1940s?

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Arthur and SheilaArthur and Sheila

Arthur Arthur and Sheilaand Sheila

Objective:

• To learn how Priestley introduces the character of Sheila Birling

• To learn how Priestley again uses contrast to present the character of Sheila Birling

Remember Contrast?Remember Contrast?Earlier we talked about about the word

contrast

We said that Mr Birling and Inspector Goole are

contrasting characters.But they aren’t the only ones.

Sheila BirlingSheila BirlingWhat have you learned about Sheila Birling so far?

Jot down words or phrases to describe her.

Father and daughterFather and daughterArthur and Sheila Birling are very

different characters.

What contrasts are there between Birling and his daughter?

Arthur and Sheila Arthur and Sheila The characters of The characters of

Mr. Birling and Mr. Birling and his daughter are his daughter are very different.very different.

Now you have Now you have read the opening read the opening scenes think scenes think about the about the contrast contrast between these between these two characters.two characters.


Arthur Birling Sheila Birling

‘about fifty’

Unaffected by the news of Eva’s death

Pompous and self centred

Discuss your findings with a partner or the rest of the class. Explain what the contrasts are between Mr. Birling and his daughter. Do they have any similarities? Why do you think the author has made such different characters from the same family? Could Sheila represent something?

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Eva’s first diary entry Eva’s first diary entry

Eva’s DiaryEva’s Diary

Objective:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of plot and the character of Eva Smith

• To write a diary entry describing Eva’s life up to September 1910.

Diary WritingDiary WritingLots of people keep diaries and reflect on their life, their relationships and their hopes for the future.

Have a look at a few diary entries.

Diary of Samuel Pepys:http://www.pepysdiary.com

Diary of Anne Frank:http://www.penguin.co.uk/UKExtract/0,,NjM2Mjk0OjA6VGhlIERpYXJ5IG9mIGEgWW91bmcgR2lybA==,00.html

Diary of a prisoner:http://www.annefrank.com/prison-diary-program/excerpts-december-2008/

Read the three extracts. What do they all have in common? What are the key features of diary writing?

Eva’s DiaryEva’s DiaryEva’s diary entry should contain all the things that have happened to her up to September 1910.

To write an accurate account you will need to look closely at Act One of An Inspector Calls. You could mention:

• Working conditions at Mr Birling’s factory• How Birling treated his staff and the wages he paid• What happened when you approached Birling about wages• Why you helped to organise a strike• Why you and your colleagues went back to work• How you felt when you were sacked

Eva’s DiaryEva’s DiaryAs well as explaining what happened try to include Eva’s thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears. Below are a few sentence starters to help with your paragraph:

12th April 10

Eva’s diary

Life at the Birling factory is……

Mr Birling is …

I decided to help organise…

However…

Read your diary extract to the rest of the group.

Peer assess – What is good about it? How could it be improved?

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Gerald Croft Gerald Croft

Gerald CroftGerald Croft

Objective:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the character of Gerald Croft

• To write a paragraph about Gerald using the P.E.E formula.

Gerald CroftGerald CroftWhat are your first impressions of the Mr Gerald Croft? What words or phrases could you use to describe him?

Writing about textsWriting about texts When writing about An Inspector Calls use the

P.E.E formula. Make a point, find some evidence and then explain the evidence in detail.

Gerald CroftGerald Croft Read Act 1 of An Inspector Calls paying close

attention to Gerald Croft.

What Gerald says / does suggests

What it shows about him

Spent very little time with Sheila last summer

shows

Agrees with Birling’s decision to sack Eva Smith

shows

shows

Don’t forget to explain Don’t forget to explain yourselfyourself

Use the information from your table to write about Gerald Croft. Do not forget to use the

P.E.E structure in your writing.For exampleFor example

At the beginning of the play we can deduce that there is some tension between Gerald and his fiancée when Sheila remarks, ‘all last summer…you never came near me.’ This brief dialogue gives the audience an immediate insight into the relationship between Gerald and Sheila...



Got the plot?Got the plot?


Objectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of the plot of Act One

Complete the summary of Act One by filling in the gapsThe story so farThe story so far

Act One begins with the Birling family celebrating the _____ of their daughter _____ to _____ Croft. We meet the main characters, Arthur Birling is _____ and _____, his wife _____ is _____ and _____ and their two children, _____ and _____. Birling’s daughter is _____ and _____, whilst the son, _____, is _____. As Arthur lectures his son and future son in law, about _____ and _____ the doorbell rings to indicate that an _____ has arrived. Inspector _____ quickly introduces himself and then starts to question the family about the death of a young girl, ___ ____. Arthur is first to be questioned and first of all denies knowing the girl in question but the inspector reveals that she was one of his _____ at Birling & Co. Arthur says that he _____ her because she ____ __ ____ ____.


Birling’s daughter, _____ enters and overhears the conversation. The Inspector reveals that after leaving Arthur’s factory she got a job at _____ department store to which Sheila & Mrs. Birling were regular customers, but she was _____ from there too, because a customer _____ about her. Sheila suddenly looks horrified. The inspector shows Sheila a _____ of the dead girl and Sheila recognises her. She runs from the room with a ____. After a while Sheila returns and confesses what happened. During a visit to Milwards Sheila discovered that the _____ which she wanted for herself, didn’t really suit her but suited Eva Smith more so, out of jealousy, she told the _____ to sack her. Eva was left unemployed and penniless and changed her name to ____ _____. Mention of the name _____ _____ startles _____ who had an _____ with Daisy last _____.


Act One begins with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft. We meet the main characters, Arthur Birling is wealthy and rather pompous, his wife Sybil is cold and his social superior and their two children, Sheila and Eric. Birling’s daughter is pretty and excited, whilst the son, Eric is drunk. As Arthur lectures his son and future son in law about business and politics the doorbell rings to indicate that an inspector has arrived. Inspector Goole quickly introduces himself and then starts to question the family about the death of a young girl, Eva Smith. Arthur is first to be questioned and first of all denies knowing the girl in question but the inspector reveals that she was one of his employees at Birling & Co. Arthur says that he sacked her because she asked for higher wages.


Birling’s daughter, Sheila enters and overhears the conversation. The Inspector reveals that after leaving Arthur’s factory she got a job at Milward’s department store to which Sheila & Mrs. Birling were regular customers, but she was fired from there too, because a customer complained about her. Sheila suddenly looks horrified. The inspector shows Sheila a photo of the dead girl and Sheila recognises her. She runs from the room with a sob. After a while Sheila returns and confesses what happened. During a visit to Milwards Sheila discovered that the dress which she wanted for herself, didn’t really suit her but suited Eva Smith more so, out of jealousy, she told the management to sack her. Eva was left unemployed and penniless and changed her name to Daisy Renton. Mention of the name Daisy Renton startles Gerald who had an affair with Daisy last summer.

The Comic StripThe Comic StripCreate a comic strip version of Act One

The Birling family celebrate Sheila and Gerald’s engagement



Act Two: Sybil BirlingAct Two: Sybil Birling

Sybil BirlingSybil Birling

Objective:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the character of Sybil Birling

• To consolidate understanding by writing a paragraph about Mrs Birling.

Sybil BirlingSybil BirlingWhat have you deduced so far about Mrs Birling?

What words or phrases could you use to describe her?

Sybil BirlingSybil Birling Look at how Priestley uses stage directions, dialogue and actions to present the character of Mrs Birling.

Quotation Stage direction,

dialogue or action

What it suggests about her

‘a rather cold woman.’ Stage direction

Sybil appears unfriendly and emotionally detached

Write a paragraph explaining how Priestley uses stage directions, dialogue and action to present the character of Sybil Birling to the audience.

You could use some of the sentence starters on the next slide to get you started.

12th March 10

Sybil Birling

Sybil Birling is…

Sybil BirlingSybil Birling

Sybil BirlingSybil BirlingUse some of the sentence starters below to help with your paragraph:

12th March 10

Sybil Birling

Sybil Birling is described in the stage directions as…

Mrs Birling’s relationship with her children is…

When she speaks to the inspector she…

The author’s use of stage directions, dialogue and action gives the reader an insight into Mrs Birling’s character, she is…

Read your paragraph to the rest of the group.


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Themes and relationshipsThemes and relationships

Themes and Themes and relationshipsrelationshipsObjectives:

• To understand how JB Priestley conveys his own attitudes and opinions in An Inspector Calls.

• To compare the characters of Eric and Gerald

ThemesWhat themes is the play concerned with? Create a mind map to show how Priestley uses the ‘whodunnit’ genre to explore a number of themes in An Inspector Calls.

An Inspector

Calls

responsibility

Capitalism

inequality

Son and son-in-lawSon and son-in-lawEric Birling and Gerald Croft have

many similarities and differences.

What comparisons and contrasts are there between Eric and

Gerald?

Eric and Gerald Eric and Gerald Now you have Now you have

read Act One read Act One and Act Two and Act Two think about the think about the comparisons comparisons and contrasts and contrasts between these between these two characters.two characters.


Similar Different

Both sons of wealthy

industrialists

Eric is younger and appears to be an

alcoholic

Discuss your findings with a partner or the rest of the class. Explain what the comparisons and contrasts are between Eric and Gerald. Why do you think Priestley has presented these characters in this way? What social groups and attitudes do they represent?

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Eva’s second diary entry Eva’s second diary entry

Eva’s Diary 2Eva’s Diary 2

Objective:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of plot and the character of Eva Smith

• To write a diary entry describing Eva’s life up to September 1911.

Eva’s DiaryEva’s DiaryEva’s diary entry should contain the things that have happened to her from September 1910 (the last diary entry) to September 1911.

To write an accurate account you will need to look closely at Act One and Act Two of An Inspector Calls. You could mention:

• What happened at Milward’s with Sheila Birling• What life was like before you met Gerald• Your thoughts and feelings about Gerald• How your life changed when Gerald offered you a flat• How you felt when he asked you to move out• Your feelings for Gerald and plans for

the future

Eva’s Diary 2Eva’s Diary 2As well as explaining what happened try to include Eva’s thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears. Below are a few sentence starters to help with your paragraph:

12th April 10

Eva’s diary 2

One day at Milwards……

After losing my job I …

I met Gerald…he was

However…

Read your diary extract to the rest of the group.


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The inspector and Mrs. The inspector and Mrs. BirlingBirling

The Inspector The Inspector and Mrs Birlingand Mrs BirlingObjective:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of plot and the character of Sybil Birling

• To write a paragraph about how Priestley uses dramatic devices in the scene between Mrs. Birling and the inspector.

Sybil BirlingSybil Birling Read Act Two of An Inspector Calls paying close attention

to the scene between Mrs Birling and the inspector.

What Sybil says / does suggests

What it shows about her

Pretends that she does not recognise the girl in the photograph

shows Mrs. Birling is deceitful and prefers to avoid the truth if it suits her.

shows

shows

• Why does Mrs. Birling initially deny that she recognised the girl in the photograph?

• When and why did Mrs. Birling see Eva Smith?

• What is Mrs. Birling’s charity?

• What did Eva tell Mrs Birling?

• What three reasons does Sybil Birling give for refusing to help Eva?

• Does Mrs. Birling regret her decision?

• Does she show pity for Eva’s death?

• Does she accept any responsibility for what happened to Eva?

• Who does she say should be blamed for what happened to Eva?

Mrs. BirlingMrs. Birling

…she had only herself

to blame

As discussed at the start of the play, dramatic irony is a situation in which the audience has a fuller knowledge of what is happening in a drama than a character does. Here Priestly uses this technique again to explore themes of social responsibility and to build tension. Mrs. Birling has no regrets about using her influence on the committee to deny Eva help from the charity.

Dramatic irony is used by Priestley when she tells the inspector, ‘Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility’, as by this stage the audience have realised, before Mrs. Birling, that Eric is the father.

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony

Tension at the end of Act Tension at the end of Act TwoTwo

Read up to the end of Act Two, where Mr and Mrs Birling realise

that Eric is the father of Eva’s child.

This is a scene with lots of tension, but how does Priestley create and build tension?

Pick out examples of dialogue, action and stage directions that help Priestley build a dramatic mood in this scene. Plot your findings on a graph to show how tension is built up.

An example is shown on the following slide…

Climax

Very tense

Slow tension

Calm

Draw a graph to show how tension is built up at the end of Act Two in An Inspector Calls.

Mrs Birling is shown Mrs Birling realises thethe photograph truth

Mrs Birling recognises

the girl in the photograph

The front door slams



The ChainThe Chain

The chainThe chain

Objective:

• To develop understanding of the plot and the theme of social responsibility

• To create a flowchart showing how Eva Smith’s death was the consequence of a chain of events.

What is meant by the term ‘a chain of events’?

The Encarta Dictionary defines it as ‘a sequence of events that happen one after the other and are connected in some way’

How is this relevant to An Inspector Calls?

Who is the victim of a chain of events in An Inspector Calls?

Draw a flow chart / diagram to show the chain of events that affected Eva Smith and the parts played in this chain by various members of the Birling family.

An example has been started on the next slide.

The ChainThe Chain

The ChainEva Smith’s death is the consequence of a chain of events. But where does this chain start and who is responsible for its terrible conclusion?

Eva is sacked by Mr.Birling for asking for higher

wages

Orphaned Eva Smith

moves from the

country to the town

of Brumley

Eva gets a job at

Birling’s factory – she is a

good worker

Eva is unemployed for 2 months.

She is poor and hungry.

Eventually Eva gets a

job at Milward’s department store



Act Two: Got the plot?Act Two: Got the plot?


Objectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of the plot of Act Two

Complete the summary of Act Two by filling in the gapsThe story continuesThe story continues

At the start of Act Two Mrs. Birling tries to _____ the inspector, claiming that the family know nothing about the girl but the inspector refuses to be intimidated and begins to question ____ about his involvement with Eva Smith.Gerald confesses to having an _____ with Eva. He explains how he knew her as ____ _____ and that he picked her up one night in the _____ bar, a place in Brumley frequented by _____. Gerald lent Eva a ____ and spent a lot of time with her the previous ____. He is clearly ____ by the news of her _____ and asks to leave but before he goes Sheila gives him back her _____ ____.The inspector then shows the ______ to Mrs. Birling who initially pretends not to recognize Eva but eventually admits that Eva came to her organization for _____ but was turned away. Mrs. Birling refuses to take any _____ for what happened to Eva and blames the _____ of Eva’s unborn child. It is not until the very end of the act that Sybil Birling realises that the father she says should be held responsible for the death of Eva Smith is her son ____ _____.

Complete the summary of Act Two by filling in the gapsThe story continuesThe story continues

At the start of Act Two Mrs. Birling tries to dismiss the inspector, claiming that the family know nothing about the girl but the inspector refuses to be intimidated and begins to question Gerald about his involvement with Eva Smith.Gerald confesses to having an affair with Eva. He explains how he knew her as Daisy Renton and that he picked her up one night in the Palace bar, a place in Brumley frequented by prostitutes. Gerald lent Eva a flat and spent a lot of time with her the previous summer. He is clearly upset by the news of her suicide and asks to leave but before he goes Sheila gives him back her engagement ring.The inspector then shows the photograph to Mrs. Birling who initially pretends not to recognize Eva but eventually admits that Eva came to her organization for help but was turned away. Mrs. Birling refuses to take any responsibility for what happened to Eva and blames the father of Eva’s unborn child. It is not until the very end of the act that Sybil Birling realises that the father she says should be held responsible for the death of Eva Smith is her son Eric Birling.

The Comic StripThe Comic StripCreate a comic strip version of Act Two

Gerald confesses to having a secret affair

with Eva



Looking for EricLooking for Eric

Looking for EricLooking for Eric

Objectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of the plot of Act Three and the character of Eric

Eric BirlingEric BirlingWhat have you deduced so far about Eric? What words or phrases could you use to describe him?

Eric BirlingEric Birling Look at how Priestley uses stage directions, dialogue and actions to present the character of Eric Birling.

Quotation Stage direction, dialogue or action

What it suggests about him

‘His whole manner of handling the decanter and then the drink shows his familiarity with heavy drinking."(p.51).’

Stage direction

Eric is an alcoholic

I threatened to make a row dialogue

Write a paragraph explaining how Priestley uses stage directions, dialogue and action to present the character of Eric to the audience.

You could use some of the sentence starters on the next slide to get you started.

12th March 10

Eric Birling

Eric Birling is…

Eric BirlingEric Birling

EricEricUse some of the sentence starters below to help with your paragraph:

12th March 10

Eric Birling

Eric Birling is described in the stage directions at the start of the play as…

His relationship with his parents is…

When Eric speaks to the inspector he confesses that…

The author’s use of stage directions, dialogue and action gives the reader an insight into Eric’s character, he is…

• What is Eric’s attitude to life at the start of the play?

• Why do you think Eric treats Eva the way he does?

• How does Eric feel after his confession to the inspector in front of his family?

• Is Eric’s character the same in Act Three as it appears to be at the start of the play? Why could this be?

• How is punctuation used on p.55 to show Eric’s distress?

• What do we learn about the relationship between Eric and his mother and father?

Extension QuestionsExtension Questions

Read your paragraph about Eric to the rest of the group.


PlenaryPlenary



Who’s to blame?Who’s to blame?

Who’s to Who’s to blame?blame?Objectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of key themes of class and social responsibility in An Inspector Calls

Which character do you think is the most responsible for the death of Eva Smith? Place the characters in order of responsibility then give reasons for your choices:

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

Who is to blame?Who is to blame?

Responsibility is Priestley’s main theme in An Inspector Calls. The inspector wants each member of the family to take some responsibility for the death of Eva Smith. He tells the Birlings, “each of you helped to kill her” and in his final speech he addresses not only the characters on stage but the audience too.

ResponsibilityResponsibility

ClassClassClass is another key theme of the play. Through the story of Eva Smith Priestley shows how unaware the upper classes are that the privileged lives they lead are built on the hard work and labour of the lower classes. In An Inspector Calls the upper class Birlings and Gerald Croft’s greater wealth, power and social status allows them to use Eva Smith for their own ends.

The upper class Birlings and Gerald Croft use their superior wealth, power and social status to suit their own ends. But how does each character misuse their high social standing in relation to Eva Smith? Complete the following five sentences:

1. Arthur Birling…

2. Sheila Birling…

3. Gerald Croft…

4. Eric Birling…

5. Sybil Birling…

Social AttitudesSocial Attitudes

The upper class Birlings and Gerald Croft use their superior wealth, power and social status to suit their own ends. But how does each character misuse their high social standing in relation to Eva Smith? Complete the following five sentences:

1. Arthur Birling used her as ‘cheap labour’ to make money.

2. Sheila Birling used her family reputation to have Eva sacked from Milwards.

3. Gerald Croft used his wealth to keep her as a mistress then cruelly discarded her.

4. Eric Birling used her for easy sex at the end of a drunken night out.

5. Sybil Birling uses her influence to persuade the charity to refuse Eva help.

Social AttitudesSocial Attitudes

Before the inspector leaves the Birlings he reminds each character of the part they played in Eva Smith’s death.

However, is this speech just directed at the characters? Who else could Priestley be talking to?

In the poverty of post world war two Britain who would be able to afford a visit to the theatre in 1946? What class of people would make up the majority of the theatre’s audience?

Who is the inspector talking to here and what is the wider purpose of his speech?

The inspector’s speechThe inspector’s speech

Re-read Arthur Birling’s speech from act one of An Inspector Calls. Here Birling is advising Eric and Gerald about life.

Arthur Birling’s speechArthur Birling’s speech

A man has to make his own way, has to look after himself - and his family too, of course, when he has one - and so long as he does he won't come to much harm. But the way some of these cranks talk and write now, you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we're all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense…a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.

Here Arthur Birling outlines his philosophy on life. What are his beliefs about responsibility?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now re-read the inspector’s final speech before he leaves the stage.

The inspector’s speechThe inspector’s speech

But just remember this. One Eva Smith is gone - but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives and what we think and say and do. We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for one another. And I tell you the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish. Good night.

1. What are the inspector’s beliefs about responsibility?

2. What type of language is used in this speech?

3. What could ‘fire and blood and anguish’ refer to?

4. Who is the inspector speaking to here?

5. How does this speech contrast with Birling’s speech?

6. Why has Priestley chosen this speech as the inspector’s final words?



Doubts and suspicionsDoubts and suspicions

Doubts and Doubts and suspicionssuspicionsObjectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of themes and plot in Act Three of An Inspector Calls

FeelingsFeelings When the inspector leaves the Birlings are in a state of emotional turmoil. How would each character feel?

Character Emotions

Arthur Birling

Sybil Birling

Sheila Birling

Eric Birling

When Gerald returns to the Birling house he begins to express his doubts about the inspector.

He has discovered that there is no inspector Goole on the local police force and begins to question whether the inspector was a real police man.

Can you think of any strange things the inspector says or does during the play which may suggest that he wasn’t a real police inspector?

An element of doubtAn element of doubt

Inspector GooleInspector GooleCan you think of anything strange or unusual that the

inspector does or says which may suggest that he is not what he appears to be?

Inspector GooleInspector GooleCan you think of anything strange or unusual that the

inspector does or says which may suggest that he is not what he appears to be?

Knows a huge amount about

Eva Smith even though she only died

two hours earlier

Does not know the

Chief Constable of

Brumley

Speaks to the Birling’s in a very abrupt and quite

disrespectful way

Appears more interested in morality than

criminality

Does not let the family see

the photograph at the same time

Questions the Birlings and

Gerald one at a time

His name – Inspector Goole – ‘spectre’ ‘ghoul’ are synonyms of

‘ghost’

Eva SmithEva SmithWe only learn about Eva Smith from the inspector. Is there also a suggestion that Eva Smith never existed? Can you think of anything from the play which may

suggest that Eva was not a real person?

Eva SmithEva SmithWe only learn about Eva Smith from the inspector. Is there also a suggestion that Eva Smith never existed? Can you think of anything from the play which may

suggest that Eva was not a real person?

The photograph could have

been swapped – the

inspector only showed it to

one person at a time

Why would Eva change her name to

Daisy Renton? It could be a

different person.

The name again

suggests something else – Eva

Smith – reminds us of Eve from the

Bible and Smith is a

very common English

surname

There is no proof – hard

evidence - the inspector reveals to

show that Eva was real

Priestley chose the name Eva Smith very purposefully. Eva is reminiscient of Eve, the first woman in the Bible and Smith is a very common English surname. These two names combined suggest that this character is not an individual but representative of a social group – the working class English woman. Just as Birling represents the upper middle class factory owner and Gerald represents the upper class aristocracy Eva Smith is representative of the lower class.

Eva SmithEva Smith

Are inspector Goole and Eva Smith real people? Does it matter?If they are not real who are they and what do they represent?Why do you think Priestly chose to make the victim a representative of a section of society?What is Priestley’s main purpose in the play?

DiscussionDiscussion



A Final TwistA Final Twist

A Final TwistA Final Twist

Objectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of themes and plot in Act Three of An Inspector Calls

How do the characters react to the news that Eva and the inspector may not be real? Find quotations that show their

feelings.

ReactionsReactions

In the hotseatIn the hotseatSplit into groups of five. Each member of the group must assume the identity of a character from the play (either Birling, Mrs Birling, Sheila, Eric or Gerald) or a questioner. The questioner will put forward a series of questions about the events of the play to each of the characters. Characters must respond to the questions in detail and in role, showing a depth of understanding of the character being portrayed. Some ideas for questions are included on the next slide.

This business has nothing to do with me!

I feel terribly sorry…

What about our

reputation…

Who might say that?

Ideas for questionsIdeas for questionsThe following are merely suggestions or starting points. Questioners should listen closely, challenge the characters responses and draw out detailed answers from the other members of the group.

1.How were you feeling before inspector Goole arrived?

2.How did you feel when you realised that you were involved in Eva’s life?

3.How did you feel when the inspector left?

4.What were your thoughts and feelings at the end of the play?

5.What have you learned from Eva’s story?

One or more groups could perform their hot seating to the class.Audience members could ask questions to the characters.Consider what you have learnt about the play from studying this scene.

PlenaryPlenary

At the end of the play Mr Birling receives a telephone call explaining that a girl has died and that a police inspector is on his way to the Birling house to ask the family some questions.

Why do you think Priestley chose to end the play this way?

Hot seat the Birling family and Gerald Croft. What would they think and feel when Mr. Birling puts the phone down?

The EndThe End





Objectives:

•To consolidate knowledge and understanding of plot in Act Three of An Inspector Calls

Complete the summary of Act Three by filling in the gaps

The final actThe final act

Eric returns and answers the inspector’s _____, explaining how he met Eva and how she became _____. We discover that Eric offered Eva _____ from his father’s _____ but Eva refused it. When Eric learns that his mother refused Eva help he is _____.Following Eric’s confession the inspector reminds the _____ of how each character played a part in the downfall of Eva Smith before he leaves the house. ____ and _____ are ashamed of their _____ but _____ and _____ are more concerned about a possible public _____ and the implications that would have on their social _____. When _____ returns to the house they discover that there is no inspector _____ on the Brumley police force and they begin to wonder if the whole thing was a _____. Birling rings the ______ and ascertains that there hasn’t been a suicide for _____. Birling starts to celebrate but just at that moment the ______ rings with the news that a girl has just died and a ____ ______ is on his way.

Complete the summary of Act Three by filling in the gaps

The final actThe final act

Eric returns and answers the inspector’s questions, explaining how he met Eva and how she became pregnant. We discover that Eric offered Eva money from his father’s office but Eva refused it. When Eric learns that his mother refused Eva help he is furious.Following Eric’s confession the inspector reminds the audience of how each character played a part in the downfall of Eva Smith before he leaves the house. Eric and Sheila are ashamed of their behaviour but Arthur and Sybil Birling are more concerned about a possible public scandal and the implications that would have on their social status. When Gerald returns to the house they discover that there is no inspector Goole on the Brumley police force and they begin to wonder if the whole thing was a hoax. Birling rings the infirmary and ascertains that there hasn’t been a suicide for weeks??. Birling starts to celebrate but just at that moment the phone rings with the news that a girl has just died and a police inspector is on his way.

The Comic StripThe Comic StripCreate a comic strip version of Act Three

Eric confesses to the inspector

Extension questionsExtension questions1.What does Eric’s treatment of Eva tell us about

the attitudes rich young men had towards poor working class women at the time?

2.How does Eric feel about his treatment of Eva by the end of the play?

3.By the end of the play some characters have changed but others have not. Who changes and who does not? Why do you think Priestley shows a change in certain characters?

4.In your opinion are the characters simply social stereotypes? Explain your answer.

5.What is JB Priestley’s main purpose in An Inspector Calls? How successful is he in achieving it?



LinksLinks

LinksLinks

http://www.aninspectorcalls.com/ Website of Stephen Daldry’s production

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramainspectorcalls/inspectorcallsplotact.shtml BBC Bitesize revision video clips

http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz.cfm?qid=24509 Online quiz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7jGR61PM6k&feature=related An Inspector Calls trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfsQQNTBJfU&feature=related A scene from Act 3 of the 1954 film

Documents

Teacher-of-English.com An Inspector Calls GCSE English Literature