An Inspector Calls pages 1 10

After reading pages 1 10 of the play, find a quote (dialogue or stage direction) to match each of the
statements below:
Helpful Hint
When looking for quotations to support your comments and ideas, it is not always necessary to copy out
complete sentences. Indeed, single words or short phrases are much better this shows me (and
examiners) that you can be selective.

Mr. Birling
Mr. Birling seems to be rather insecure/inferior and this is
shown by his attempt to impress Gerald.
Again, Birling appears vulnerable and immediately jumps to
his own defence.
Birlings repeated phrase summarising the mood of the event
seems inadequate.
Birlings statement about the marriage shows how he feels
and tends to ignore how Sheila may feel about it. This is
heightened by his use of the first person.

Birling cannot help talking business. Indeed, it seems that

the marriage has served to join the two companies.

At the end Birlings first speech, his exploitative, capitalist

views are expressed.

Birling speaks about Sheila as if shes a child.

Birling proudly and repeatedly refers to himself and his

abilities in capitalist society. What does he call himself?

Sheila Birling
Sheila blows her fathers faade and seems to take pleasure
in doing so. This is indicated by the brief pause in her line.
From the phrase by which Sheila addresses her mother,
she appears childish.
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Eric gives a hint to a more sinister side to Sheilas

personality.

Sheila doesnt like to be laughed at, especially not by her

brother. This is shown by the way she speaks to him and
what she calls him

Gerald and Sheila (page 3)

Gerald:
In fact, I insist upon being one of the family now. Ive been trying long enough, havent I?
(As she does not reply, with insistence.) Havent I? You know I have.
Mrs. B:

(smiling) Of course she does.

Sheila:

(half serious, half playful) Yes except for all last summer, when you never came near me, and I
wondered what had happened to you.

Gerald:

And Ive told you I was awfully busy at the works all that time.

Sheila:

(same tone as before) Yes, thats what you say.

Mrs. B:

Now, Sheila, dont tease him. When youre married youll realise that men with important work to
do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business. Youll have to get
used to what, just as I had.

Sheila:

I dont believe I will. (Half playful, half serious to Gerald) So you be careful.

Gerald:

Oh I will, I will.

Answer the following questions based on the above extract.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.

Why are these two getting married? Is it true love?

What does Geralds comment that hes been trying long enough tell us about the
relationship?
How do you think Gerald feels when Sheila ignores him? Why does she ignore him?
Why is Sheila half playful, half serious?
Was Gerald at work all last summer? How do we know that Sheila has questioned Gerald on
this matter before? How does Gerald feel about being questioned? Does Sheila believe
him? Do you believe him? Where was he?
Is Sheila (as Mrs. Birling thinks) teasing Gerald or is she accusing him? How do you know?
Does Sheila share her mothers notion of how she should accept her role as the wife of a
businessman?
What part does Mrs. Birling play here?

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The next extract is taken from page 5, just after the toast, and when Gerald gives Sheila the
ring. Birling and Mrs. Birling give formal congratulations and this contrasts with Erics insulting
and rather comic effort. Again, Sheilas annoyed with him, and she refuses to follow his toast.
Gerald suggests that she drinks to him.
Gerald:

You can drink to me.

Sheila:

(quiet and serious now) All right then. I drink to you, Gerald. (For a moment they look at each
other.)

Gerald:

(quietly) Thank you. And I drink to you and hope I can make you as happy as you deserve to be.

Sheila:

(trying to be light and easy) You be careful or Ill start weeping.

Gerald:
(smiling) Well, perhaps this will help to stop it.
(He produces a ring case.)
Sheila:

(excited) Oh Gerald youve got it is it the one you wanted me to have?

Gerald:

(giving the case to her) Yes the very one.

Sheila:

(taking out the ring) Oh its wonderful! Look Mummy isnt it a beauty? Oh darling (she
kisses Gerald hastily.)

Eric:

Steady the buffs!

Sheila:

(who has out the ring on, admiringly) I think its perfect. Now I feel really engaged.

Mrs. B:

So you ought to, darling. Its a lovely ring. Be careful with it.

Sheila:

Careful! Ill never let it go out of my sight for an instant.

Answer the following questions based on the above extract.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Is Sheila glad to drink to Gerald? Why do they look at each other? Are these two people
happy with their decision?
What makes Gerald smile and Sheila excited? Who chose it and what do you make of this?
Gerald doesnt put the ring on her finger. What does he do?
How does Sheila kiss Gerald? What do you make of this adverb?
Why do you think Mrs. Birling says to be careful with it? What does this tell you about
the things they value?
Given what you know about the relationship between Gerald and Sheila, will this proper
engagement last the course of the play?

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