CONTENTS

An Inspector Calls Resource Pack

Aim: to evaluate the technical and conceptual elements of  Synopsis
the play, in depth, with perceptive insight and interpretation
 Character description

 Historical context

 Narrative (Act 1-3)

 Writer’s choices

 Themes

 Characterisation

 Motifs and symbolism

 Dramatic devices

 Adaptations

 Analysis of quotations

 Essay writing technique

 Arthur Birling
(Mr Birling)
Founder of a successful and
growing manufacturing business
– has been Lord Mayor and is a
magistrate. He debates ‘capital
and labour agitations’ and wishes
Gerald to betroth Sheila.
Sybil Birling
(Mrs Birling)
Arthur’s unemotional wife who
prides herself on her elite
status, born into wealth and
unsympathetic of those who
challenge their hierarchy with
socialist agendas.
Gerald Croft Sheila Birling Eric Birling
Son of a prosperous A slightly introverted and
The Birlings’ daughter in her troubled son of the Birling
manufacturing family and
early twenties, protected by family that is suspicious of
esteemed among the Birling
her parents from societal Gerald and jokingly derogatory
family. Aged 30, he proposes to
frictions and in accepting to his sister Sheila. Like Gerald,
Sheila and becomes her fiancé.
Gerald’s proposal, will create Eric also has some skeletons in
He is a confident and
Croft-Birling merger that will be the closet, and his uncertainty
successful made with some
quite the family acquisition. could be an existential crisis.
skeletons in the closet.

Introduced as a Eva Smith does not feature as an

police inspector Edna, as the active character with dialogue in
investigating a Birling the play. However, she is central
horrific suicide, he servant, is an to the story regarding the Birling
is a man of poise, honorable and family, as her grisly suicide (drinking
authority and submissive bleach) has resulted in their
stature that has a lady doing her investigation by Inspector Goole. Her
disconcertingly service for the association to the family is slowly
direct gaze and an family and revealed as secrets are unearthed by
approach to making them the Inspector. Her tragic plight
questioning that aware of reveals much about Priestley (who
unsettles the visitors, and wrote the play in 1945) as a writer in
Birling family but tending to satirising certain social and political
also reveals the their needs. attitudes of 1912; a pre-cursor to the
true nature and First World War. Eva Smith is an icon
secrets of each against social injustice and the
character. misuse of power from the
Inspector Goole Edna Eva Smith advantaged.
 SYNOPSIS
their dinner with an investigation of the tragic suicide of the young
Eva Smith. Whilst sympathetic, the family are irritated by this
disturbance and protest that they have no involvement with the case.
The Inspector begs to differ, and so begins an unravelling web of
secrets and lies that will challenge the equilibrium of an elite
household.
ACT 1
 Dinner party to celebrate
engagement of Sheila to
Gerald Croft.
 Happy, light-hearted
atmosphere.
 Mr Birling has ‘man to man’
chat with Gerald and Eric
about looking after own
family first.
 Enter: Inspector Goole –
investigating suicide of Eva
Smith.
 Birling admits she was a
fired employee for being a
wage protest ringleader.
 Birling claims no
responsibility for her death.
 Sheila enters and is
questioned – Sheila reveals
that she sacked her from
Milwards too – feels very
guilty.
 Eva changed her name to
Daisy Renton – Gerald’s
reaction evokes suspicion
that he knew her.
The Birling family are dining with
Gerald as their special guest. He
proposes to their daughter, Sheila.
When she accepts his proposal, they
celebrate the news because this will
also result in the merging of two
successful local businesses. Just
when everything seems to be going
perfectly, Inspector Goole interrupts
ACT 2
 Gerald admits he knew
Daisy Renton and
eventually had an affair
with her where she became
his mistress.
 The affair ended when he
went away on business.
 Sheila is glad to hear
confession but Mrs Birling is
disgusted by the scandal.
 Goole shows photograph to
Mrs Birling – she admits she
knows the girl – now
pregant asked for financial
assistance from Brumley
Women’s Charity
Organisation and she
rejected request and was
proud of it – she is
unrepentant.
 She denounces father of
the child, only to find out
Eric may be involved.
 When Eric enters the room,
the Act ends.
SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Birlings’ home, a large suburban villa in
Brumley, a North Midlands industrial city. It is a
spring evening in the year 1912 and the family
are dining with a special guest.
Evaluation: The Birling family are upper-middle
class with a fairly high level of affluence and
power. The pre-First World War context situates
the family within the brewing tensions of conflict.
Eva Smith: the social catalyst – as a previous worker for the Birling
manufacturing company, she represents the working classes. As a mistress, a
gifted yet fired worker, a lover and a shunned mother-to-be seeking benefits,
she encapsulates the mistreatment of those in society near the poverty line.
The writer’s ideology – despite some archaic dialogue and dated mise-en-scene,
Priestley’s play is still as radical today as it was in 1945. Arguably, this cautionary
tale has a left-wing agenda to empower the working classes.
ACT 3 WRITER’S CHOICES
 Eric and his parents have a
bitter meeting - Inspector
interrupts to question Eric.  Born in Yorkshire, 1894 – junior clerk at wool farm, aged
 Eric’s story: met her at 16 – joined WWI infantry – degree at Cambridge –
same theatre bar as Gerald,
moved to London as freelance writer – published many
got drunk, and had sex. No
marriage consideration. She novels and plays in 20s and 30s – ground-breaking and
accepted gifts of money controversial – left wing radio show presenter – set up
until realising Eric stole. Eric Common Wealth political party in 1942 – party merged
had taken £50 from Mr
Birling’s office – making his with Labour in 1945 – influential in developing Welfare
State – active in early movement for United Nations –
parents furious.
 While Sheila and Eric feel
found CND in 1950s for nuclear disarmament - died in
guilty, Mr and Mrs Birling
just want to cover it up.
1984.
 The Inspector leaves  Priestley deliberately set his play in 1912 – an era prior
delivering a strong message the context of war – class and gender boundaries.
about responsibility.
 Family speculate on
 1945 – class and gender transformation – socialist mini-
authenticity of Inspector – revolution took place – play encourages people to seize
realising they were conned. post-war opportunity for peace, justice and equality.
 Just when they think
 Characterisation and narrative shifts in ‘An Inspector
they’re off the hook, the
telephone rings, the police Calls’ are politically and socially motivated – his aim was
say the Inspector is on his to protest against injustice through storytelling.
way to ask questions about
 JB Priestley’s ideas may still be relevant today.
the suicide of a young girl.
Themes (quotes used from BBC Bitesize)
 Class: upper class Birling family, working class Eva Smith
and Edna.
 Gender: “MR BIRLING: We were paying the usual rates
and if they didn't like those rates, they could go and
work somewhere else.“
 Exploitation: this ranged from working conditions to
sexual expression – the idea that someone was unjustly
used for personal gain – whether success, power or
satisfaction.
 Age – the various attitudes and ideologies of each
character that reflected their generation. Were young
and old represented fairly?
 Responsibility vs. Prejudice: “INSPECTOR: One EvaSmith
has gone - but there are millions and millions and
millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us,
with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and
chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and
what we think and say and do.”
BBC Bitesize question and essay plan example
Do you think that Mrs Birling is more to blame for the death of Eva Smith
than the other characters? Give reasons for your answer.
Para 1: Introduction - Mrs Birling
Explain Mrs Birling's role in Eva's death and
discuss whether she is to blame.
Para 2 - Mr Birling
Look at Mr Birling's part in the tragedy and
comment on the extent of his responsibility.
Para 3 - Sheila
Explore Sheila's part and, as before, comment
on the extent of her responsibility.
Para 4 - Gerald
Now do the same for Gerald...
Para 5 - Eric
and for Eric...
Para 6 - Conclusion
Weigh up each character's responsibility and decide
whether Mrs Birling is more to blame than anyone else.

Motifs and symbolism Dramatic devices

Coups de
Enigma Euphemism
theatre
Time
Hubris

Doors
and The photograph
Eyes rooms Catalysts Dramatic irony Satire
Adaptations
 BBC 2015 adaptation with David Thewlis.
 Stephen Daldry’s 1992 film noir
influenced version at Lyttelton National
Theatre (left) – went on tour in 2011/12.
 BBC 1982 Television version – available
on YouTube.
 2004 unabridged audio adaptation.
 90 minute BBC Radio adaptation in 2010.
 1954 Guy Hamilton film version.
 1979 Soviet made-for-television two-part
version.
Other than original theatrical productions in 1945
and some adaptations soon after, recent versions
have not necessarily given the play the full adaptive
treatment reserved for classics. Stephen Daldry’s
theatre production and BBC’s 1982 version are the
most renowned. However, there is scope for a
further film adaptations to immortalise the story.
Example answer: how to analyse quotations
How is Mr Birling’s character represented by this quotation
in context of his speech to the Birling family?
“Mr Birling: …capital and labour agitations…”
The backstory of Arthur reveals his upper middle-class status. He is the
founder of a manufacturing business and is also an ex-Lord mayor, a
magistrate and is very focused on the success of his business. This quote
suggests that he cares more for the company than the worker. “Capital”
refers to the product that is made by the worker, and “labour” relates to
the work done by the labourer. Arguably, this throwaway statement by
Arthur could reveal the slight contempt he has for the working classes.
Consequently, the reader may perceive that Arthur is unsympathetic
towards the needs of the worker and selfish in his pursuit for more
wealth and status. J.B. Priestley’s decision (as the writer) to ‘villainise’
this executive character may reflect his own leftist political agenda: to
highlight the injustice of how the working classes are treated.
Essay writing technique
 Always answer the question! – easy to ramble, misread the question, go
the wrong direction with your response. To avoid this, keep using specific
words and terms from the question to help you refocus.
 PEEL paragraph – structured responses focus answers ensuring that reading
exam questions are answered correctly.
 Analyse - Analysis basically means ‘inspecting and picking apart’. Play
detective with the book, its purpose and meaning.
 Quotation - Important and relevant selection of quotations for evidence of
your point.
 Objective and critical approach – avoiding the “I think” and discussing
opinions with “arguably” and “one viewpoint is” as examples.
 Connective sentence starters – so helpful with sentence structures: firstly,
therefore, on the other hand, however, consequently, in contrast, whereas,
additionally, also, as a result…
 Writer and reader - responding to the writer’s motive and the effect on the
reader
 Context - Explanation of the social, political and historical context of the
point given
Practice questions (courtesy of GradeSaver)
1. Trace the different levels of tension throughout the
play. How does Priestley create tension?
2. The Inspector is nothing more than a perfectly human
hoaxer, and Priestley makes it clear. Do you agree?
3. How are Birling and the Inspector coming from
"opposite ideological points of view"?
4. Delineate the "chain of events" that allegedly led to Eva
Smith's death.
5. Write a character analysis of Gerald Croft.
6. Why is time an important theme in Priestley's play?
7. J.L. Styan has written that the play's final twist gives a
"spurious emphasis irrelevant to the substance of the
play." Might he be wrong?
8. Make the case for Edna being the play's most
important character.
9. Compare An Inspector Calls to another play by Priestley
that you have read.
10. To what extent is Birling essentially a comic character,
lacking a serious or ominous side?
Question Point Evidence Explain Link

For example, Mr Priestley highlights Mr

How does Men were Birling’s sexist opinion, This reinforces
Birling says “This girl,
Priestley present considered more Eva Smith, was one which is that women were the patriarchal
ideas about superior to of them, she’d had a
seen as less equal and that
they should get paid less context of
gender in An women in British lot to say – far too
Inspector Calls? society in 1912. much – so she had to
money. Mr Birling silences society in these
Eva, and Priestley wants to
go.” (Act 1) show how unjust this is. times.
Priestley presents his “INSPECTOR
How does own ideology by
Priestley present embodying his views GOOLE: We are
his own ideology through the character responsible for
through the of Inspector Goole.
each other.
characters in An (Act 3)”
Inspector Calls?

The importance of
Inspector Goole is that
What do you think is his investigation
the importance of technique reveals the
secrets and lies of the
Inspector Goole and Birling family in relation
how does Priestley to the suicide of Eva
Smith.
present him?
“INSPECTOR GOOLE:
(massively) Public
men, Mr Birling,
have responsibilities
as well as privileges.
(Act 2)”

How important do Priestley presents ideas “MR BIRLING: He was

about social class prejudiced from the start.
you think social class through the contrasting Probably a socialist or some
is in An Inspector opinions of Inspector sort of crank – he talked like
Calls and how does Goole and Mr. Birling. one. “
Goole represents socialist “INSPECTOR GOOLE: We
Priestley present values and Mr Birling is a are responsible for each
ideas about social typical capitalist. other.
class? (Act 3)”
The ending of the play makes
the reader feel as though the
characters are finally taking
responsibility for their actions –
‘looks in a panic stricken fashion
at the others’. The Birlings and
Gerald (with the exemption of
Sheila and Eric) felt as though
their actions were completely
justified when they thought Eva
Smith wasn’t real but now
they’ve heard a girl has just
been admitted into the hospital
for suicide. They are starting to
realise that they are responsible
and it scares them.
It leaves you with
unanswered
questions.
Representation of the Birling
family as confused and lost –
dumbfounded – this implies that
the Birling family were extremely
shocked after their celebration of
the thought that Eva Smith was
not the same person in everyone’s
story.
Sheila didn’t believe
I agree with the Priestley ends the story with
that everything was
statement because Bewilderment a cliffhanger which allows the
right. “No not yet. It’s
Sheila looked like she reader to imagine what
too soon. I must
was confused in the happens next. It’s a sudden
think” Distinctive
play. finish which gives the
Open ending
audience suspense. The fact
Confusion
J.B. Priestley leaves the that the curtain closes gives
Didn’t expect it
audience in suspense by us the barrier between the
Curious
leaving it on a cliff hanger. It audience and characters
leaves an ambiguous ending. which makes the audience
want to open it up again with
PUPILS’ SUGAR PAPER ANSWERS curiosity.
Y11 English Exam Question - An Inspector Calls
Remind yourself of the ending of the play from The way Priestley ends the book
‘the telephone rings sharply…’ to ‘…the curtain leaves the readers with
unanswered questions and makes
falls.’ How do you respond to this as an ending to them think of what will happen
‘An Inspector Calls’ and how does Priestley make afterwards. “The telephone rings
sharply… as they stare guilty and
you respond as you do by the way he writes?
dumbfounded the curtains fall”.
The end of the book shows how
they don’t feel any guilt (apart
from Eric and Sheila) until they
Inviting the Priestley ends the book as a cliffhanger.
We don’t know if Sheila and Gerald will
realise that they might really be in
trouble, although before the
reader to marry and when the Birlings realise they
are being ‘properly’ inspected. ‘A police
phone call, Sybil, Gerald and
inspector is on his way here – to ask some Arthur were celebrating as they
make up the questions.’ The Birlings believe they have thought they had got off the hook
been let off and this was just a joke, but but Sheila and Eric feel guilty
ending they will have to go through being
because they still did what they
inspected again. Priestley leaves us to
themselves wonder what is going to happen
afterwards. It is finished in an unusual way
said they had done. This leaves
the readers thinking about what’s
as authors answer questions but Priestley
is letting the readers make up their own going to happen afterwards and
maybe makes them feel some
ending.
hatred towards some characters.
Social class is very important in
‘An Inspector Calls’ and Priestley
The social class is very
important as the Inspector
Why did Socialism
presents their ideas about social
does not really care about Inspector Capitalism
class by getting characters such
as Inspector Goole to support
what class the person is, but
on the other hand, Mr.
Goole ask The labourer
the working classes and to
challenge the elite society.
Birling does care a lot about these Worker’s rights
the class, as he is an aspiring questions
middle class person aiming
The business
Priestley presents different
classes through the ideologies of
to be one of the ‘elites’ in when he was Profits and
society. not the real
socialism and capitalism. productivity
Whilst Mr Birling is a pro-
Inspector? Equality
business capitalist, Inspector Hierarchy
Goole emphasises the value of
characters like Eva Smith (a PUPILS’ SUGAR PAPER ANSWERS Ideological
mistreated labourer) and ‘An Inspector Calls’ Exam Question conflict
therefore represents a socialist
ethos. How important do you think social class is in ‘An The writer’s
Inspector Calls’ and how does Priestley present motives
ideas about social class? Class and gender
On several occasions in the story,
Arthur Birling makes it a priority Responsibility
that we should be responsible for Power
ourselves and no-one else.
Patriarchy – Eva does not agree with men dominating Individualism
For example, “Remember this one because she believes that women have a say. so she
Eva Smith has gone – but there are grouped up with the other girls working in the factory
millions and millions of Eva Smiths to tell Arthur Birling to raise their pay. However, Arthur
and John Smiths left”. treats her differently because she is a female. “You
would not treat me like this if I was a man”. This
This suggests that he has an excuse implies that Mr Birling does not treat her with respect
for every tragedy that doesn’t like he would with a man, showing that men
affect himself and that he treats a dominated in the 1900s and women were often
working class labourer of lesser working class labourers or secondary figures in high
value than a societal elite. society.
Example exam questions
How does Priestley present
ideas about gender in An
Inspector Calls?
What do you think is the
importance of Eva Smith in
An Inspector Calls and how
does Priestley present her?
What do you think is the
importance of Inspector
Goole and how does
Priestley present him?
In the opening stage
directions, Priestley refers
to Eric as ‘not quite at ease, How important do you think
half shy, half assertive’. How social class is in An
does Priestley present these Inspector Calls and how
and other ideas about Eric does Priestley present ideas
in An Inspector Calls? about social class?
In Act 2 of An Inspector
Calls, Sheila says to her
mother, Mrs Birling, ‘But we
must stop these silly
pretences.’ How does
How does Priestley present
Priestley show, in his
his own ideology through
presentation of Mrs Birling,
the characters in An
that she often pretends to
be something she is not? Inspector Calls?

Remind yourself of the ending of

the play from ‘The telephone
rings sharply……….’ to ‘…….the
curtain falls.’
How do you respond to this as an
ending to An Inspector Calls and
how does Priestley make you
respond as you do by the ways
he writes?
How important do you think
social class is in An
Inspector Calls and how
does Priestley present ideas
about social class?
What is the significance of
the social, historical and
political context of An
Inspector Calls?
Mr Birling Quotations
Perhaps we may look
forward to the time when
Crofts and Birlings are no
longer competing but are
working together – for
lower costs and higher
prices. (Act 1)
As a hard-headed business
man, who has to take risks
and know what he's about
– I say, you can ignore all
this silly pessimistic talk
(Act 1)
I’ve always been regarded
as a sound useful party
man. 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?(Act 1)
the way some of these
cranks talk and write
now, you'd think
everybody has to look
after everybody else, as
if we were all mixed up
together like bees in a
hive – community and
all that nonsense. (Act 1)
Still, I can't accept any
responsibility. If we were
all responsible for
everything that happened
to everybody we'd had
anything to do with, it
would be very awkward,
wouldn't it? (Act 1)
This girl. Eva Smith, was
one of them, she'd had a
lot to say – far too much –
so she had to go. (Act 1)
Rubbish! If you don't come
down sharply on some of
these people, they'd soon be
asking for the earth. (Act 1)
(angrily) Inspector, I've told
you before, I don't like the
tone nor the way you're
handling this inquiry. And I
don't propose to give you
much rope. (act 2)
(dubiously) I must say, Sybil,
that when this comes out at
the inquest, it isn't going to do
us much good. The press
might easily take it up—(Act 2)
You must give me a (triumphantly) There you
list of those are! Proof positive. The
accounts. I've got to whole story's just a lot of
cover this up as soon moonshine. Nothing but
as I can. (act 3) an elaborate sell! (Act 3)
(angrily) Yes, and you
don't realize yet all (jovially) But the whole
you've done. Most of thing's different now.
this is bound to come Come, come, you can
out. There'll be a public see that, can't you?
scandal. (act 3) (Imitating Inspector in
his final speech.) You all
helped to kill her.
(angrily) Drop that.
(pointing at Sheila and
There's every excuse for
Eric, and laughing.) and I
what both your mother
wish you could have
and I did (Act 3)
seen the look on your
faces when he said that.
(Act 3)
That fellow obviously
didn't like us. He was
prejudiced from the start.
(pointing to Eric and Sheila)
Probably a socialist or
some sort of crank – he Now look at the pair of
talked like one. And then, them – the famous younger
instead of standing up to generation who know it all.
him, you let him bluff you And they can't even take a
into talking about your joke- (Act 3)
private affairs. (Act 3)
Mrs Birling Quotations
All right, Edna. I'll ring from
the drawing room when we
want coffee. Probably in
about half an hour. (Act 1)
(reproachfully) Arthur,
you're not supposed to
say such things- (Act 1)
What an expression,
Sheila! Really the things
you girls pick up these
days! (Act 1)
Please don't contradict
me like that. And in any
case I don't suppose for
a moment that we can
understand why the girl
committed suicide. Girls
of that class—(Act 2)
That – I consider – is a
trifle impertinent,
inspector. (Act 2)
(with dignity) Yes.
We've done a great
deal of useful work in
helping deserving
cases. (Act 2)
Yes, I think it was simply a
piece of gross
impertinence – quite
deliberate – and naturally
that was one of the things
that prejudiced me
against her case. (Act 2)
If you think you can bring
any pressure to bear upon
me, Inspector, you're quite
mistaken. Unlike the other
three, I did nothing I'm
ashamed of or that won't
bear investigation. (Act 2)
I'll tell you what I told her. Go
and look for the father of the
child. It's his responsibility.
(Act 2)
She was giving herself
ridiculous airs. She was
claiming elaborate fine
feelings and scruples that
were simply absurd in a girl
in her position. (Act 2)
I didn't see any reason to
believe that one story should
be any truer than the other.
Therefore, you're quite wrong
to suppose I shall regret what I
did. (Act 2)
I'm sorry she should
have come to such a
horrible end. But I
accept no blame for
it at all. (Act 2)
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. (Act 2)
(shocked) Eric! You stole
money? (Act 3)
Well, I must say his
manner was quite
extraordinary; so – so
rude – and assertive –
(Act 3)
Really, from the way you
children talk, you might be
wanting to help him instead
of us. Now just be quiet so
that your father can decide
what we ought to do. (Looks
expectantly at Birling.) (Act 3)
They're over-tired. In the
morning they'll be as
amused as we are. (Act 3)
Inspector Goole Quotations
I’d like some information, if
you don't mind, Mr Birling.
Two hours ago a young
woman died on the
infirmary. She'd been taken
there this afternoon
because she'd swallowed a
lot of strong disinfectant.
Burnt her inside out, of
course. (Act 1)
(coolly, looking hard at him)
There might be.(Act 1)
They might. But after all it's
better to ask for the earth
than to take it. (Act 1)
(dryly) I don't play golf. (Act 1)
(slowly) Are you sure you don't
know? (He looks at Gerald,
then at Eric, then at Sheila.)
(Act 1)
(steadily) That's more or
less what I was thinking
earlier tonight when I was
in the infirmary looking at
what was left of Eva Smith.
A nice little promising life
there, I thought, and a
nasty mess somebody's
made of it. (Act 1)
Sometimes there isn't much
difference as you think. Often
, if it was left to me, I
wouldn't know where to
draw the line [between
respectable citizens and
criminals]. (Act 1)
(harshly) Yes, but you can't. It's
too late. She's dead. (Act 1)
You think young women
ought to be protected
against unpleasant and
disturbing things? (Act 2)
(sternly to them both) You see,
we have to share something.
If there's nothing else, we'll
have to share our guilt. (Act 2)
(sharply) your daughter isn't
living on the moon. She's
here in Brumley too. (Act 2)
(cutting in, with authority) he
must wait his turn. (Act 2)
(massively) Public men, Mr
Birling, have responsibilities as
well as privileges. (Act 2)
(very deliberately) I think you
did something terribly wrong –
and that you're going to spend
the rest of your life regretting
it. (Act 2)
(very sternly) Her position
now is that she lies with a
burnt-out inside on a slab.
( As Birling tries to protest,
turns on him.) Don't stammer
and yammer at me again,
man (Act 2)
(firmly) Yes. (As Birling looks like
interrupting explosively.) I know
– he's your son and this is your
house – but look at him. He
needs a drink now just to see
him through. (Act 3)
Each of you helped to
kill her. Remember that.
Never forget it. (He looks
from one to the other of
them carefully.) But then
I don't think you ever
will. (Act 3)
One Eva Smith has gone –
but there are millions and
millions and millions of Eva
Smiths and John Smiths still
left with us, with their lives,
their hopes 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 each
other. And I tell you that the
time will soon come when,
if men will not learn that
lesson, then they will be
taught it in fire and bloody
and anguish. Good night.
(Act 3)
Sheila Quotations
“I’m sorry, Daddy.” She
looks attentive, as they all
do. (Act 1)
But these girls aren’t cheap
labour- they’re people. (Act 1)
Oh – Gerald – you’ve got it –
is it the one you wanted me
to have? (Act 1)
If she'd been some miserable
plain little creature, I don't
suppose I’d have done it. But
she was very pretty and
looked as if she could take
care of herself. I couldn't be
sorry for her. (Act 1)
It's the only time I’ve ever
done anything like that, and I’ll
never, never do it again to
anybody. (Act 1)
(laughs rather hysterically)
why – you fool – he knows.
Of course he knows. And I
hate to think how much he
knows that we don't know
yet. You'll see. You'll see.
(Act 1)
(eagerly) I know I'm to blame
– and I'm desperately sorry –
but I can't believe – I won't
believe – it's simply my fault
that in that in the end she –
she committed suicide. That
would be too horrible –(Act 2)
We all started like that – so
confident, so pleased with
ourselves until he began
asking us questions. (Act 2)
(slowly, carefully now) you
mustn't try to build up a kind
of wall between us and that
girl. If you do, then the
inspector will just break it
down. And it'll be all the
worse when he does. (Act 2)
I'm not a child, don't forget.
I've a right to know. (Act 2)
(rather wildly, with laugh) No,
he's giving us the rope – so that
we'll hang ourselves. (Act 2)
I don't dislike you as I did half an
hour ago, Gerald. In fact, in some
odd way, I rather respect you
more than I've ever done before.
…. But this has made a
difference. You and I aren't the
same people who sat down to
dinner here.(Act 2)
Don't interfere, please,
father. (Act 2)
We've no excuse now for
putting on airs and if we've
any sense we won't try (Act 2)
I behaved badly too. I know I
did I'm ashamed of it. But now
you're beginning all over again
to pretend that nothing much
has happened- (Act 3)
(flaring up) It’s you two who
are being childish – trying not
to face the facts. (Act 3)
(bitterly) I suppose
we're all nice people
now.(Act 3)
(flaring up) Well, he
inspected us all right.
And don't let's start
dodging and
pretending now.
Between us we drove
that girl to commit
suicide. (Act 3)
(tensely) I want to get
out of this. It frightens
me the way you talk.
(Act 3)
I tell you – whoever that
Inspector was, it was
anything but a joke. You
knew it then. You began
to learn something. And
now you've stopped.
You're ready to go on in
the same old way. (Act 3)
Gerald Quotations
(smiling) Wouldn't dream
of it. In fact, I insist upon
being one of the family
now. I've been trying long
enough, haven't I? (as she
does not reply, with more
insistence.) Haven't I? You
know I have. (Act 1)
Hear, hear! And I think my
father would agree to that.
(Act 1)
(quietly) Thank you. And I
drink to you – and hope I can
make you as happy as you
deserve to be. (Act 1)
(laughs) You seem to be a nice
well-behaved family – (Act 1)
(lightly) Sure to be. Unless
Eric’s been up to something.
(nodding confidentially to
Birling.) and that would be
awkward, wouldn't it? (Act 1)
(showing annoyance) Any
particular reason why I
shouldn't see this girl's
photograph, inspector?
(Act 1)
Getting a bit heavy-handed,
aren't you, inspector? (Act 1)
So – for god's sake – don't say
anything to the inspector. (Act 1)
(to Sheila) thanks. You're going
to be a great help, I can see.
You've said your piece, and
you're obviously going to hate
this, so why on earth don't
you leave us to it? (Act 2)
I happened to look in, one night,
after a long dull day, and as the
show wasn't very bright, I went
down into the bar for a drink. It's a
favourite haunt of women of the
town-- (Act 2)
(distressed) sorry – I – well,
I've suddenly realized – taken
it in properly – that's she's
dead-- (Act 2)
I made her go to Morgan Terrace
because I was sorry for her, and
didn't like the idea of her going
back to the palace bar. I didn't ask
for anything in return. (Act 2)
Well, you were right.
(hesitatingly) it's hard to say. I
There isn't any such
didn't feel about her as she felt
inspector. We've
about me. (Act 2)
been had. (Act 3)
No, it wasn't. ( he waits a
moment, then in a low,
troubled tone.) she told me
she'd been happier than she'd
I did keep a girl last
ever been before – but that
she knew it couldn't last – summer. I've admitted
it. And I'm sorry,
hadn't expected it to last. She
didn't blame me at all. I wish Sheila. (Act 3)
to God she had now. Perhaps
I'd feel better about it. (Act 2)
I insisted on a parting gift of
Everything's all right
enough money – though it
now, Sheila. (Holds up
wasn't so very much – to see
the ring.) What about
her through to the end of the
this ring? (Act 3)
year. (Act 2)
in that case – as I'm rather
more – upset – by this
business than I probably
appear to be – and – well, I'd
like to be alone for a while –
I'd be glad if you'd let me go.
(Act 2)
Eric Quotations
I don't know – really.
Suddenly I felt I just had to
laugh. (Act 1)
(rather noisily) All the best!
She's got a nasty temper
sometimes – but she's not bad
really. Good old Sheila! (Act 1)
I left'em talking about clothes
again. You'd think a girl had
never any clothes before she
gets married. Women are
potty about 'em. (Act 1)
If she'd been some miserable
plain little creature, I don't
suppose I’d have done it. But
she was very pretty and
looked as if she could take
care of herself. I couldn't be
sorry for her. (Act 1)
By jove, yes. And as you were
saying, dad, a man has to look
after himself- (Act 1)
He could. He could have
kept her on instead of
throwing her out. I call it
tough luck. (Act 1)
Why shouldn't they try for
higher wages? We try for the
highest possible prices. And I
don't see why she should have
been sacked just because
she'd a bit more spirit than
the others. You said yourself
she was a good worker. I'd
have let her stay. (Act 1)
(suddenly bursting out) I'm
sorry – but you see – we were
having a little party – and I’ve
had a few drinks, including
rather a lot of champagne –
and I’ve got a headache – and
as I'm only in the way here – I
think I'd better turn in. (Act 1)
(bitterly) You haven't made it
any easier for me, have you,
mother? (Act 2)
Yes. And that's when it
happened. And I didn't even
remember – that's the hellish
thing. Oh – my God! - how
stupid it all is! (Act 2)
( bursting out) What's
Yes. I wasn't in love with her or
the use of talking about
anything – but I liked her – she
behaving sensibly.
was pretty and a good sport--
You're beginning to
No. she didn't want me to marry
pretend now that
her. Said I didn't love her – and
nothing's really
all that. In a way, she treated me
happened at all. And I
– as if I were a kid. Though I was
can't see it like that.
nearly as old as she was. (Act 2)
This girl's still dead, isn't
she? Nobody's brought
her to life, have they?
(miserably) Yes. That was the (Act 3)
worst of all. She wouldn't take
any more, and she didn't want to
see me again. (Act 2)
(nearly at breaking point) Then The money's not the
important thing. It's
– you killed her. She came to
what happened to the
you to protect me – and you
girl and what we all did
turned her away – yes, and you
to her that matters. And
killed her – and the child she'd
I still feel the same
have had too (Act 2)
about it, and that's why I
don't feel like sitting
(unhappily) My God – I'm not
down and having a nice
likely to forget. (Act 2)
cosy talk. (Act 3)
Well, I don't blame you. But
don't forget I'm ashamed of
you as well – yes both of you.
(Act 3)
Higher level terminology
• Capitalism and socialism – growth vs. equality
• Ideology – views, attitudes, beliefs, ideas
• Patriarchy – male dominated society.
• Misogyny – severe sexism against women.
• Marginalised – treated as an outsider, second-class citizen
• Welfare of the community vs. welfare of the economy – the socialist/capitalist
• The free market – equality of opportunity but not equality of outcome
• Meritocracy – if you succeed, it shows that you deserve it
• Responsibility vs. Individualism – everyone looking out for each other vs. every man
and woman for themselves
• Activism – collective bargaining and revolutionary protesting
• Representation – how certain characters are shown and what that shows about the
writer’s ideas
• Effect on the reader – how will the reader respond to these representations
• Character arc – how do characters change and develop as conflict and tension arises
• Dramatic irony – when the audience or another character know more than the other
characters
•
IDEOLOGY
Marxism – nuances of
a left-wing philosophy.

 Identifies the inequality between the middle and upper classes (the haves -
bourgeois society) with the working classes (the have nots - the proletariat).
 Marx’s agenda was to see greater equality in society with an emphasis on the
welfare of the community (socialism)over the welfare of the economy
(capitalism).
 Moderate Marxism – socialism – seeks to peacefully bridge the gap between
the rich and the poor by democratic means with an emphasis on public sector
provision and a ‘there is no such thing as the undeserving poor’ ethos towards
the unemployed, the benefits claimants, the homeless and the marginalised.
 Extreme Marxism – communism - seeks to overthrow the bourgeois
government by violent means and replace it with a proletariat led system of
state control.
 Karl Marx wrote ‘The Communist Manifesto’ which set out the idea that the
proletariat needed to overthrow the bourgeoisie by means of a revolution.
 Marx is a strong critic of capitalism and the free-market equality of opportunity
and not equality of outcome ethos.
 NATIONALISM CONTROL
state focused dictate AUTHORITARIAN
NATIONAL anti-freedom
COMMUNISM FASCISM

FUNDAMENTALISM
TOTALITARIANISM NATIONALISM

COMMUNISM
NATIONALISTIC
SOCIALISM TRADITIONALISM

REPRESENTATION

Ideology STATISM
AUTHORIT-
ARIANISM
CONSERVATISM

SOCIALISM NEOLIBERALISM

LEFt Right
SOCIAL
COMMUNITARIAN DEMOCRACY LIBERALISM PROGRESSIVISM
ECONOMY TARIAN
welfare of the people welfare of the economy
DEMOCRATIC LIBERTARIAN
SOCIALISM CAPITALISM

LIBERTARIAN ACTIVISM LIBERTARIANISM

SOCIALISM
COMMUNISM
ANARCHO-

CAPITALISM
ANARCHO-
ANARCHO-
INDIVIDUALISM
SOCIALISM
SYNDICALISM MUTUALISM
ANARCHO-
COLLECTIVISM ANARCHISM
LIBERTARIAN CONNECT CHAOISM
freedom of the individual relate anti state
 Additional Help Sheet
Writers’ block sentence starters
Priestley illustrates the theme of responsibility through the
characterisation of Inspector Goole…
Priestley reflects on unjust attitudes within society by
showing how Eva Smith is neglected by the Birling family…
One could argue that Inspector Goole is the vicarious
embodiment of Priestley’s own ideological agenda
because...

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