An Inspector Calls: plot, characters and context
Lerne es beim Spielen
Beantworte diese Fragen für Energie, dann angle und erkunde. Kein Konto nötig.
Für Lehrkräfte: sofort einsetzbare Lektionsfolien, Lernnotizen für An Inspector Calls: plot, characters and context (English Literature, Modern Text) — nutze sie in deiner Lektion oder starte das Thema als interaktive Klassenaktivität, die deine Lernenden als Live-Spiel spielen.
Lektionsnotizen
Plot summary
- Setting: the Birlings' dining room in the industrial city of Brumley, spring 1912. The family are celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft, son of a rival businessman.
- Act 1: Goole reports a young woman’s death and questions the household. Birling admits dismissing a strike organiser; Sheila admits using her influence to secure a shop worker’s dismissal. Separate photograph viewings control what each character knows.
- Act 2: Gerald describes his relationship with Daisy Renton. Mrs Birling admits refusing help to a pregnant applicant and insists that the father should bear responsibility. Eric’s connection becomes apparent as the act ends.
- Act 3: Eric admits a coercive encounter, the pregnancy and theft to provide money; Eva refuses further stolen money. Goole demands social responsibility and leaves. His moral argument extends beyond whether any particular action can be prosecuted.
- Later enquiries fail to confirm Goole’s police status or the reported death; the separately viewed photograph leaves room for doubt about a single woman. Some characters treat this as escape, while Sheila and Eric maintain that their conduct matters. A final call reports that a girl has just died and a police inspector is on the way. The curtain falls before the next inquiry.
A household under scrutiny
Characters
- Arthur defends business interests; Sybil uses charitable authority selectively. Sheila learns to challenge excuses; Eric admits serious harm and blame. Gerald combines assistance with unequal power and later seeks reassurance. Goole directs the investigation and voices responsibility, while his identity remains unresolved. Eva is represented through others’ accounts rather than appearing on stage.
Power and admitted conduct
Context
- Set in 1912, written in 1944 and first performed in the Soviet Union in 1945; London followed in 1946. Distinguish these dates when discussing hindsight. Priestley advocated socialism and social justice but was not a Labour Party member. Connect context to a specific dramatic choice rather than treating every audience as politically identical.
Three dates, three different events
Folien
Sign up free to view the lesson slides
Step through every slide for this topic — plus flashcards and revision notes — with a free account.
Übungsfragen
Gratis-Vorschau — 8 von 33 Fragen. Registriere dich, um alle zu sehen.
1.Who wrote An Inspector Calls?
Easy- AJ. B. Priestley
- BArthur Miller
- CWilly Russell
- DGeorge Orwell
2.In which year is the play set?
Easy- A1945
- B1990
- C1850
- D1912
3.What name does the Inspector initially give the young woman whose death he reports?
Easy- ADaisy Birling
- BSheila Croft
- CEva Smith
- DEdna Brown
4.What is Mr Birling's job?
Easy- Adoctor
- Bfactory owner
- Cteacher
- Dinspector
5.Who is Eric?
Easy- ASheila's brother
- BSheila's fiancé
- Cthe Inspector
- DGerald's brother
6.Why was Eva Smith sacked from Birling's factory?
Easy- Ashe stole
- Bshe was late
- Cshe quit
- Dshe led a strike for higher wages
7.Why did Sheila have Eva sacked from Milwards?
Easy- AEva was rude to Gerald
- Bshe wanted money
- Cshe was jealous and angry
- DEva stole
8.What did Gerald do for Eva?
Easy- Areported her
- Bgave her rooms and had an affair
- Csacked her
- Dignored her
Unlock all 33 questions & more
Erstelle ein Gratis-Konto, um alle Fragen, Folien, Karteikarten und Lernnotizen zu diesem Thema zu sehen.
Altklausuren
Altklausuren-Übungen für dieses Thema kommen bald.
Bald verfügbar