AIC exam questions

Question 1

The question is about Eric. Which could you write about?

Answer 1

Eric
His violently sexist treatment of Eva
His accepting responsibility for himself and everyone and showing remorse
His agreement with the socialist ideas of the Inspector in the end

Question 2

The question is about the role of women. What could you write about?

Answer 2

role of women
The stereotypical roles for women in Edwardian Britain (obedient wife, pretty girl)
The insulting, sexist treatment of women by Gerald
The ring as a symbol of male power - it will be difficult for change to happen

Question 3

The question is about Mr Birling. What could you write about?

Answer 3

Birling
He supports the capitalist ideas of Edwardian Britain
The Titanic as a symbol of the Edwardian class system, which he sees as ‘unsinkable’
The Inspector as a mouthpiece for Priestley’ socialist views, which contrast to Birling’s

Question 4

The question is about social responsibility. What could you write about?

Answer 4

social responsibility
Birling’s lack of responsibility for others as middle-class capitalist
Eric accepting responsibility for himself and everyone else, and showing remorse
The play’s double ending as a symbol that people will ‘ask questions’ until everyone admits responsibility

Question 5

The question is about the different generations. What could you write about?

Answer 5

different generations
The older generation, like Birling, support Edwardian capitalist ideas
The Titanic as a symbol of the Edwardian class system, which Priestley thought needed to ‘sink’
The younger generation, like Eric, are willing to accept responsibility and show remorse

Question 6

The question is about Gerald. What could you write about?

Answer 6

Gerald
Gerald, like Birling, supports Edwardian capitalist ideas
His violently sexist attitude to the prostitutes in the Palace bar
The ring as a symbol of male power: he tries to keep things the same and resist change

Question 7

The question is about Sheila. What could you write about?

Answer 7

Sheila
The stereotypical roles for women in Edwardian Britain (obedient wife, pretty girl)
She admits she’s changed, accepts responsibility and shows remorse
The ring as a symbol of male power - it will be difficult for women like Sheila to achieve change

Question 8

The question is about whether change is possible. What could you write about?

Answer 8

Is change possible?
The Titanic as a symbol of the Edwardian class system, which Priestley thought needed to ‘sink’
Sheila admits she’s changed, admits responsibility and shows remorse
The ring as a symbol of male power - it will be difficult for women like Sheila to achieve change