AIC themes, ideas and techniques

Question 1

What is the technique Priestley uses when the Inspector says ‘we are all members of one body?’

Answer 1

Metaphor

This biological metaphor suggests that it’s natural for everyone to work together

Question 2

What could the Titanic be a symbol of?

Answer 2

The Edwardian class system
Just as the Titanic sank in 1912, the year An Inspector Calls is set, Priestly thought the old class system needed to ‘sink’ and be replaced by a fairer society

Question 3

What could the Police Inspector be a symbol of?

Answer 3

Responsibility
Inspector Goole haunts them like a ghost (or ‘ghoul’); he pursues ‘one line of enquiry at a time’ until he’s shown that they’re all responsible

Question 4

What technique does Priestley use when Birling says that the Titanic is ‘unsinkable’, but the audience knows it sank?

Answer 4

Dramatic irony

Priestley uses dramatic irony to show how we should not listen to Birling

Question 5

What could the engagement ring be a symbol of?

Answer 5

Male power
Gerald chooses the, showing his dominance; Sheila tries to give it back and gain her own independence; Gerald tries to give it back and take back power, saying ‘everything’s alright - now what about this ring?’

Question 6

What could the play’s double ending (when we learn that another Inspector is coming round) demonstrate?

Answer 6

Justice
It suggests police Inspector will always return ‘to ask some questions’ until people admit responsibility and show remorse; until justice is done

Question 7

How did the Second World war affect women?

Answer 7

It demonstrated that they could do many jobs as well as men, and helped to promote equality

Question 8

How did the Second World War affect the class system?

Answer 8

It helped to break down class barriers; all the classes worked together in the army, and discovered they had a lot in common