An Inspector Calls Flashcards
What does the play display?
The true negativity of life before war and how people should stop saying that it was nicer before.
When was the play set?
1912
What was Priestley?
Priestley was a socialist.
Is Eric a dynamic or static character?
Dynamic - he changes throughout.
What is the significance or Eva and Eric’s unborn baby?
It created a bridge between classes which is ruined when Eva Smith kills herself.
Is Sybil a dynamic or static character?
Static - she remains unchanged throughout.
What happened as the play progresses?
The inspector begins to unravel not on the story of Eva smith, but also the descriptions given of the characters earlier on.
Is Gerald a static or dynamic character?
Gerald fits into neither category.
Is Sheila a static or dynamic character?
Dynamic - she changes throughout.
Is Arthur a dynamic or static character?
Static - he does not change.
Why does Priestley present the birling parents in such a negative way?
In order to highlight the division between the inspectors socialist views and the families capitalist views. It holds a mirror up to the audience to criticise their views and present socialism as a much more positive alternative.
What does the fact Eva was described as ‘a good worker,’ show?
It emphasises that the fact she was sacked was much more negative, further pushing her he blame onto Mr Birling and displaying that he needs to learn to take responsibility.
What does Eva smith present?
She presents what humanities actions can result in. She represents everyone born into a life of poverty and disadvantage, helping to further evoke sympathy for her as she cannot change her conditions.
What does the name ‘smith’ show?
How she is a regular person in poverty.
What could the name ‘Eva’ show?
It links to the Bible, displaying her assertive nature and her protests against the capitalist that Birling promotes.
When Eve eats the fruit she breaks form gender roles, leading to her then being punished. Similarly, Eva is then fired as punishment, showing that society accepts her if she plays by the patriarchal rules.
What quotes show how materialistic Sheila Birling is?
‘Now I really feel engaged…’ showing how she values the ring over her marriage.
‘Pretty?’ Showing how Sheila values how Eva looks rather than the content of her character.
What does the way Sheila calls her mother ‘mummy’ show?
How she is immature and sheltered by her parents. It makes her character arc much more visible as she goes from supporting and reliant to opinionated.
Sheila: (to Gerald) ‘I wondered what had happened to you,’
Displays the way she is inspector-like and begins to similarly interrogate her family. She begins so show socialist views.
Sheila: ‘and I’ll never do it again to anybody,’
She feels remorseful, the inspector has changed her and feels guilty and has gained a moral conscience.
Eric: ‘what about war?’
Eric shows sensitivity and knowledge of world affairs. He already challenges his father’s capitalist views, inspired by his love for Eva. It also displays the conflict within Eric and his father’s relationship.
