An Inspector Calls Flashcards
What happens in chronological order?
1) An inspector arrives at the Birling house. He tells them how a girl called Eva Smith has killed herself by drinking disinfectant- he wants to ask them some questions.
2) The Inspector reveals that the girl used to work in Arthur Birling’s factory and he had her sacked for going on strike. Mr Birling refuses to accept any responsibility for her death.
3)
Who are the main characters in An Inspector Calls?
Mr Arthur Birling. Mrs Sybil Birling. Sheil Birling. Eric Birling. Gerald Croft. Inspector Goole.
Who is the secondary character in An Inspector Calls?
Eva Smith/Daisy Renton.
Who is the minor character in An Inspector Calls?
Edna- the Birlings’ maid.
Who is Mr Arthur Birling?
Head of Birling household.
Made himself very wealthy by being a ‘hard-headed’ business man.
Active member of community in Brumley + thinks that he might be in the running for a knighthood.
At start of play he comes across as arrogant, making long speeches about his predictions for future. Also makes assertions about how a man should look out for number 1 + not waste time helping others.
He is materialistic + possessive, has old fashioned views about women.
When seems like inspector may have been an imposter he is overjoyed + mocks other for haven been ‘tricked’ by investigation.
Who is Mrs Sybil Birling?
Arthur Birling’s wife.
Right from opening of play shown as cold-hearted + snobbish, despite being prominent member of local women’s charity.
Throughout dinner tells Sheila + Eric off for things she considers impolite whilst ignorantly turning blind eye to her son drinking too much. Clear despite Eric being old enough to drink + Sheila getting married she sees them both as children, not as young man + woman.
Her cold + uncaring nature leads her to her downfall as inspector forces her unknowingly to condemn her own son.
Who is Sheila Birling?
Arthur + Sybil’s daughter.
In early 20s.
At start of play celebrating engagement to Gerald Croft + giddy, naïve + childish young lady.
Inspector arrives + she is very shocked at + regretful of her own involvement in Eva Smith’s suicide.
As play continues she matures, admiring Gerald’s honesty, even though he cheated on her.
Shows assertive side by standing up to her mother + father.
Shows insightful + intelligent- can see where inspector’s investigation is going + tries to warn the others.
By end of play grown up + realised her actions can have grave consequences.
Who is Eric Birling?
Birlings’ son.
In early 20s.
Described as ‘not quite at easer, half shy, half assertive’, in other words lacks confidence.
At points tries to stand up to his father but talked down.
Becomes clear drunk at dinner table + later revealed been drinking too much for quite some time.
Turns out Eric had affair with Eva Smith + she was pregnant with his baby when she committed suicide. Eric stole money from father’s business to help Eva. In final act Eric makes emotional attack on parents + values, + shows he can be assertive.
Who is Gerald Croft?
Described as ‘attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the easy well-bred young man-about-town’. Mr Birling very pleased Gerald is getting engaged to Sheila.as family are upper class business owner.
Mr Birling hope can join forces in business.
At beginning of play, Gerald shown as confident + charming.
Changes after affair with Eva Smith revealed. Gerald gives himself away when hears Eva changed name to Daisy Renton.
Initially is evasive + tries to not talk too much about it, but redeems himself in eyes of audience by being more open + honest about it as talks to Sheila.
Lets himself down in final act by trying to get family out of trouble, doesn’t seem to have learned from his mistakes.
Who is Inspector Goole?
Arrives whilst Birling family celebrating engagement of Sheila + Gerald.
Investigates each family member 1 at a time + in doing so, shows consequences of their actions.
