English Lit: 'An Inspector Calls'

Question 1

What are the names of all members of The Birling Family?

Answer 1

Mr Birling
Mrs Birling
Sheila Birling
Eric Birling

Question 2

What are the other key characters not apart of the Birlings?

Answer 2

Inspector Goole
Eva Smith/Daisy Renton
Gerald Croft

Question 3

What are the connotations of DAISY RENTON/EVA SMITH?

Answer 3

Eva Smith;
Eve was the first woman on Earth
Smith is most common surname; represents that there are many girls like her.
Daisy Renton;
Daisy symbolises white - purity/innocence
Renton connotes how Gerald and other men rented her out.

Question 4

What is ‘Antithesis’?

Answer 4

Antithesis is the direct opposite of a concept or person.

Question 5

What is ‘Archetype’?

Answer 5

Archetype is a person or thing who is a typical example of something.

Question 6

What is ‘Caricature’?

Answer 6

Caricature is an imitation where particular characteristics are exaggerated for effect.

Question 7

What is ‘Epithet’?

Answer 7

An epithet is referring to a person or thing with adjectives that describe a prominent characteristic.

Question 8

Which sentence starter should always be the opening sentence?

Answer 8

In Priestley’s didactic morality play ‘An Inspector Calls’, ….

Question 9

What does this quote imply? Give reference to context and Priestley’s intention.

Mr. Birling: /Now, Sheila, I’m not defending him. But you have to understand that a lot of young men…’

Answer 9

Sheila must accept the normality of infidelity. Because it was frowned upon for woman of higher class to have sex before marriage, therefore men would cheat and turn to prostitutes - this is how Eva and Gerald and Daisy and Eric met.