English Literature- An inspector Calls

Question 1

Mr Arthur Birling

Answer 1

symbolic meaning: Represents the
Capitalist ethos and
the world of business.
Represents the
patriarchal structure
of Edwardian England.
Represents the older
generation.

Question 2

Dramatic irony used to undermine
Birling and present him as foolish &
overly confident. His optimism is
misplaced.
‘Nobody’ suggests he is arrogant
enough to speak for all people, despite
knowing very little about the wishes of
others.

Answer 2

‘The Germans don’t want war. Nobody
wants war.’ Act 1

Question 3

Discussing the effects of socialism in a
negative and dismissive manner.
‘Mixed up’ suggests a belief that social
classes should not interact.
‘Bees’ implies a fear that socialism will
crush individuality and reduce humans to
mindless drones.

Answer 3

‘Mixed up together like bees in a hive’ Act 1

Question 4

Remorseless and evades responsibility.
‘Wretched girl’ is callous and uncaring.
‘Girl’ is dismissive and patronising.
Refusal to use her name, despite
knowing it, shows a reluctance to see the
working classes as individuals.

Answer 4

‘It had nothing to do whatsoever with
this wretched girl’s suicide.’ Act 1

Question 5

‘Far too much’ suggests he wants to
silence the working classes, particularly
the women. He feels they should be
voiceless and is disapproving when they
stand up for themselves.
‘Had to go’ shows his certainty that his
actions were correct.

Answer 5

‘She had a lot to say – far too much – so
she had to go’ Act 1

Question 6

Context and message

Answer 6

Priestley uses Birling to
criticise the flawed
Capitalist classes as
foolish, arrogant,
prejudiced and cruel. Also
criticises the obstinate
older generation, their
dismissiveness of new
ideas, and their resistance
to change.

Question 7

Mrs Sybil Birling

Answer 7

symbolic meaning: Represents the upper
classes, particularly
older females.
Represents the older
generation.