English Literature Inspector Calls Flashcards
Who wrote inspector calls ?
J.b Priestley
When was the play based ?
1912
When was the play written ?
1945
Was Priestley a socialist ?
Yes
How does Priestley present his ideas of socialism and capitalism in the play ?
He uses the Inspector to present ideas of socialism and he uses the play also to convey the moral failings of capitalism
What is capitalism presented as in the play ?
A system in which abuse and exploitation of the poor and disadvantaged is inevitable
How is socialism presented in the play ?
Presented as a system which promotes equality and views society as a whole
The play is set in 1912 , what does Priestley aim to do here ?
England was governed by a conservative right wing government where capitalism was the dominant ideology . Priestley aims to show Capitalism to be morally unacceptable political view
In 1912 how were women seen ?
The were largely seem to be subservient to men and had significantly fewer rights
What was the society called in 1912 ?
Edwardian era
Who is the inspector ?
He is the symbol of socialism and basically Priestley’s puppet to highlight the negativity of capitalism .
What ideology do the Birlings represent at the start of the play ?
Capitalism
Who changes at the end of the play and takes responsibility for their actions ?
Sheila and Eric
What are some of the qualities of the Inspector ?
. Face of socialism
. Morally good
. All about Social responsibility
. Blunt/ casual
. Mysterious
. Driving force of the play
. Ghost ?
What are 6 quotes for the inspector ?
. ‘Its my duty to ask questions ‘
. ‘We don’t live alone . We are members of one body . We are responsible for each other ‘
. ‘ Just used her … as if she was an animal, a thing, not a person ‘
. ‘If men will not learn that lesson , they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish ‘
. ‘She died in misery and agony, hating life ‘
. ‘Public men have responsibilities as well as privileges ‘ .
What are some of the qualities of Arthur Birling ?
. Only cares about class and social status
. Self centered
. Likes to be in control
. Business man
Who undermines Birling’s authority ?
The Inspector
What colour is the lighting in the play before the Inspector arrives ? What kind of atmosphere does it create ?
Pink and intimate , creates a cosy atmosphere and suggests that everything in the life of the Birling family is rosy
What colour is the lighting when the Inspector walks in ? What does it symbolise ?
Brighter and harder and it symbolises how Inspector Goole brings light into where it is needed .
What does Arthur Birling have to do with Eva smiths death ?
He sacked her leaving her unemployed
What does Mr Birling hope to obtain ?
A knighthood
Why does Mr Birling say to Gerald that he is up for a knighthood ?
Because Gerald and his family are higher class than Birling and he wants recognition and power
What does Mr Birling symbolise ?
Capitalism
Older generation
Power of men over women
What are all the examples of dramatic irony that Mr birling uses ?
. He says that the titanic is ‘unsinkable ‘
. He says that the strikes will die down
. He says ‘ we’re in for a time of steady prosperity ‘
. He says that there will never be a war
