Inspector Calls

Question 1

Who is the author of ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 1

J.B. Priestley

Question 2

What is the setting of the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 2

The Birling family home in Brumley, a fictional industrial city in the North Midlands

Question 3

What is the central message that Priestley wants to convey through the play?

Answer 3

The idea of social responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions

Question 4

What time period is ‘An Inspector Calls’ set in?

Answer 4

1912

Question 5

What is the name of the mysterious inspector in the play?

Answer 5

Inspector Goole

Question 6

What is the significance of the inspector’s name ‘Goole’?

Answer 6

It alludes to the word ‘ghoul’, suggesting a supernatural or ghostly presence

Question 7

What is the inspector’s purpose in visiting the Birling family?

Answer 7

To investigate the suicide of Eva Smith and expose the family’s role in her downfall

Question 8

What is the final message of the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 8

The importance of treating others with compassion, empathy, and understanding

Question 9

What social class does the Birling family belong to?

Answer 9

Upper class

Question 10

What is the role of Eva Smith in the play?

Answer 10

She represents the voiceless working class who are exploited and mistreated by the upper class

Question 11

What is the significance of the play being set in 1912?

Answer 11

To highlight the social issues and inequalities of the time, as well as foreshadowing the impending World War I

Question 12

What is the climax of the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 12

When the characters realize their collective responsibility for Eva Smith’s death and mistreatment

Question 13

What is the theme of deception in the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 13

The characters’ lies and deceit ultimately lead to their downfall and exposure

Question 14

What is the significance of the lighting changes in the play?

Answer 14

They symbolize the shifting moods and revelations throughout the story

Question 15

What is the role of the Birling family in Eva Smith’s life?

Answer 15

Each member plays a part in her tragic story through their actions and indifference

Question 16

What is the overall tone of the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 16

A mix of mystery, suspense, and moral questioning

Question 17

How does Priestley use the character of the inspector to challenge the audience’s views on social responsibility?

Answer 17

By exposing the characters’ hypocrisy and selfishness, he forces the audience to reflect on their own actions

Question 18

What is the role of Sheila Birling in the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 18

She represents the potential for change and growth, as she learns from the inspector’s revelations

Question 19

What is the significance of the final phone call in the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 19

It suggests that the characters have a chance for redemption and change moving forward

Question 20

How does Priestley use dramatic irony in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 20

He allows the audience to know more than the characters, creating tension and emphasizing the characters’ ignorance

Question 21

What is the role of Mr. Birling in the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 21

He represents capitalist greed and arrogance, contributing to Eva Smith’s tragic fate

Question 22

What is the significance of the inspector’s final speech in the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 22

It serves as a moral lesson and warning about the consequences of selfish actions

Question 23

How does Priestley use the motif of time in the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 23

To suggest that the characters’ past actions have a lasting impact on the present and future

Question 24

What is the role of Gerald Croft in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 24

He represents the hypocrisy of the upper class and their disregard for the lower classes

Question 25

What is the significance of the inspector’s exit at the end of the play?

Answer 25

It leaves the characters and audience questioning the inspector’s identity and purpose