Inspector Calls Overview Flashcards
Overview
Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945, ‘An Inspector Calls’ is set over one evening in an English
manufacturing town called Brumley in 1912. It has 3 acts and is in real time which means there is no change in time or location between acts. The upper-middle class Birling family are visited by a mysterious inspector, who is investigating the death of a young woman by suicide.The all-knowing detective gradually reveals how each of them are involved with, and partially responsible for, her death. Priestley examines how each member of the family reacts to these revelations.
Arthur Birling
The head of Birling and Company, a manufacturing company situated Brumley, and head of the Birling family. He represents the Capitalist businessman.
Sybil Birling
The wife and social superior of Arthur Birling. She represents the upper-class, socially prominent wife.
Sheila Birling
The Birlings’ daughter. She represents the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the feminist movement.
Sybil Birling
The wife and social superior of Arthur Birling. She represents the upper-class, socially prominent wife.
Sheila Birling
The Birlings’ daughter. She represents the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the feminist movement.
Eric Birling
The Birlings’ son. He represents the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the consequences of toxic masculine culture.
Gerald Croft
The son of Sir and Lady Croft, of Crofts Limited, and socially superior to the Birlings. He represents privilege, and the dominance of the upper classes and patriarchy.
Inspector Goole
A police inspector. He represents the ideals of Socialism and social responsibility, and the ideal justice system.
Eva Smith
A lower-class, young girl who is mistreated by the Birlings. She represents the neglected lower-classes.
