Inspector calls Overview

Question 1

Gerald Croft overview

Answer 1

Priestley presents Gerald Croft as a sycophantic, narcissistic character, representative of the patriarchal upper class, privileged and self-interested. He expresses some regret for his role in Eva’s death, but exploits and uses her for his own needs, his values remaining unchanged even at the end of the play.

Question 2

Sheila Birling overview

Answer 2

In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Priestley presents Sheila as a spoilt young woman at first, then shows her gradual maturing throughout the play as she accepts responsibility for her actions and breaks free from the expectations society had for women of the upper class. Through Sheila, Priestley demonstrates his hope and optimism that the younger generation will be more receptive to Priestley’s socialist ideology and thus change for the better.

Question 3

Eric Birling overview

Answer 3

In ‘An Inspector calls’, Priestley uses the character of Eric Birling to highlight the corrupt nature of patriarchal society through his hypocritical and exploitative personality. However, he is also used to show how even flawed people can change for the better, despite having committed heinous acts in the past.

Question 4

Mr Birling overview

Answer 4

Mr Birling, the patriarch of the Birling family, is a character who represents the hubristic, arrogant older generation of the upper classes during the Edwardian era. He is a construct designed by Priestley to showcase the negative aspects of capitalism through his unlikeable personality, in a bid to guide the audience into forming a more equal and caring society devoid of class prejudice.

Question 5

Inspector Goole overview

Answer 5

In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Inspector Goole is used as a dramatic device, arguably acting as a mouthpiece for J. B. Priestley in order to convey the message of the play - for the audience to be more accepting of socialist ideologies to ensure society never reverts to being dominated by capitalism like it was before the two world wars. This would have a profound impact on the post war audience of 1945 as through their suffering, they would have realised the importance of unity.

Question 6

Mrs Birling overview

Answer 6

Mrs Birling is revealed as a character who values tradition, social decorum, and rigid gender roles. Her patronising and often judgemental tone towards Sheila reflects her desire to uphold these values, reinforcing the generational divide between her conservative ideas and the younger characters’ evolving attitudes. Mrs Birling’s adherence to social etiquette also exposes her superficial understanding of morality; she equates appearance with moral integrity which blinds her to her family’s faults. Priestley uses her character to critique the upper class’s hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness, suggesting that an over reliance of tradition can lead to moral blindness and denial.

Question 7

Gender overview

Answer 7

In An Inspector Calls, gender roles are critiqued through the contrasting attitudes of male and female characters. The men, like Mr. Birling and Gerald, maintain power and dominance, while women, like Sheila, challenge traditional roles by accepting responsibility. Priestley highlights gender inequality and advocates for more social equality and responsibility.

Question 8

Age overview

Answer 8

In An Inspector Calls, age and generational divide are portrayed through the differing attitudes of the older and younger characters. The older generation, like Mr. Birling, is resistant to change and self-serving, while the younger characters, particularly Sheila and Eric, show potential for growth and social responsibility, challenging traditional views.

Question 9

Class overview

Answer 9

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley critiques the class system, highlighting the exploitation and indifference of the upper class toward the working class. The Birlings’ selfish attitudes reflect social inequality, while the Inspector urges collective responsibility. Priestley advocates for social change, emphasising the need for equality and empathy across all classes.

Question 10

Responsibility overview

Answer 10

In An Inspector Calls, the theme of responsibility emphasizes the impact of individual actions on others. Priestley critiques the selfishness and lack of accountability in the upper class, contrasting it with the idea of collective responsibility. The play advocates for moral growth and social awareness to create a more just and compassionate society.