essay questions for an inspector calls

An Inspector Calls ( AQA GCSE English Literature )

Topic questions.

JB Priestley: An Inspector Calls

How does Priestley use Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility?

Write about:

• what Gerald says and does
• how Priestley uses Gerald to explore ideas about responsibility.

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How far does Priestley present society as unfair in An Inspector Calls ?

• what can be seen as unfair in the play
• how far Priestley presents society as unfair.

Mr Birling says, ‘...a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own’. How far does Priestley present Mr Birling as a man who cares only for himself and his family? Write about:

• what Mr Birling says and does
• how far Priestley presents Mr Birling as a man who cares only for himself and his family.

How far does Priestley present male characters as irresponsible in the play? Write about:

• one or more of the male character(s)
• how far Priestley presents one or more of the male character(s) as irresponsible.

JB Priestley : An Inspector Calls

How does Priestley present selfishness and its effects in An Inspector Calls ?

• examples of selfish behaviour in the play
• how Priestley presents selfishness and its effects.

How does Priestley present Sheila as a character who learns important lessons about herself and society?

• some of the things Sheila learns in the play
• how Priestley presents Sheila as a character who learns important lessons about herself and society.

How far does Priestley present Eric as a character who changes his attitudes towards himself and others during the play?

• what Eric says and does throughout the play
• how far Priestley presents Eric as a character who changes his attitudes.

[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]

How does Priestley explore the importance of social class in An Inspector Calls ?

• some ideas about social class in the play
• how Priestley presents the importance of social class.

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An Inspector Calls

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Notes || Exam Prep || Character Profiles || Themes || Additional Reading & Videos

This topic is included in  Paper 2 . You can find notes and guides for it below.

• Overview and Key Scenes
• Glossary of Key Terms
• Definitions Flashcards
• Guide to Paper 2
• How to plan and write a top mark essay
• Question Bank - Characters
• Question Bank - Relationships
• Question Bank - Themes

Additional Reading & Videos

• An Inspector Calls (2017 film version)

Character Profiles

• Eric Birling
• Gerald Croft
• Mrs Birling
• Sheila Birling
• The Inspector
• Capitalism vs Socialism
• Exploitation
• Generations Young vs Old
• Social Class
• Social Responsibility
• Wealth and Materialism

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An Inspector Calls

By j. b. priestley, an inspector calls study guide.

"We cannot go forward and build up this new world order, and this is our war aim, unless we begin to think differently: one must stop thinking in terms of property and power and begin thinking in terms of community and creation. Take the change from property to community. Property is the old-fashioned way of thinking of a country as a thing, and a collection of things in that thing, all owned by certain people and constituting property; instead of thinking of a country as the home of a living society with the community itself as the first test."

—J.B. Priestley, Postscripts , BBC radio broadcast, 21 July 1949

As Priestley was writing An Inspector Calls , the United Kingdom was in a bad state: the Second World War had concluded only a year before in 1945. Food was still being rationed, and many towns and cities had suffered massive damage during the Blitz. The political situation in the UK was about to shift massively with the first Labour government in several years, led by Clement Attlee, beginning work in 1946, the same year Priestley's play was first performed. The National Health Service (NHS) was also founded in 1946, taking effect on July 5, 1948.

The government’s unusually high degree of control of the people because of the war had given some of the British new inspiration to use the government to promote equality, to attack Britain's problems with poverty, and thus to try to end the economic and social ills that were sometimes attributed to the country’s class system. These issues also were clearly on Priestley's mind, since An Inspector Calls is one of the most famous and explicit espousals of socialism that has ever graced the British theatre.

Priestley’s work was successful in part because he detected the mood of many in the country. Many of the people, he thought, had turned selfish and cynical despite (or perhaps because of) their massive sacrifices during the war: "They are trying to take as much as they can and give as little as possible in return. They are cutting themselves off from the welfare of the community. They are losing all pride and interest in the job. They are not behaving like good citizens ... They believe this to be a rotten world and they do not propose to do anything themselves to improve it." There, in a concise paragraph, lie the attitudes of the play’s characters the Birlings, expressing the attitudes that the play attacks.

Priestly wrote extremely quickly. He remembered writing Dangerous Corner (1932) "very quickly as a technical experiment and as proof that I could write for the stage" (1962). He also claimed that he wrote three of his most famous plays, Time and the Conways (1937), An Inspector Calls (1946), and The Linden Tree (1947), in "about ten days" each.

An Inspector Calls was initially performed in Moscow in 1945, and only subsequently in Britain. Its London premiere was at the New Theatre in October 1946, with a cast including Ralph Richardson. The play was later made into a motion picture. For more on the play's stage history, see the section on A Stage History in this ClassicNote.

Priestley's play had Christian resonances for its original audience. Northrop Frye, a literary critic and theorist who worked closely on the Bible during his critical career, wrote in his diary on 12 January 1952 that he had seen An Inspector Calls :

"Down to a rather a cheap theatrical trick at the end, the play was a study in the contrast between the religious & the moral conceptions of guilt ... The inspector leaves & the whole thing is proved a hoax, whereupon the parents pick up where they left off. The younger people - son and daughter at least - are more deeply touched, but even they don't appear to have the strength of mind to face the fact that all that guilt is potential in them whatever the accidents of consequence may be. At that point the phone rings and the real action starts, the inspector having been of course God."

It is rare to see Priestley's play interpreted in such a Christian context today, even though England today remains a Christian nation and retains a high percentage (but a decreasing percentage) of Christians. It is interesting that Priestley's message has found more resonance in modern theories of politics and sociology than in Christian conceptions of sin, forgiveness, and guilt. This set of different, even contradictory, interpretations suggests a universality that might ensure the long-term endurance of Priestley's play.

An Inspector Calls Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for An Inspector Calls is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

what bad point does Eric reveal about sheila?

Eric says, "She's got a nasty temper sometimes-but she's not bad really."

Why does Mrs Birling initially deny that she recognized the girl in the photograph?

Mrs. Birling denies recognizing the girl in the photograph because she recently denied her appeal for help. It was, in fact, Mrs. Birling's influence that left Eva without assistance.

what does birling tell gerald that he hopes will impress lady croft? act one

Study Guide for An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls study guide contains a biography of J.B. Priestley, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About An Inspector Calls
• An Inspector Calls Summary
• Character List

Essays for An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.

• How J.B. Priestley Creates Sympathy for Eva Smith in "An Inspector Calls"
• Sheila's Evolution in An Inspector Calls
• What is the importance of the characters Sheila and Eric?
• Generation vs Generation
• The Interconnected Nature of Society in An Inspector Calls

Lesson Plan for An Inspector Calls

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to An Inspector Calls
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links

Wikipedia Entries for An Inspector Calls

• Introduction

Essay Titles

For your revision you should plan an essay based around each of the following questions., remember that you can use quotes - or even entire paragraphs - in multiple questions, so be wise when you prepare. for this exam you will not have an extract, but there will be two questions for you to choose between - and you should only answer one of them, for each essay, try to plan in the following way:, write your opening paragraph, know what each of your 2 or 3 paragraphs will be about, revise the quotes you’ll use in them, also, remember that there is a page on this website dedicated to each of these questions so all you really need to do is visit that page and take some notes... ain't so hard really, ten key questions:, 1. how does priestley explore the theme of social responsibility, 2. how does priestley explore issues of social class in an inspector calls, 3. how and why does sheila change in an inspector calls, 4. how does priestley present the character of arthur birling, 5. what is the role of mrs birling in this play, 6. how do the characters of gerald and eric respond differently to the news about eva smith’s death, 7. what is the role of the inspector in an inspector calls, 8. what role does eva smith play in an inspector calls, 9. what criticisms of society does priestley make in an inspector calls, 10. to what extent can an inspector calls be considered a “realistic” play, how does priestley explore issues of social class in an inspector calls, opening paragraph: during the play, priestly uses the middle-class inspector to contrast upper-class edwardians with their working - class counterparts. he shows that although the upper classes assume the privilege that comes with great wealth they do not accept responsibility for those less wealthy than them - though the younger generation do change . the inspector argues that unless society learns to reconcile this issue, then it will, inevitably, face disaster ., p 2 : upper class and wealth not taking responsibility : girls of that class ... i accept no blame for it at all ... i can't accept any responsibility … public school and varsity life ... dreams of knighthood ... gerald's treatment of eva ... mrs birling not liking that eva used her name, p 3 : younger generation : they’re not cheap labour, they’re people … why shouldn’t they try for higher wages we try for the highest possible prices … i’ll never, never, do it to anybody again … also ment ion how gerald changed and then changed back; and how women were treated worse than men, and working class women were treated worst of all, p4: inevitable disaster : h ow the inspector is middle clas s and represents eva ... their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives ... the time wi ll come when men will not learn that lesson then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish ... end with how the play is becoming important all over again, you should be able to tell from looking at this structure that there are loads of different ways that i could have written this essay, and i could have used any one of dozens of different quotes. also, remember that the key is going to be about using both ao1 (plot) and ao2 (quotes) for each paragraph, so you should note down a mixture of key quotes and key moments., use the time before the exam to plan essays that feel like they're your own - have an opinion - and then select the quotes, themes and contextual factors that appeal to you the most. this will help you remember them on the day, and it will help reduce the number of different quotes and themes that you'll need to remember., also, since you can't take any of this planning into the exam hall, your challenge is to understand the argument. this is easier than it sounds, and if you do the planning and - ideally - make a poster of the plan, or revision cards for it, you'll be in a really strong position on the day of the exam..

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Free worksheets, study guides, essay writing, revision guidance and youtube links. writing styles, fiction and non-fiction reading skills. analysis of plays, novels and poetry. for teachers and independent learners., ‘an inspector calls’: questions, revision and essay questions.

Mrs Birling and Sheila are said to be like each other in some ways, and yet very different.  Explore the ways that Priestley makes dramatic use of these likenesses and differences in ‘An Inspector Calls’.

What roles does Sheila play in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

In what ways does Priestley present conflict between the generations in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

• In ‘An Inspector Calls’, what do you think Priestley intended to convey about family relationships and how does he do it?

The action of ‘An Inspector Calls’ takes place on just one evening, and in just one room of the Birling’s house.  What do you think the play gains or loses as a result?

In what ways does Priestley manage to make Mrs Birling such a dislikeable character, in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

To what extent is it possible to feel sympathy for Eric, in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

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

Looking at different parts and aspects of the play, what do you think Priestley wished to achieve through his character, Inspector Goole, in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

In ‘An Inspector Calls’, do you think Inspector Goole is really a police inspectore?  What is the dramatic value of raising this as a doubt?

Some say that the inspector in ‘An Inspector Calls’ is not what he seems: he is not looking for evidence because he already knows the facts.  Find examples.

What is the dramatic importance of the inspector in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

What do you think Priestley wished to achieve in his play?

Explore the different ways that, in ‘An Inspector Calls’, Priestley conveys the message that ‘we are members of one body.  We are responsible for each other.’  Remember to contrast the beginning of the play with the end.

Eva Smith does not appear on stage.  What are the dramatic benefits of this and how does it help Priestley Develop his themes, in ‘An Inspector Calls’ ?

Reread from page 69 ‘Anyway we’ll see’ to the end of the play.  Consider how Priestley develops the drama in these last moments of ‘An Inspector Calls’.

Consider how Priestley uses his characters in the extract starting ‘I see…’ on page 37 and finishing ‘…. I’d feel better about it’ on page 39, in ‘An Inspector Calls’.

Reread ‘An Inspector Calls’ from near bottom of page 24: ‘Inspector: (harshly) Yes but you can’t.  It’s too late.’ to the end of the Act.  What does this section reveal about the characters and what is dramatically effective?

How does Priestley show the differences between ‘The Haves’ and ‘The Have-nots’ in ‘An Inspector Calls’?  You should consider the dramatic techniques, the characters and the setting.

‘The less fortunate are crushed by the middle class.’  How does Priestley convey this message, in  ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Do you think Priestley is optimistic about the future?  Base you views on ‘An Inspector Calls’ and its dramatic presentation.

What evidence can you find for saying that Priestley constructed ‘An Inspector Calls’ primarily as a plea for change?

Why does Priestley repeatedly refer to the months and years in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

What are the different tricks of time in ‘An Inspector Calls’?  In each case, what are their purpose and dramatic effects?  Include reference to the play’s events occurring behore the suicide.

‘An Inspector Calls’ is said to be a play of mystery and suspense.  Explain how Priestley achieves this, referring to the structure of the play, characterisation and dramatic impact.

What type of play is in ‘An Inspector Calls’?  Social comedy, detective story, realistic presentation of life in 1912, supernatural fantasy?  Consider each and give text-based reasons for your views.

Draw a tension graph for ‘An Inspector Calls’, paying attention to such areas as, entrances and exits, confrontations, the end of the Acts etc.

In  ‘An Inspector Calls’, how does Priestley present the theme of ‘responsibiity?

Find examples of dramatic irony in ‘An Inspector Calls’ and consider the purpose of each.

Find examples of the interactions between the characters of ‘An Inspector Calls’ including: interjections, interruptions, justifications, pleas, resignation, lively conversation, long monologues, pompous speeches, narrative accounts, biblical solemnity.

Look at the setting of ‘An Inspector Calls’.  Identify consider: the attitude of the middle classes to their place in society and their relationships with higher and lower classes.  Find specific examples.

The plot of ‘An Inspector Calls’ is the inspector’s reconstruction of the last two years of Eva’s life, with each character admitting his/her part in her death.  Consider the importance and the effect on the audience of:

• The photograph being shown to one person at a time
• Telephone calls
• Never leaving the dining room

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GCSE English Literature - 'An Inspector Calls' Essays

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

14 August 2024

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Struggling to understand ‘An Inspector Calls’? Or in need an extra revision tool? Your search ends here! We’ve assembled a collection of 5 sample essays from the modern drama text. These essays conform to the official Pearson Edexcel IGCSE specification, with questions closely mirroring those in actual exams. Each essay has been rated at a grade 9 standard by teachers. Buy this set now to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, and overall English skills, and raise your English Literature grade to a 9. Leave a review and tell us how it aided your exam success!

• 5 grade 9 assured PDF documents with no access or editorial restrictions
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• Each document is 2/3 sides ranging from 1350-1400 words making them appropriate length for real examinations
• A guarantee that each essay hits the following 2 asssemessment objectives: AO1, AO2

The Compiled Sample Essays & Essay Questions: Eva Smith: Sample Essay Question: ‘Explore Priestley’s presentation of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton in An Inspector Calls?’

Inspector Goole: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Priestly present the views of the Inspector in An Inspector Calls?’

Mr Birling:  Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Priestly present the character of Mr Birling?’

Gerald: Sample Essay Question: ‘Explore Priestley’s presentation of Gerald in the play?’

Eric Birling: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Priestly present Eric Birling in An Inspector Calls?’

For cheaper prices and free sample guides check out our website revisionguru.uk and give us a follow on instagram @revision.guru for a free revision guide

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" An Inspector Calls " GCSE exam-style essay questions

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