An Inspector Calls - Act One Summary

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Questions and Answers

What does Mr. Birling's character represent in the play?

  • Advocacy for capitalist middle class business owners
  • Warning against returning to pre-war capitalism (correct)
  • Voice of J.B Priestley's socialist beliefs
  • Symbol of hope for the younger generation

In what way does the Inspector act as a contrast to Mr. Birling?

  • Advocates for capitalist ideals
  • Symbolizes hope for the younger generation
  • Embodies Socialist values of social responsibility (correct)
  • Represents ignorance of social issues

What dramatic device does Sheila Birling serve as in the play?

  • Symbol of hope for capitalist ideals
  • Hope for the older generation's change
  • Representation of ignorance of social issues
  • Representation of change through the younger generation (correct)

How is the Inspector described physically in the play?

<p>Portentous looking man in his middle fifties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the lighting used in the play to symbolize ignorance towards less fortunate individuals?

<p>'Pink and intimate' (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event silences Mr. Birling's views on capitalism in Act 1?

<p>'The doorbell rings' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Arthur Birling's attitude towards community and looking after others?

<p>He values individualism and self-preservation over communal responsibility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Arthur feel justified for firing the girl who caused trouble in his works?

<p>He thinks her behavior was unacceptable and warranted consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Eric's reaction ('My God!') contribute to the tone of the scene?

<p>It indicates disbelief or shock at a revelation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Sheila horrified and asking if the girl's death was an accident?

<p>She feels guilty and responsible for the girl's death. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Inspector accuse Sheila of doing regarding the girl's situation?

<p>Using her influence to harm the girl due to jealousy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Eric's question about higher wages contrast with Arthur's opinion on labor issues?

<p>Eric supports the idea of fair wages, while Arthur believes in exploiting labor for profit. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Sheila's character development described in the text?

<p>She becomes more assertive after realizations about herself and Gerald. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'pink and intimate' lighting in Act 1 symbolize?

<p>Ignorance of the upper classes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Gerald Croft represent the attitudes of the aristocracy?

<p>He exposes the hypocrisy of the class system and social expectations of men and women. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Gerald's return in Act 3 impact the narrative?

<p>Highlights the divide in the Birling family and between generations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device is frequently used by Sheila in her dialogue?

<p>Interrogatives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gerald Croft's character primarily symbolize in the play?

<p>'Lust' and 'Pride' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

<p>Silent and powerless working classes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Priestley make Eva Smith a silent/offstage character?

<p>To represent the invisible and powerless members of society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Eva Smith's first name 'Eva' allude to?

<p>The first woman in the Bible - Eve (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Eva Smith's surname 'Smith' significant in the play?

<p>It symbolizes ordinary, working-class women (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Inspector's entrance with brighter and harder lighting?

<p>To expose the lack of social responsibility among wealthy people (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Inspector control the investigation in the play?

<p>By only showing the photo to one character at a time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Eric Birling assert his power in the text?

<p>Interrupts Mr. Birling to assert his power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes Eric Birling's behavior when described as 'half shy, half assertive'?

<p>Ambiguous (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Mrs. Birling's character used in the text?

<p>To explore the role of aristocratic women in pre-war Britain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'pink and intimate' lighting in Act 1 symbolize?

<p>The ignorance of the Birlings and Eric's refusal to face reality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Eric Birling's language evolve throughout the play?

<p>Euphemistic initially, then blunt like the Inspector in Act 3 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Eric's frequent entrances and exits in Act 1 & 2 symbolize?

<p>His reluctance to face up to his actions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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