30 Questions
What does Mr. Birling's character represent in the play?
Warning against returning to pre-war capitalism
In what way does the Inspector act as a contrast to Mr. Birling?
Embodies Socialist values of social responsibility
What dramatic device does Sheila Birling serve as in the play?
Representation of change through the younger generation
How is the Inspector described physically in the play?
Portentous looking man in his middle fifties
Which term best describes the lighting used in the play to symbolize ignorance towards less fortunate individuals?
'Pink and intimate'
What significant event silences Mr. Birling's views on capitalism in Act 1?
'The doorbell rings'
What is Arthur Birling's attitude towards community and looking after others?
He values individualism and self-preservation over communal responsibility.
Why does Arthur feel justified for firing the girl who caused trouble in his works?
He thinks her behavior was unacceptable and warranted consequences.
How does Eric's reaction ('My God!') contribute to the tone of the scene?
It indicates disbelief or shock at a revelation.
Why is Sheila horrified and asking if the girl's death was an accident?
She feels guilty and responsible for the girl's death.
What does the Inspector accuse Sheila of doing regarding the girl's situation?
Using her influence to harm the girl due to jealousy.
How does Eric's question about higher wages contrast with Arthur's opinion on labor issues?
Eric supports the idea of fair wages, while Arthur believes in exploiting labor for profit.
How is Sheila's character development described in the text?
She becomes more assertive after realizations about herself and Gerald.
What does the 'pink and intimate' lighting in Act 1 symbolize?
Ignorance of the upper classes.
How does Gerald Croft represent the attitudes of the aristocracy?
He exposes the hypocrisy of the class system and social expectations of men and women.
How does Gerald's return in Act 3 impact the narrative?
Highlights the divide in the Birling family and between generations.
Which literary device is frequently used by Sheila in her dialogue?
Interrogatives
What does Gerald Croft's character primarily symbolize in the play?
'Lust' and 'Pride'
What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?
Silent and powerless working classes
Why does Priestley make Eva Smith a silent/offstage character?
To represent the invisible and powerless members of society
What does Eva Smith's first name 'Eva' allude to?
The first woman in the Bible - Eve
Why is Eva Smith's surname 'Smith' significant in the play?
It symbolizes ordinary, working-class women
What is the purpose of the Inspector's entrance with brighter and harder lighting?
To expose the lack of social responsibility among wealthy people
How does the Inspector control the investigation in the play?
By only showing the photo to one character at a time
How does Eric Birling assert his power in the text?
Interrupts Mr. Birling to assert his power
Which term best describes Eric Birling's behavior when described as 'half shy, half assertive'?
Ambiguous
How is Mrs. Birling's character used in the text?
To explore the role of aristocratic women in pre-war Britain
What does the 'pink and intimate' lighting in Act 1 symbolize?
The ignorance of the Birlings and Eric's refusal to face reality
How does Eric Birling's language evolve throughout the play?
Euphemistic initially, then blunt like the Inspector in Act 3
What does Eric's frequent entrances and exits in Act 1 & 2 symbolize?
His reluctance to face up to his actions
Test your knowledge on the key events and dialogue in Act One of 'An Inspector Calls'. Explore the themes of responsibility, social class, and morality as the intriguing story unfolds.
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