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</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'</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>'The doorbell rings'</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Interrogatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What does Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

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

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

    <p>Ambiguous</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</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</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</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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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