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Questions and Answers
What is the setting of An Inspector Calls?
The opulent Birling residence in Brumley, a fictional city in the north of England, on a single evening in March 1912.
Name two themes in An Inspector Calls.
- Social responsibility. 2. Class conflict.
Who is Gerald Croft in An Inspector Calls?
Gerald Croft is wealthy, well-connected, and engaged to Sheila Birling.
Describe Sheila Birling in An Inspector Calls.
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Who is Arthur Birling in An Inspector Calls?
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What is the significance of Inspector Goole in 'An Inspector Calls'?
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How does the character of Eric Birling contribute to the themes of social responsibility and class distinctions in the play?
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Discuss the role of Mrs. Birling in the plot of 'An Inspector Calls' and how her actions affect the narrative.
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Explain the significance of the key quote 'We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other' in the context of the play.
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How does Arthur Birling's perspective on success and business ethics contrast with the moral themes presented in the play?
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Study Notes
Unraveling An Inspector Calls for IGCSE Revision
When it comes to the IGCSE English Literature examination, playwright J.B. Priestley's gripping drama, An Inspector Calls, has been a prominent text since its selection for the syllabus. In this article, we'll delve into the essential components of this play, helping you to confidently navigate the intricacies of this classic work while preparing for your exams.
Setting
An Inspector Calls takes place in the opulent Birling residence, situated in Brumley, a fictional city in the north of England, on a single evening in March 1912. This setting serves as a microcosm of both the British class system and the prevailing social attitudes of the early 20th century.
Themes
Themes in An Inspector Calls include the following:
- Social responsibility
- Class conflict
- Individualism versus collectivism
- The power of the inspector to expose hidden truths
- The interconnectedness of events and characters, referred to as the "butterfly effect"
Characters
A cluster of central characters interacts in An Inspector Calls.
- Gerald Croft: Wealthy and well-connected, Gerald is engaged to Sheila Birling.
- Sheila Birling: Gerald's fiancée and the daughter of Arthur and Sybil Birling.
- Arthur Birling: A successful manufacturer, Arthur is Sheila's father and the head of the Birling family.
- Sybil Birling: Arthur's wife and Sheila's mother, Sybil is a social climber.
- Eric Birling: Sheila's brother, a self-centered and opportunistic young man.
- Mrs. Birling: The Birling family's housekeeper, who is dismissed for being an "eavesdropper."
- Inspector Goole: The enigmatic inspector who arrives uninvited, threatening to unravel the family's secrets.
Plot Analysis
The plot of An Inspector Calls revolves around the unveiling of a young woman's suicide, revealed to be the result of a series of events that the Birling family had a hand in. Inspector Goole confronts each family member with evidence of their involvement, culminating in an emotional and introspective moment of self-discovery for each character. Inspector Goole challenges the family to understand their role in the young woman's death and to accept their social responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
Key Quotes
- "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other" - Inspector Goole
- "We don't live alone. They all count. All the time. Whatever happens" - Inspector Goole
- "I'm a working man, and I've got a right to know what's going on in this house" - Eric Birling
- "I'm a man who's had a good deal of success in business. I haven't done it by being a saint, or a martyr, or by missing opportunities. I've done it by being hard, by being practical, by seeing what's in front of my own nose" - Arthur Birling
Understanding these essential elements of An Inspector Calls will help you to better navigate this classic work of literature and effectively prepare for your IGCSE English examination. By delving into the nuances of setting, themes, characters, and plot analysis, you will be better equipped to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of this timeless text.
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Description
Prepare for your IGCSE English Literature examination by exploring the essential components of J.B. Priestley's classic drama An Inspector Calls. Dive into the setting, themes, characters, plot analysis, and key quotes of this captivating play to enhance your understanding and excel in your exams.
