An Inspector Calls Revision Guide PDF

An Inspector Calls By J.B. Priestley  A Note from MurtzTV Hello! Thank you so much for purchasing this revision guide – it truly means the world to me. If you’ve come here through my TikTok/YouTube channel, thank you for supportin...

An Inspector Calls By J.B. Priestley  A Note from MurtzTV Hello! Thank you so much for purchasing this revision guide – it truly means the world to me. If you’ve come here through my TikTok/YouTube channel, thank you for supporting my daily English x R6 Siege content! I work hard to keep those posts informative and fun, so be sure to follow along for more tips, tricks, and updates on both GCSE English and my Siege shenanigans. Also, a quick heartfelt note: every penny I make from selling these revision packets goes straight towards my wedding. Your support isn’t just helping you smash your exams – it’s also helping me achieve one of the most special moments in my life. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You’ve got this. Let’s dive into An Inspector Calls! Please do not share, copy, or redistribute – every document is tracked. Thank you for respecting the effort that went into helping you succeed!  GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry The Exam Time: 2 hours 15 minutes. Marks: 96 Weighting: 60% of the English Literature GCSE You must answer four questions in total: one from Section A, one from Section B and two from Section C. This is a closed text exam, so you will not be able to use the texts. Section A – ‘An Inspector Calls’. (30 marks plus 4 marks for SPaG = 36 total) You have a choice of two questions. Pick one to answer. One question will usually focus on character and the other on theme. You should spend 50 minutes on this response. Section B – Power and Conflict Poetry. (30 marks) There is no choice of tasks. The question will name a poem and provide a copy of this poem, as well as a list of the other poems you’ve studied in that cluster (along with their authors) that you can use for comparison. You should spend 45 minutes on this response. Section C – Unseen Poetry. (32 marks) You will be given two unseen poems in this section and two tasks. You must complete both tasks. The first task will ask you to analyse a poem and comment on how particular ideas are developed. The second task will ask you to compare and contrast the methods used in your first unseen poem with another unseen poem. Spend 30 minutes on the first task (24 marks) and 15 minutes on the second task (8 marks). What the examiners are looking for… Assessment Objectives You are assessed on the following in your responses:  AO1: respond to texts critically and develop an informed personal response using textual references and quotations – line of argument  AO2 analyse how language, structure and form are used by writers to create meaning and effects. Use relevant subject terminology – points of analysis and evaluation  AO3 show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written – context and comparisons across text/time/audience  AO4: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures with accurate spelling and punctuation. (only tested in Section A for both papers) 2  Revising for this exam  Re-read the play. You will notice far more details and remember more quotes on a second or third reading.  Make revision pages or revision cards! In particular, focus on the characters and themes. On these cards, include summarised details of this theme or the role of each character. For example: o Words to describe the character/theme and their relationship with others o Their role/response to Eva Smith’s/Daisy Renton’s death (plot and events) o Link to context – who/what do they represent? o What do we learn about them through the staging/directions? o Do they change? (Structure) o Language they use/used about them – key quotes o How do they link to the playwright’s message overall?  Practise exam style questions and attempt these with notes initially, and then without notes.  Practise planning – have a go at planning for an example question. Try and do this using your knowledge and then consult your notes afterwards, develop your plan and identify gaps in your learning.  Reverse planning – look at example answers and have a go at writing that pupil’s essay plan. What do you think they included in their actual response?  Timed essay writing.  Explore and test yourself using revision websites – BBC Bitesize, GCSEpod 3  Revision Checklist Characters Themes Context Plot Writer’s Craft  The Inspector  Charity  Socialism General story  Foreshadowing  Mr Birling  Greed  Capitalism as well as the  Archetype  Mrs Birling  Poverty  Women’s progression  Dramatic Irony  Sheila  Social Rights + of characters,  Foil  Gerald Injustice suffrage themes and  Entrances  Eric  Class Divide  1912 & pre- settings  Exits Focus  Eva Smith  Age vs war  Stage Youth  1945 + Directions  Gender post-war  Irony fallout  Juxtaposition  Welfare State  Who they are  Where do we  How do  What  Why is it used  What they do see them in they appear happens  What effect and when they the play in the story  Which event does it have on appear in the  Which  What effect is revealed the structure play characters do they at which or layout of the  What their or ideas link have upon point text purpose is in to that the  Why  How does it the story/what theme and characters Priestley develop the they represent why  What was chose to central  Why Priestley  Priestley’s Priestley’s structure message or What you need to know chose to present intention opinion on his writing idea them in this and message this in this way way/the effect it about that  Why did  How the has on us (the theme this aspect characters reader)  How the affect or themes  How this context Priestley so evolve over character links affects his much the course to central reasoning for of the play themes/ that theme  The messages  The effect dramatic  At least 5 key the theme significance quotes to has on the of each act support your audience and key understanding events of this character, fully annotated Writer’s message is crucial and should be interwoven throughout each element of the story (character/theme etc…) as the whole purpose of writing a play is to get the message across! Using techniques to support your comments is also a key element of strong revision 4  Context Timeline of events Year and Month What happens? Person involved September 1910 Eva is sacked by ‘Birling & Co.’ Mr Birling December 1910 Eva is employed by Milwards Late January 1911 Eva is sacked by Milwards Sheila Birling March 1911 Eva (now Daisy Renton) Gerald Croft becomes Gerald’s mistress Early September 1911 Gerald ends the affair Gerald Croft Eva leaves Brumley for two months November 1911 Eric meets Eva Eric Birling December 1911/ January Eva discovers that she is Eric Birling 1912 pregnant Late March 1912 Mrs. Birling turns down Eva’s Mrs Birling request for charitable help Early April 1912 Eva commits suicide and the All Inspector visits the Birlings Priestley’s Intentions  He wrote the play to warn people to learn from past mistakes and not to repeat them  The play is set in 1912 – Edwardian England – two years before the start of WW1  The play was written in 1945 – just after WW2 – when the world had become more fragmented and the population disillusioned with society and traditional practices.  The audience know that the characters are about to experience some of the terrible experiences and tragedies that they have lived through – WW1, the Great Depression, WW2, labour strikes  The play uses dramatic irony to ridicule the views of people like Birling (capitalists). It exposes these views as ignorant and self-centred and encourages the audience to side with the Inspector who expresses socialist ideals.  The moral message of the play is a socialist one – that society and individuals have a responsibility to work together, support each other and treat everyone equally.  The play is set in the fictional northern town of Brumley, based on the city of Bradford – an industrial town with factories owned by wealthy capitalists.  Society in 1912 had extreme class divides with the vast majority of the population living on very low wages - 8 million people were living on £1.25 per week. People of different classes did not mix or associate with each other and class divide was fixed – there was very little social mobility. Capitalism  Capitalism: the belief that people should only look after themselves and do not have to share their wealth with others. The focus of capitalism was on accumulating wealth and power. 5  In 1912, capitalists who believed that each person had a responsibility to ‘look after themselves and their own’ ran the country – this resulted in inequality and the unequal treatment of different groups in society. Labour and Socialism  Socialism: the belief that as a society, we have a duty to look after each other. Socialists believe that the rich have a responsibility to look after the poor by, for example, paying higher taxes.  When Labour first came to power in 1924, they established the idea of socialism and socialist thinking. This encouraged people to think of others, not just themselves, and encouraged society to work together for the greater good. They also asserted the view that everyone in society should be treated equally.  In 1912, there was no welfare system in England and there was no minimum wage.  There was no dole or benefits system, and no government handouts were available for those in need  The number of hours worked was 65 hours per week.  Employers could treat workers in whatever way they wanted – workers had few rights, as there were no unions or laws to protect employees. Men and Women  Women had fewer rights than men and were consider socially inferior and vulnerable.  Women had no right to vote so could not assert their voice or opinion to enforce change.  Only working class women worked, while middle and upper class women were expected to marry an upper class man and rely on him to sustain her.  Women were subservient to men and had few rights to argue or have any control/decision making powers. The eldest male in any home was the head of the household with authority and power over others in the house. Equality and Division in 1912  Upper, middle and lower class system in place.  87% of all the wealth in the country belonged to only 5% of the population.  The upper classes did not want to change the way that capitalist leaders ran the country.  Divisions: rich and poor, employed and unemployed, men and women, adults and children. Priestley’s Life:  John Boynton Priestley was born into a working class family in 1894.  He knew early on that he wanted to become a writer, but decided against going to university as he thought he would get a better feel for the world around him by working.  He became a junior clerk with a local wool firm at the age of 16.  During the First World War, Priestley joined the infantry  He was seriously wounded during the war and only just escaped death on a number of occasions.  After the war, he gained a degree from Cambridge University, and then moved to London to work as a freelance writer.  Much of his writing was ground-breaking and controversial.  He included new ideas about possible parallel universes (Ouspensky and Dunne’s Theories of Time) and strong political messages. 6  During the Second World War he broadcast a massively popular weekly radio programme which was attacked by the Conservatives as being too left wing.  The BBC eventually cancelled the programme, as it was too critical of the Government.  He continued to write into the 1970s, and died in 1984. Society in 1912 (play set) Society in 1945 (play written) WW2 ended in 1945 and people were WW1 would start in two years’ time. recovering from years of warfare, shortages, danger and uncertainty. Class distinctions had reduced because Strong distinctions between the upper of two world wars and the necessity to and lower classes. fight alongside others. Women were subservient to men. No Because of the wars, women had earned significant role in society except as a a more valued place in society and the wife and mother for the higher classes. right to vote. Women could not vote – suffragettes Women were able to vote and had were protesting for suffrage become equal to men in terms of voice Socialism grew more popular after WW2 The ruling classes felt that nothing and this lead to the creation of the needed to change politically. welfare state. 7  Plot Act 1, Part 1 Act 1, Part 2 Spring evening 1912; the  Inspector Goole is enquiring Birling family celebrates about the suicide of a young Sheila and Gerald's girl engagement.  He questions Mr Birling about Mr Birling gives a pompous his treatment of Eva as his speech about his views on factory worker. business and the economy  Sheila admits she treated Eva Gerald presents Sheila with badly. an engagement ring  Gerald reveals to Sheila that The evening is interrupted he knew Eva by the name by an Inspector. Daisy Renton Act 2, Part 2 Mrs Birling is forced to Act 2, Part 1 admit that she knew Eva. Gerald and Sheila argue Eva was pregnant and Mrs Mrs Birling enters and tries birling refused to help her to bully the Inspector. Mrs Birling says the father Gerald gives details of his of the unborn child is to affair with Eva/Daisy blame. Sheila tries to stop Sheila expresses shame for her speaking. the way she treated Eva There is a realisation that Sheila gives the ring back to Eric is the father. Eric Gerald enters Act 3, Part 2 Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to Act 3, Part 1 accept responsibility for Eva's Eric confesses that he got death. Sheila and Eric Eva pregnant. Mrs Birling is acknowledge their part in it. distressed Gerald returns, having Eric revels that he stole discovered there is no money to give to Eva evidence of An Inspector Eric learns that his mother Goole on the force refused to help and accuses the family works out that the her of killing her grandchild. Inspector was an imposer an The Inspector give a there was no suicide monologue on social justice, The phone rings - a police then exits inspector is on his way to talk to them about a suicide. 8 Act 1 (part 1) Summary of events:  The Birlings are celebrating Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft’s engagement - they are in a happy and celebratory mood.  Mr Birling lectures Eric and Gerald on his ideas about society and needing to look after others – he is a firm capitalist.  The Inspector interrupts their celebration with news of the suicide of a young woman called Eva Smith.  The Inspector begins questioning the characters and it is revealed that Eva was sacked from Mr Birling’s factory two years ago.  The discussion of the suicide causes conflict between the characters: Mr Birling defends his actions and doesn’t accept responsibility, while Eric and the Inspector are more critical of his actions. Key points from the scene: The setting  The play is set in 1912, in the fictional city of Brumley, North Midlands.  The opening stage directions reveal that the play takes place in the large suburban house of a wealthy businessman.  The stage directions create an impression of a substantial, wealthy house but not a home, showing a lack of warmth in the family The situation  The Birling family (Arthur Birling, Sybil Birling, and their two children, Eric and Sheila) have just finished dinner. The atmosphere is warm and celebratory.  The Birlings’ guest is Gerald Croft, Sheila’s wealthy fiancé, and they are all celebrating the couple’s engagement. The characters  The audience are briefly introduced to all the characters, but the main focus is on Arthur Birling.  After congratulating the young couple, he makes a speech about the political and social climate of society in 1912.  Birling is adamant that there will not be a war and that the miners’ strike will end soon.  He also speaks of the technological advances, and references the Titanic, which he says is ‘absolutely unsinkable’  Gerald and Arthur Birling are left alone and Arthur reveals his social aspirations – to be knighted.  It is clear that the Birlings and Gerald are pleased with their lives and view themselves as good people. AO2  When Eric returns, Mr Birling continues to talk to the The Inspector’s arrival young men about his experience of the world and how there interrupts Mr Birling – won’t be any wars. this is ironic as we learn  He is part way through speaking about how capitalism is that the Inspector is important and men must look after themselves and their going to ‘interrupt’ their families only, but he is interrupted by the doorbell and the beliefs and teach them Inspector’s arrival. about responsibility The changing mood  Inspector Goole arrives and the audience and characters are told about the suicide of a young woman called Eva Smith.  Despite Mr Birling’s status, the Inspector is confident, abrupt and mysterious. 9  We learn Mr Birling sacked Eva from his factory two AO3 years ago, in September 1910. She led a group of In the same year Eva Smith women to ask for a pay rise in line with other factories was striking, Philip Snowden in the area. published ‘The Living Wage’  Mr Birling refused to give them a pay rise, instructing about the minimum amount them to work elsewhere if they didn’t like what they of money a person needs to were currently being paid. live on. This is something we  This resulted in an unsuccessful strike, after which still campaign for today. the ringleaders (including Eva Smith), were sacked.  Mr Birling finds himself defending his actions and Gerald supports him.  Hearing Eva’s story, Eric feels sorry for her, which causes him to argue with his father.  The Inspector is clearly on Eva’s side and this angers Mr Birling. He tries to intimidate the Inspector by listing who he is friends with and that he was once Lord Mayor.  The Inspector is not intimidated by Mr Birling, he ignores his comments.  At this point, Sheila enters the room unaware of what is going on. Key quotations to learn:  Arthur Birling: o ‘It’s one of the happiest nights of my life’ o ‘It’s my duty to keep labour costs down’ o ‘I say there isn’t a chance of war’ o ‘community and all that nonsense’ o ‘She’d had a lot to say, far too much, so she had to go’ o ‘You’ll hear some people say that war is inevitable. And to that I say – fiddlesticks’  Gerald: o ‘(laughs) You seem to be a nice well-behaved family’ o ‘You couldn’t have done anything else’  Inspector: o ‘I’d like some information, if you don’t mind’ o ‘It’s better to ask for the world than to take it’  Mrs Birling o ‘Men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business’ Exam Practice: Using one or more of the key quotations above, write a paragraph analysing how Priestley starts the play by establishing a happy, contented mood on stage. 10 Act 1 (part 2) Summary of events:  Sheila feels sorry for Eva Smith. When she sees the photo, she becomes distressed and confesses that she knew the girl  Stella reveals that she complained about the girl, assuming she was laughing at her and mocking her. Her complaints got Eva Smith sacked from Milwards.  Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton. Gerald reacts to this name and the act ends with the audience realising Gerald knew her somehow. Key points from the scene: The focus shifts to Sheila  Sheila is upset by the news of the girl’s suicide, particularly as the Inspector reveals she was both young and pretty.  The Inspector reveals that the case involves more than just Mr Birling.  The Inspector gives some background details to Eva Smith’s life and her situation.  Sheila agrees with him that the girl led a pitiful life and that she needed compassion. AO2  The Inspector reveals that Eva took a job at Milwards in Both Sheila and Eva Smith are the same age December 1910, but she was then sacked in the January but live dramatically after a complaint by a customer. Sheila recognises the girl’s different lives: Sheila’s is picture and runs out of the room upset. affluent, whilst Eva lives  When she returns, Sheila admits that it is her fault that the in loneliness and girl was sacked. isolation. Priestley uses  She explains that she was in a bad mood and felt that the this to show just how girl was laughing at her. She also admits that she was much Eva suffered and jealous because Eva was a pretty girl. She is clearly upset, therefore make us feel partly for herself, but also for the role she has played in the more sympathetic. death of Eva Smith. The shift to Gerald  When Sheila leaves the room upset, Mr Birling departs to speak to her and his wife.  Eric and Gerald are left with the Inspector. Eric gets angry and tries to leave the room, but the Inspector insists that he stays.  After Sheila returns and confesses, the Inspector tells the three young people that Eva Smith then changed her name to Daisy Renton. From Gerald’s reaction to the news, he is clearly disturbed by this information.  The Inspector and Eric go to the drawing room to speak to Mr and Mrs. Birling, leaving Gerald and Sheila alone.  Sheila realises that Gerald knew Daisy during the previous spring/summer of 1911 and he had been having an affair with her.  Gerald thinks that he can keep this news hidden, but Sheila realises that the Inspector knows everything already.  The Inspector returns to the dining room and the act ends with his line: ‘Well?’ 11 Key quotations to learn:  Sheila: o ‘'but these girls aren't cheap labour- they're people' o ‘What do you mean by saying that? o ‘You talk as if we were responsible – ‘ o ‘(miserably) So I’m really responsible?’ o ‘she was very pretty and looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn't be sorry for her.  Birling: o Why the devil do you want to go upsetting the child like that?  Gerald: o ‘So – for God’s sake – don’t say anything to the Inspector’ o ‘After all, y'know, we're respectable citizens and not criminals.’  Inspector: o ‘A nice little promising life there, I thought, and a nasty mess somebody's made of it.’ o ‘Sometimes there isn't much difference as you think. Often, if it was left to me, I wouldn't know where to draw the line.’ Exam Practice: Using one or more of the key quotations above, write a paragraph analysing how Priestley portrays Sheila’s change. 12 Act 2 (part 1) Summary of events:  Gerald still hopes to hide his involvement with Eva/Daisy  The Inspector tells Gerald and Sheila that they are all responsible for her death  Mrs Birling behaves in a superior and condescending way to the Inspector  Gerald reveals details of his affair with Daisy, and Sheila breaks off the engagement Key points from the scene: The presentation of Mrs Birling  Continuing from the end of Act 1, Gerald tries to get Sheila to leave so that he can hide his involvement. Sheila refuses.  The Inspector explains that Sheila wants to stay because she doesn’t want to nor should she have to shoulder all of the blame for Eva’s death  As the Inspector talks about their joint responsibility, Mrs Birling enters the room in a very confident manner. Sheila is immediately alarmed as she, Gerald and Arthur Birling all initially behaved in the same way.  Mrs Birling is condescending and patronising towards the majority of the characters: she refers to Eva’s lower class status, talks down to Sheila and tries to undermine the Inspector by boasting of her husband’s high status in the community. Despite this, the Inspector remains calm and blunt when speaking to her.  When Sheila reveals that Eric drinks too much, also confirmed by Gerald, Mrs Birling is shocked and annoyed, refusing to believe this could be true.  Sheila repeats her warning that her parents are making the situation worse and they are shocked to discover that Gerald knew Eva/Daisy as well. Gerald and Daisy’s relationship AO2  Gerald reveals he met Daisy in March 1911 in a bar. Sheila’s Gerald uses parents don’t want her to hear this story, but she refuses to euphemism, referring leave. The audience begins to recognise the juxtaposition to prostitutes as between the protected life led by Sheila and the harsh ‘women of the town’ – existence and treatment of Eva Smith. this is due to social  The reality of Daisy’s death suddenly hits Gerald and he expectations. In the becomes visibly distressed. Edwardian society even  He describes taking Daisy for a drink to take her away from this wouldn’t have an upsetting encounter with Alderman Joe Meggarty (a city been said in front of councillor who Gerald describes as a womanising drunk). women, so Goole is  Mrs Birling is shocked by this revelation and the audience forcing the family to can see that she is blinded to the faults of those of a similar face the realities of Eva class/status to her. Smith’s life  Gerald explains to the Inspector that Daisy had no money and was hungry. He innocently moved her into his friend’s empty apartment, and they became lovers.  Mrs Birling is disgusted by his behaviour. 13  Gerald reveals that he didn’t love Daisy, but he enjoyed the love and attention from her. He broke off the relationship in September 1911. The Inspector discloses that Daisy then went to the seaside as she was so upset; AO3 she wrote in her diary that she wanted to be alone to It was common for upper- pretend that her time with Gerald was continuing. class and wealthy middle  Gerald asks to go for a walk. Before he goes, Sheila class men to have mistresses returns the engagement ring. She says that she respects during the Edwardian era, his honesty, but they are now both different people as provided it didn’t become reality has removed any illusions. public knowledge. Key quotations to learn:  Inspector: o ‘We’ll have to share our guilt’ o ‘We often do on the young ones. They’re more impressionable’  Mrs Birling: o ‘Girls of that class’  Sheila: o You mustn’t try to build a kind of wall between us and that girl’, o he's giving us the rope – so that we'll hang ourselves. o I don't dislike you as I did half an hour ago, Gerald. In fact, in some odd way, I rather respect you more than I've ever done before. o ‘and now, at least, you’ve been honest’  Gerald: o ‘All she wanted was to talk – a little friendliness’ o ‘women of the town’ o I didn't install her there so that I could make love to her Exam Practice: Using one or more of the key quotations above, write a paragraph analysing how Priestley presents the different feelings that the characters have about Eva/Daisy. 14 Act 2 (part 2) Summary of events:  Eva was pregnant and asked Mrs Birlings charity for help.  Mrs Birling didn’t like the girl because she was a lower class woman, and used her influence to have her claim rejected.  The Inspector manipulates Mrs Birling into stating that the father of Eva’s child is entirely to blame for her death.  The audience and the characters on stage start to realise that Eric was the father. Key points from the scene: Mrs Birling’s role in Eva Smith’s death  Mrs Birling says she doesn’t recognise the photo of Eva. Both the Inspector and Sheila know that she is lying.  The Inspector reveals that Mrs Birling is a prominent member of the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation – as part of this charity, she is meant to offer help to women in need  Eva appealed to the charity for help two weeks ago, because she was pregnant, alone and had no money.  Mrs Birling reveals Eva was using the name ‘Mrs Birling’, which she found AO3 insulting as she was a lower class girl. This prejudiced There was no NHS Mrs Birling towards her. or welfare/state benefits at  Mrs Birling states that Eva only had herself to blame this time! If people needed and says that it was her duty to use her influence to have help, the only place they the girl’s claim refused. Eva Smith left the charity with no could go was to charities set help or support. up by wealthy members of  The Inspector clarifies that the father wasn’t Gerald. society. It was up to them whether they chose to offer  Mrs Birling states that she told the girl to look for the help or not child’s father as it was his responsibility.  Sheila says that her mother’s behaviour was terrible, while Arthur is merely concerned that her actions will look bad on them.  In response, she points out that it was Arthur sacking Eva ‘which probably began it all’. The focus switches to Eric  At this point it has not been made explicitly clear that Eric was the father of Eva Smith’s baby, but the audience are beginning to work this out.  As Mrs Birling begins to be questioned, there is the sound of Eric leaving the house, but the Inspector states that he will be needed. This creates clear tension.  As the Inspector continues to question Mrs Birling, he pushes her into criticising the father of the illegitimate child. She calls Eva a liar for claiming that the man had offered her money but she Priestley’s stage AO2 thought it was stolen so didn’t want to take it, as Mrs Birling directions give the believes someone like her would never refuse money. Inspector authority and  Mrs Birling refuses to accept any blame, saying it is the power over Mr and Mrs girl’s fault first and the lover’s second. Birling. Examples such  She says that the man should be made an example of and as ‘calmly’, ‘angrily’, accepts that if the girl’s story about stolen money is true ‘massively’ and ‘severely’ then the lover is entirely to blame. reveal the inspector to be  Sheila realises that the young man is Eric and tries to stop in charge her mother from saying anything else. 15  As Mr and Mrs Birling begin to realise the truth, Eric returns to the dining room. Key quotations to learn:  Mrs Birling: o ‘I’m very sorry. But I think she only had herself to blame’ o ‘As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!’ o I accept no blame for it all o She was giving herself ridiculous airs o She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position o Unlike the other three, I did nothing I'm ashamed of o ‘I used my influence to have it refused’  Inspector: o you're not even sorry now, when you know what happened to the girl? o She needed not only money but advice, sympathy, friendliness o Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.  Sheila: o ‘(with sudden alarm) Mother – stop! – stop!’ Exam Practice: Using one or more of the key quotations above, write a paragraph analysing how Priestley presents Mrs Birling’s attitude towards Eva Smith. 16 Act 3 (part 1) Summary of events:  We learn that Eric met Eva and forced himself on her.  Eric is revealed to be the father of Eva’s child.  Eric accuses his mother of killing Eva and the baby, and says that his father is unapproachable.  The Inspector reminds the Birlings that they are all responsible for Eva Smith’s death.  The Inspector states his belief that all members of society need to look after each other. Key points from the scene: Eric and Eva  The story picks up from the end of Act 2 and Eric realises that everyone knows the truth.  The family argue over Eric’s drinking and he retells how AO2 he met Eva in a bar. Eric now uses Euphemism! He says  Eric had been drinking a lot on the night they met. Eva ‘wasn’t the usual sort’,  After he turned aggressive, she let him stay at her flat meaning the prostitutes at where they had sex. At this point, Mr Birling orders Sheila the Palace Theatre bar. to take her mother out of the room. Again, this highlights The connections between the contrast between the sheltered lives of the Birling prostitutes and theatres is women with the treatment and suffering of Eva. one going back a long time,  Eric continues his confession. He met Eva again, by at least to Shakespeare’s accident, and they slept together. Eva revealed that she was time pregnant, but knew that Eric didn’t love her. To help her, he stole money from Arthur Birling’s office but when she found this out, she refused to take it. Mr Birling’s reaction  Arthur loses his temper several times before Eric’s confession: first with the Inspector, who refuses to be intimidated by him, and then with Sheila when she doesn’t want to leave the room.  He also reveals his aggression during Eric’s confession. When Eric points out that some of Birling’s supposedly respectable friends have affairs, the Inspector has to stop Arthur from interrupting. He has another angry outburst when Eric admits to stealing. This action is what really makes Mr Birling angry  Arthur also comes across badly when Eric explains that he has a poor relationship with his father, feeling that he couldn’t have asked him for help.  Mr Birling still wants to cover the events up and avoid a public scandal.  It is particularly damning when he says that he would give thousands of pounds to make the problem go away, showing his AO3 capitalist values rather than any genuine regret. Some critics have said the Inspector’s final speech The Inspector’s final message is unnecessary as it comes  When Sheila and Sybil return, the Inspector tells Eric across as preaching at the how Eva was rejected by his mother’s committee, audience. Others have said causing Eric to accuse Sybil of killing Eva and her own this speech is deliberately grandchild. designed to make the  The Inspector sums up, telling them that they all killed audience think about their Eva Smith. He goes through the family members, one own responsibilities 17  by one, finally reminding Arthur that he destroyed a girl over two-and-a-half shillings.  The Inspector focuses on the state of the county and reveals J.B. Priestley’s key messages. He points out that AO2 The climax of the play there are ‘millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’ who (Eric learning about his are similarly mistreated. Talking to the Birlings (and the mother’s involvement) audience) he says, ‘We are members of one body. We are prepares the way for the responsible for each other’. He leaves with a warning Inspector’s final, powerful that change will have to come or society will be forced to polemic learn to change their behaviour through ‘blood and sweat’. The irony of this statement would be evident to an audience who had just experienced two world wars. Key quotations to learn:  Mr Birling o ‘(furious, intervening) Why you hysterical young fool – get back – or I’ll – ‘ o ‘(very sharply) You heard what I said!  Eric: o ‘You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble’ o I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty o I wasn't in love with her or anything – but I liked her – she was pretty and a good sport—  Inspector: o ‘You made her pay a heavy price for that.’ o ‘We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’. o One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do. o And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they well be taught it in fire and bloody and anguish. Good night. Exam Practice: Using one or more of the key quotations above, write a paragraph analysing how Priestley presents Arthur Birling in the first half of Act 3. 18 Act 3 (part 2) Summary of events:  Gerald returns and reveals that the Inspector was not a real police officer.  They find out that there is no dead girl at the infirmary.  Arthur, Sybil and Gerald relax, thinking that everything can be covered up and forgotten.  Sheila and Eric still feel guilty and cannot understand the others’ behaviour.  The play ends with a phone call from the police saying that a girl has died and an inspector is on his way to the house. Key points from the scene: Reactions after the Inspector leaves  Arthur’s reaction to the Inspector and his revelations continues to be fear of the scandal. He also states his belief that he and Sybil can excuse their actions.  Sheila shows more guilt, pointing out that her parents haven’t learnt anything and criticising them for not focusing on the actual victim.  Sheila and Sybil begin to suspect that the Inspector was not a real police officer. Sheila doesn’t however, really think that this matters because they still killed Eva Smith. However, Mr and Mrs Birling focus on the possibility of the whole affair remaining private if the police don’t actually know. Gerald’s return  When Gerald returns, Arthur tries to stop Sheila from telling AO2 him about Sybil and Eric’s involvement in Eva’s death. When Gerald  Gerald reveals that the Inspector was not a real police officer. discredits the Inspector,  Mr and Mrs Birling are relieved and believe the secret can be he conveniently forgets kept amongst them. Arthur telephones the chief constable his involvement with and it is confirmed that Inspector Goole doesn’t exist. Eva and the deception  While Gerald agrees with Arthur and Sybil, Sheila and Eric of Sheila! This is a still feel guilt for what has happened. pattern of his – he likes  Gerald, Arthur and Sybil begin to think the whole evening to avoid unpleasant may have been a hoax. They ring the infirmary and find that truths, much like Eric. there is no dead girl. The end of the play  Arthur and Gerald relax and are pleased that their experience is over. Arthur raises a toast to the family but Sheila and Eric refuse to take part.  Arthur feels that everything is back to normal. He laughs about the evening’s events and suggests that Sheila asks Gerald for her engagement ring back.  Gerald offers her the ring but she refuses.  Sheila and Eric realise that the others haven’t learnt anything. She and Eric have been affected by the Inspector’s words of warning before he left.  Arthur laughs at his two children as the phone rings. It is the police: a girl has died after swallowing disinfectant and an inspector is on his way. 19 Key quotations to learn:  Sheila: o ‘Everything we said had happened really had happened’ o ‘You began to learn something. And now you’ve stopped’ o Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide.  Mr Birling: o ‘(heartily) Nonsense! You’ll have a good laugh over it yet’ o ‘there’ll be a public scandal…and who will suffer from that more than I will?’ o ‘the famous younger generation who know it all’ o There's every excuse for what both your mother and I did o Probably a socialist or some sort of crank o a police inspector is on his way here – to ask some – questions –  Eric: o And it doesn't alter the fact that we all helped to kill her. o The fact remains that I did what I did.  Gerald: o Everything's all right now, Sheila. What about this ring? Exam Practice: Using one or more of the key quotations above, write a paragraph analysing how Priestley presents the differences between Mr and Mrs Birling and their children. 20  Characters When examining characters, you should consider and understand the following:  How is this character involved in the main events/plot of the play?  What is this character like? What do we learn about this character through their relationships with others?  Which major themes in the play could you associate with this character?  How does this character fit into the background/context of society at this time? Do they represent a particular social group?  What do we learn about this character through the staging/stage directions?  What do we learn about this character through the language they use/the things they say? What language do others use about them?  Does this character change during the play? Structure  Why does Priestley include this character? How do they help the playwright to convey his messages in the play? 21 Mr Arthur Birling  Birling is the pompous, cruel patriarch of the family.  He makes speeches which reveal his selfish, arrogant and myopic (prejudiced) view of society and his indifference towards others.  He is a social climber and extremely socially conscious  His wife is higher up the social scale than him, as are the Crofts – Gerald’s parents.  He is keen to improve his own social standing through his boast of a potential ‘knighthood’  He wants to raise his own status through the marriage of Sheila and Gerald.  He attempts to intimidate the Inspector by mentioning his previous role as Lord Mayor, emphasising his connections with the Crofts and his friendship with the Chief Constable.  He never admits responsibility for Eva Smith’s death Mr Birling’s role in the play: Mr Birling’s beliefs  Birling represents a stereotypical capitalist  Everyone is responsible for businessman: he is more interested in themselves and their family makiing money than in the well-being of only. others. He represents the viewpoints and  Denies any collective or ideals that Priestley is criticising and as such, social responsibility. Priestley uses dramatic irony to undermine  More worried about profit, and ridicule this character. scandal and his reputation than other people’s feelings  Priestley wants to ensure the audience believe or well-being. in, and share the knowledge of, the Inspector,  Displays a callous and while mocking the views and statements of unsympathetic attitude Arthur Birling. His declarations about the towards Eva Smith. Titanic being unsinkable, his ecomonic  His desire for social predictions on the 1940s being prosperous, progression is so great that and his statement about the impossibility of he tries to convince Sheila war, are designed to make him look foolish in that Gerald’s affair is the eyes of the audeience, who would have normal behaviour. lived through these.. Example exam Example analysis for Mr Birling: question: Birling is made to seem dominant, particularly before Explore how Priestley the arrival of the Inspector. This is evident in the way uses the character of he controls conversations, ‘Now you three young Mr Birling to criticise people, just listen to this –‘. He comes across as a the views and values traditional patriarch, with the use of imperatives and of capitalism commands to indicate that he is in charge. This is emphasised by the use of the discourse marker ‘Now’ which reveals his demanding nature and how he is used to being listened to immediately. Furthermore, Birling’s use of patronising language – ‘young people’ also suggests that he is trying to emphasise his superiority and wisdom, adhering to the common stereotype of age and wisdom being directly linked. For a post WW2 audience, his arrogance and patronising further portray him as a character whom the audience dislike and distrust. 22  Birling’s quotes Mr Birling is described as “a heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties but rather provincial in his speech." He is proud that he has built up his business and made so much money himself. ‘I look forward to a time when Croft’s and Birling’s are no longer competing but working together – for lower costs and higher prices.’ Mr Birling may only want Gerald to marry his daughter for business purposes. ‘The Germans don’t want war… the Titanic, she sails next week… and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.’ Mr Birling is wrong about the war and the Titanic. This is how the playwright tells us he is wrong in the way he treats people too – dramatic irony to 1945 and modern audience. This links to pages 9/10 and his views, which the audience will also see as wrong ‘The way some of these cranks talk now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.’ Mr Birling can only ever think of looking after himself. ‘But it doesn’t convey anything to me.’ Mr Birling doesn’t even remember sacking Eva Smith until he is reminded about it. ‘Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.’ Inspector suggesting that Mr Birling has a ‘duty of care’ to his employees – something we take for granted in the 21st century Birling attempts to bribe the Inspector to hush up the investigation: ‘Look, Inspector – I'd give thousands – yes, thousands…’ ‘It’s my duty to keep labour costs down’ Why is Mr Birling important?  He represents middle class men who have made money via capitalism.  He refuses to accept responsibility for anyone else except himself.  He represents capitalism and its ideals.  He also represents an older generation that is less likely to be influenced by ideas of socialism. AO3 AO3 Trade Unions weren’t Priestley was a socialist well established in 1912 so, to him, Birling stands and many employers for everything that is didn’t take them wrong with Edwardian seriously. This is why Mr society. Birling could so easily sack Eva Smith 23 Mrs Sybil Birling  She is described as a ‘cold woman’ and ‘her husband’s social superior’.  She is narrow-minded and judgemental about the lower classes and has no real concept of how other people live. She has no insight into those around her  She tries to use her influence and standing to intimidate the Inspector  Her life is governed by her notion of correctness  She is head of a charitable committee but is not motivated by any desire to help those less fortunate then herself – it was the ‘proper’ thing to do  She treats Eric and Sheila like children throughout the play  She blames Eva Smith’s ‘condition’ on the father, without realising this is Eric, thereby pinning the blame on her own family  She never admits responsibility for Eva Smith’s death Mrs Birling’s role in the play: Mrs Birling’s beliefs o Priestley uses Mrs Birling to represent the cold  Her views and ideas are and callous selfishness of the indulged upper always correct, evident in classes. The audience recognises how she is her reaction to Sheila blinded to the faults of her social equals, yet  She is not a charitable hypocritcally passes judgements and makes person and views the lower assertions about the lower classes, who she classes as lazy and idle. has no experience of. She expresses no  She is smug and self- empathy or remorse during the play and only satisfied and only serves on reacts to the Inspector’s criticisms when they the committee as this was directly relate to her son, Eric. considered to be ‘correct’  She finds it insulting that a o She is the last character to make the common girl has chosen to connection that Eric is the father of Eva’s adopt her name as she is so baby, which again highlights her ignorance. far beneath her socially. Her arrogant and patronising attitude towards  She links class to morality. the Inspector means that she falls victim to his  She is delighted when it questioning style, despite several warnings seems that the Inspector is a from Sheila. fraud beause she feels that she is the only character o The audience are also encouraged to be critical who didn’t give in to him. of Mrs Birling as we are aware that she is the  She does not change her only other character in the play who is a attitude, has no sense of mother herself, therefore we could perhaps empathy and shows no expect that she would have some empathy for remorse for her role in Eva Eva’s plight. Smith’s death Example exam Example analysis for Mrs Birling: question: Sybil’s lack of social responsibility is shown throughout the Consider how play by her refusal to accept any responsibility for what Priestley presents happened to Eva Smith, ‘So I was perfectly justified in advising the character of Mrs my committee not to allow her claim’. She repeats the adjective Birling through her ‘justified’ several times in Act 2 to excuse her actions. She treament of others emphasises her social status by refering to the committee using the pronoun ‘my’. She is reminding the Inspector of her status and also implies that she could have helped Eva if she had chosen to. 24  Mrs Birling’s quotes  She is initially describes as being "about fifty, a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior” suggesting Mr Birling may have married her for her social standing.  ‘Girls of that class…’ Mrs Birling looks at everyone as members of various classes, not as human beings.  ‘Alderman Meggarty… we are learning something tonight.’ Mrs Birling realizes that people she thought were civilised are corrupt and immoral. Suggests the wealthy are remote from reality? Link to today?  ‘She seemed to me to be not a good case – and so I used my influence to have it refused.’ Mrs Birling admits turning the girl away but refuses to accept that this was wrong. Very matter of fact language.  ‘Some drunken young idler, then that’s all the more reason why he shouldn’t escape.’ Mrs Birling doesn’t yet know that the drunken idler is her own son. As a hypocrite, she doesn’t say the same when she finds out! Why is Mrs Birling important?  She represents many of the upper and middle class attitudes from the time: arrogance, sanctimony, snobbishness and selfishness.  She is part of the older generation that refuses to change or accept new ideas. She is happy to live in the status quo.  She uses her influence to hurt other people rather than help them – it is difficult for the audience to do anything but dislike Mrs Birling, as is the case with her husband AO3 AO3 Without the NHS, Eva Smith Mrs Birling is her husband’s couldn’t afford healthcare and ‘social superior’ – this reflects had nobody to turn to for Gerald and Sheila’s relationship help.This is similar to so could it be implying that the healthcare in the USA where future for Gerald and Sheila is everything costs – sometimes a just as emotionless and empty routine hospital visit can cost as Mr and Mrs Birling’s? thousands of dollars 25 Miss Sheila Birling  At the beginning, Sheila is naïve, sheltered and spoilt, representing upper middle class girls.  She is initially pleased with herself, despite the world she lives in being shallow and narrow.  She is engaged to Gerald Croft and at the beginning of the play they are celebrating this engagement  She speaks in a childish way; calling her mother ‘mummy’  Dramatically changes when her role in Eva Smith’s death is revealed  She is the only character who immediately accepts responsibility for her role in Eva’s death Sheila’s role in the play: Sheila’s beliefs  Sheila is probably the most sympathetic  She has more of a conscience character in the play as she is the than any of the other characters character who is most transformed by the and we believe her when she says Inspector’s visit and his words of that she will never do anything warning. Through her Priestley shows like it again. that society has the potential to change  She has empathy for Eva and and he implies that hope for a better she comes to recognise her as a society may rest with the younger person, not just as a worker. generation, who do not have the fixed  She is nearer to the Inspector in mind-set of their parents. terms of her social conscience. As such, at the start of the play her  Sheila serves a dramatic purpose: the relationship with her parents is a audience draw comparisons and relatively harmonious one, yet as contrasts between her life and the life of the play develops we witness this Eva Smith. We recognise that they have becoming more problematic and similarities, but the major difference fractious. between them is class. Sheila has led a  Sheila is the most changed by the life of privilege and protection, Eva has Inspector’s visit. She is more been abused and mistreated. honest and outspoken than at the beginning of the play, often  She represents the hope that people can shocking her mother with her change. remarks. Example exam Example analysis for Sheila: question: Sheila realises the family’s position long before the others Explore how the and tries to warn her mother, ‘(urgently, cutting in) Mother, character of Sheila isdon’t – please don’t. For your own sake, as well as ours’. changed by the Sheila’s tone of voice creates tension on the stage, which is Inspector’s visit. highlight by her repetition of the imperative ‘don’t’. Interrupting and calling Sybil ‘Mother’, instead of the previous ‘mummy’, also indicates a more serious mood and a growing distance between these characters.. 26  Sheila’s quotes  Sheila begins the play very much as childlike: "a pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather excited." She is innocent and naïve, living in a world where her biggest concerns are engagement rings and dresses.  ‘She was a very pretty girl too… and that didn’t make it any better.’ ‘I couldn’t be sorry for her.’ Sheila admits to being jealous of Eva Smith.  ‘…talked about building up a wall that’s sure to be knocked flat.’ As one of the more intelligent characters, Sheila suspects that it is useless to try and fool the inspector.  ‘I don’t care about that, the point is that you don’t seem to have learnt anything.’ Sheila reveals her generous nature and that she knows that whether the girl died or not, the sins they committed are still with them / have taken place.  ‘I suppose we’re all nice people now.’ As above. Ironic tone. Why is Sheila important?  She shows how gender roles are clearly defined at the start of the play: she is meant to be the sweet, innocent and naïve girl that gets married.  As the play progresses, her character changes and she becomes far more determined, confrontational and aware.  By the end of the play she represents a younger generation that is far more willing to take responsibility for the people around them AO3 Edwardian middle and upper class Sheila could reflect the AO3 parents encouraged (or forced) their suffragette movement as she children to marry for money. Sheila presses for equality throughout and Gerald are a love match, the play, refusing to be moved however Mr Birling does have a out of the room and ‘talking back’ business interest, with a focus on to her father. She is trying to the financial rewards it could bring break the societal barriers. 27 Mr Eric Birling  At the start Eric is presented as an outsider.  He is rather awkward and ill at ease with himself and others.  He is presented as a drunk who does not stand up for himself against his father.  Neither of his parents appear to know him well, or understand him, and their relationship appears to be a cold and distanced one.  He did not treat Eva well and was aggressive in his sexual advances.  He steals money from the family company to look after Eva  He shows genuine remorse about Eva and he is horrified with the way she was rejected by the charity Eric’s role in the play: Eric’s beliefs  Eric represents the reckless and spoilt upper  Eric is not naïve and is middle class men, who feel they can afford to be willing to briefly challenge selfish, indulgent, frivolous and lack any clear his father. sense of direction and purpose.  Like Sheila, Eric shows  Eric’s voice is ignored and his views are empathy for the workers dismissed or criticised by both of his parents. of the factory: This contrasts with the obvious respect that  He is disgusted by his Birling displays towards Gerald parents’ reactions as the  The audience feel some sympathy for Eric at end of the play, and even the end of the play: he redeems himself and tells his father: “I don't seems to have learnt his lesson. give a damn now whether  His views clash with the views of his parents I stay here or not.”. who are keen to hush up the events.  Eric has changed by the  Eric is not afraid of his behaviour being end of the play and exposed and he seems to be facing up to his realises his actions had responsibilities for the first time. consequences. He is  Like Sheila, Eric also represents the possibility aware of his social of change and provides an element of hope for responsibilities. the audience Example exam Example analysis for Eric: question: Eric’s shame is clear when he describes his first night Explore how Priestley with Eva, ‘And I didn’t even remember – that’s the hellish reveals the relationship thing. Oh – my God! – how stupid it all is!’ Priestley’s use between young and old of repeated exclamations and dramatic pauses shows the in the play through distress that should be apparent in the character. This Eric’s relationship with also shows how the impact of his behaviour and its his father. consequences is slowly dawning on him. 28  Eric’s quotes  At the start of the play, Eric is described as "in his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive." He is an awkward character that doesn’t seem to fit in very well with his family. This awkwardness seems to be explained once we find out that he got an unmarried girl working class girl pregnant and stole money from his parents.  ‘She wouldn’t take any more and she didn’t want to see me again.’ Eric explains how Eva/Daisy behaved more decently, even in poverty, than any of the Birlings did. Wouldn’t accept stolen money.  “Why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices. And I don't see why she should have been sacked just because she'd a bit more spirit than the others. You said yourself she was a good worker. I'd have let her stay.” – Eric explains his views on the lower classes and how they aren’t so different  ‘and the child she’d had too – my child – your own grandchild – you killed them both – damn you-‘ Eric reveals the Inspector’s ability to turn them against themselves. Hyphens used to show his distress – harsh language used. Don’t forget to look at the stage directions as well!  ‘The money’s not the important thing. It’s what happened to the girl and what we all did to her that matters.’ Eric proves that he is good at heart and understands that they were morally very bad to the girl.‘ Why is Eric important?  He represents the younger generation that are more socially responsible than their parents.  He drinks because he feels guilt about what he did: by violently forcing himself on Eva, he got her pregnant and helped to drive her towards suicide.  Because he accepts responsibility by the end of the play, the audience come to respect Eric a lot more. The play is set 2 years before the start of Eric is a good character to AO1 AO3 World War I. Eric most likely would have compare to Gerald! Both are been drafted during WWI so the from wealthy families and high audience understand that the class backgrounds, however Inspector’s last statement of ‘fire, blood Eric accepts his responsibility and anguish’, referring to the war, could whilst Gerald doesn’t; this be direct foreshadowing of his future. indicates the power of class This would increase audience sympathy and family. as, having lived through WWI, they know just how high the death toll is. 29 Mr Gerald Croft  Gerald is part of the aristocracy and is Sheila’s fiancé  He has the self-confidence of a young man of his class and upbringing.  Gerald works at his father's company, Crofts Limited, Birling and Co’s rivals.  His parents disapprove of his marriage to Sheila as they are higher up the social hierarchy than the Birlings  Despite being a similar age to Sheila and Eric, he is more like Mr Birling in his views and outlook on life  Gerald had an affair with Eva Smith (as Daisy Renton). He met her at the Variety Theatre in town and ‘rescued’ her from Alderman Meggarty  He initially takes some responsibility for Eva’s death, but then like Mr and Mrs Birling is all too willing to cover it up and deny that Goole is a real inspector.  Gerald is more concerned with protecting his reputation than he is taking responsibility for others. Gerald’s role in the play: Gerald’s beliefs  Priestley uses Gerald to represent the  He agrees with the way that Mr upper classes and the privileged in Birling handles the sacking of Eva society. He shares many of Mr Smith, Birling’s views as capitalism is to  When questioned by the Inspector some degree embedded in the class his first impulse is to deny system. He has a sense of entitlement everything. which prevents him from truly  Unlike Mr and Mrs Birling, he empathising with the suffering of the shows remorse for his actions when working classes. he realises what has happened to her.  Gerald acts on his suspicions about  Once he realises the Inspector is a the Inspector and he begins the chain fraud, like the Birlings, he reverts to of events which result in the a light-hearted attitude which revelation that the Inspector is a shows that he has not genuinely fraud. learned anything from the events of the evening.  Ultimately, through Gerald, Priestley  He believes women should be implies that the priority of the upper protected so tries to protect Sheila classes is appearance and reputation, (or possibly himself) from the rather than genuine concern for those information about his affair with who are socially inferior. Eva, but he does admit what he did. Example exam question: Example analysis for Gerald: Using the character of Priestley makes it clear that Gerald is upset by Eva Gerald as a starting point, Smith’s death, ‘(distressed) Sorry – I – well, I’ve explore how Priestley suddenly realised – taken it in properly – that she’s presents that idea that the dead –‘. This stumbling speech shows that he is in a class system is focused on state of shock. He repeats ‘I’ and rephrases what he is appearance, rather than trying to say, with the dashes creating pauses to morality. indicate that is struggling to find the right words to say and that he is almost lost for words. 30  Gerald’s quotes ‘And I’ve told you – I was awfully busy at the works all that time.’ Gerald proves that he is capable of being so dishonest to someone he should respect, i.e. Sheila. ‘I didn’t install her there so I could make love to her… I was sorry for her.’ Gerald may have tried to help her but he never considered what would happen when he took the help away. ‘She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before.’ As above. Gerald’s sense of generosity is not only providing him with sex without responsibilities, it is also misplaced. ‘Everything’s alright now sheila, what about this ring?.’ Trying to win Sheila back, showing how easily he can put aside his guilt. Why is Gerald important?  He represents the upper classes in the play  We – the audience – want him to change, after all, he did help Daisy with money, but he doesn’t.  He represents how the old class system is hard to remove – aristocrats don’t want to lose their power and their status.. AO2 AO1 Gerald’s vocabulary It could be argued that Gerald reflects his aristocratic is less guitly than the rest of upbringing and he clearly the Birling family, as he portrays himself as high showed Eva Smith happiness, class – his use of and their eventual end was on euphemism and refusal to positive terms. outright state what he and Is he forgiven because he gave Eva Smith did is telling of her that moment of happiness? this. 31 Inspector Goole  Vehicle for socialism and social change, and the contrast to Mr Birling’s capitalist views. Priestley’s mouthpiece for his ideas.  Despite being lower class than the Birlings, he is calm and authoritative.  He knows all of the characters are connected. This makes him seem ghostly  Although Mr Birling tries to bribe him, Goole is not interested. Nor does Birlings’ apparent connections to the police or those in politics have any effect on the Inspector.  His final speech seems like a politician or a sermon to a congregation.  He seems to be operating on a different level of consciousness to the other characters and this has led to a number of theories about who or what Inspector Goole is.  His ordinary appearance highlights that he is not ordinary in how he conducts business  The power of the Inspector lies in not knowing exactly who or what he represents. Inspector Goole’s role in the play: Inspector Goole’s beliefs  He exposes the corrupt and cruel nature of capitalist society and remains constant and unmoving.  He believe we are responsible for one  He holds the power and is an authority figure to the another audience and for a time, to the characters.  He is a socialist voice of reason  He is a catalyst who seems able to get characters to  He challenges the reveal their involvement with Eva Smith because he upper classes and seems to already know what they are going to believes they have say.When he leaves and it is revealed he was not a certain real police inspector, it confuses the audience about responsibilities they who he was and why he was there; the second phone must accept call at the end confirming a young girl has died adds  He is single-minded in another ‘supernatural’ layer to the play. and certain of himself and of his  He is an ambiguous character, and we question who facts. he was. Example analysis for Inspector Goole: Example The Inspector is presented as powerful through the way he exam challenges Mr and Mrs Birling, ‘Don’t stammer and yammer at me question: again, man. What did she say?’. The imperative sentence here Explore how interrupts Arthur’s attempt to stand up for Sybil and undermines Priestley the authority of Mr Birling – who is the patriarch of the family. The presents the use of the word ‘man’, instead of the more respectful title ‘sir’ belittle Inspector as Arthur and also reveal that the Inspector will not follow or conform a figure of to social conventions and that he is not intimidated by the status of morality? the family. The use of italics here also serve to indicate that the actor should emphasise these words, showing his contempt for the family and highlighting that he will not allow the family members to evade his questioning. 32  Inspector Goole’s quotes  ‘It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it.’ The Inspector’s lesson to Mr Birling is that at least Eva Smith only asked for a rise. Mr Birling just takes all of his money without asking anyone.  ‘There are a lot of young women… if there weren’t the factories and warehouses wouldn’t know where to look for cheap labour. Ask your father.’ (19) The Inspector shows he knows how business works and how the workers are exploited by Mr Birling.  Gerald points out that they are respectable citizens, not criminals. Inspector says ‘Sometimes, there isn’t as much difference as you think … I wouldn’t know where to draw the line.’ (22) Inspector suggests that even though no legal crime has been committed, they are guilty of a moral crime.  ‘You were annoyed with yourself and passed the annoyance onto her.’ (25) The Inspector knows why Sheila did what she did to Eva Smith.  ‘She wanted to keep this youngster out of any more trouble – isn’t that so?’ (47) Eva Smith wouldn’t accept any more money from Eric because she thought he’d get into trouble for it. Eva is morally superior to her superiors – irony.  ‘You’re offering the money at the wrong time, Mr Birling.’ (56) The Inspector offers moral, not legal lessons. Mr Birling appears not to know the difference.  ‘One Eva Smith has gone… but there are millions… of Eva Smiths… all intertwined with our lives… if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.’ The message Priestley wanted to put across when he wrote the play?  The Inspector is described as creating ‘an impression of massiveness, solidarity and purposefulness’ Why is Inspector Goole important?  He represents the voice of reason in the play, and Priestley’s ideologies  We the audience come to feel as though he is ‘inspecting’ us as well, encouraging change and social responsibility  He is the omniscient conscience of society and the forces needed to enact change  He leaves the audience questioning what has occurred and makes them more susceptible to considering Priestley’s messages in the play and reflecting upon their own behaviour. AO2 AO3 Goole is an essential dramatic Some critics have argued that device in moving the plot along and the Inspector is a confessor figure creating the steady build up of tension. such as a priest, with the Priestley had to make him a police characters revealing their sins to inspector as he is the only outsider of a him. However, he does not make lower class in society, who could things easy for them and he does demand entry to the Birlings’ family pass judgement on them. Yet home, ask them probing questions and unlike a priest he neither forgives have some form of independent nor punishes them. authority over them. 33 Eva Smith/Daisty Renton o Central to the action of the story, though she never appears on stage or speaks. o Her story is relayed through the diary she has left behind. o Her story is also told through the Inspector to highlight her powerlessness and lack of status in society – she did not have the power to speak of these events herself. o Gerald, Sheila and Mr Birling comment on her good looks and she is presented as a moral character o She has a strong sense of fairness and equality, shown through the organisation of the strike Eva Smith’s role in the play:  Eva Smith represents the powerless working class woman who had few rights in Edwardian society.  The fact that the audience are given details about her by the other characters is important because this symbolises how the working classes play a large role in the Birlings’ life and wealth, but they are also invisible.  It is significant that she comes across as having better values and a stronger morality than the people who ruined her life. This also directly challenges Mrs Birling’s views on the working classes and their ‘inferior’ moral values.  Priestley uses Eva Smith as an ‘every-woman’ and he draws attention to this by giving her the common surname ‘Smith’. She represents the vulnerable working classes in society; their financial struggles and the prejudice against them higher classes.  She reveals to the audience some of the obstacles that women in society faced at that time: o The dominance of men (Arthur as her employer, Eric forces his way into her lodgings). o Being treated like a sexual object (Joe Meggarty’s advances, Eric wanting her only for sex). o The difficulty in being independent or self-sufficient (she is unemployed and hungry when she meets Gerald and she is dependent on his support). o Prejudice about sexual activity (Sybil is prejudiced against her partly because she is pregnant and unmarried). Example analysis for Eva Smith: Example exam Though she is the central figure of the story, Eva Smith question: never appears on stage or speaks, immediately Analyse how highlighting to the audience that, though this is about Priestley uses the her, she has no say in what happens – she is helpless character of Eva and silenced by the upper classes. The audience learn Smith to represent about Eva through the other characters’ descriptions of the need for society her, many of which focus on her good looks – her worth to be more caring. seems to only be in terms of how attractive she is. Furthermore, the fact that Eric describes her as a ‘good sport’ reveals how little he thought of her initially, as the noun ‘sport’ implies she is a game to be played, completely dehumanising her. For a post WW2 audience, this dehumanised, silenced portrayal of a working class woman would evoke sympathy and a desire for change, knowing that there were many women living a similar lifestyle to Eva Smith. 34  Eva Smith quotes ‘She was rather pretty, and a good sport’ ‘A lively looking girl – country bred […] good worker too’ – She was more naïve than a ‘city girl’ but she was capable of doing well, even Birling noticed this! ‘she’d had a lot to say, far too much, so she had to go’ – not afraid to speak her mind. ‘she was very pretty and looked as if she could take care of herself’ – Sheila judged Eva Smith and assumed she would find other work Why is Eva Smith important?  She is the representation of the voiceless lower classes  She is the central character whom the entire plot of the play revolves around  She is a martyr for social change and socialism – her death inspires change in Eric and Sheila Edna Eva Smith isn’t the only lower class character in the play! Edna, the Birlings’ maid also reveals crucial information about the time period.  Edna does appear on stage (though not much) yet she lacks a clear voice. There are no stage directions indicating how Edna would deliver her lines  Edna also represents powerless, working class women who would have had few rights in Edwardian society.  She is a servant, cleaning away the table and fetching drinks.  She is largely ignored by the family, who only acknowledge her presence when they want her to undertake a task. She is addressed informally as ‘Edna’, while she responds to her employers as ‘ma’am’ or ‘sir’, indicating the difference in status between the classes and the deference she is expected to show as a result of this. 35  Themes Things to consider:  How does this theme link to the main events/plot of the play?  Which characters relate to this theme?  Does this theme connect to/relate to other themes? For example, inequality links/contrasts with equality and relates to the theme of responsibility.  How does this theme relate to the background/context of Edwardian society? Why would this theme be relevant to the audience?  What do we learn about this theme through the staging/stage directions?  What language/key speeches are used to reveal this theme?  Does this theme change/develop during the play? Structure  Why does Priestley include this theme? How does this theme relate to the playwright’s message? 36 Equality and Inequality Priestley presents the audience with a powerful social and political message regarding equality and inequality, rife in 1912, and still prevalent in 1945, through the Inspector. Priestley explores how a lack of equality makes Eva Smith’s life difficult and ultimately contributes to her death. In contrast, because the Birlings and Gerald have more money, status and power, their lives are much easier. Priestley uses his characters as microcosmic representations for the class hierarchy in the play. Eva Smith is a representation for the lower class, whilst the Birlings reflect the upper class ideas and values. Quotes linked to theme Theme Tracker  ‘girls of that class’  Mr Birling shows his belief in the class  ‘as if a girl of that sort would structure – acknowledging Lord and Lady Croft refuse money’ are of a superior position  ‘Get into trouble? Go on the  Mr Birling explains why he dismissed the streets?’ strikers. Gerald agrees with this act, Eric  ‘Because she had been doesn’t. turned out and turned down  Sheila uses her social power and influence to too many times’. have Eva fired, despite her being a ‘good  ‘These girls aren’t cheap worker’. labour, they’re people’  Sheila challenges Mrs Birling’s belief in their  "She was claiming elaborate superior social position fine feelings and scruples  The Inspector challenges Birling’s arrogant that were simply absurd in a comments on community with a ‘sharp ring of girl in her position’ the doorbell’ Upper Class Lower Class  The Birlings represent the upper  Eva is at the bottom of the social classes and the power they have over hierarchy because she is working class the lower classes. and a woman  They have benefitted from inequality  In Edwardian society she would have  Their wealth is highlighted through little power and few rights. the opening stage directions  Eva represents the most vulnerable  The set immediately suggests to the members of society who are at the mercy audience they have a high social of those who are more powerful, like the status. Birlings and Gerald.  Birling refers to the fact that Eric  She was dismissed from the factory and has been given many advantages her employment at Milwards. and opportunities as a result of their  In her relationships with Gerald and Eric class, when he mentions Eric’s she is dependent on them financially ‘public school and Varsity life’. and/or emotionally  Their power comes from money and  Eva has a lack of opportunities. When their roles in society: Arthur asks what she did after being o Arthur is a magistrate, has been sacked, crime and prostitution are Lord Mayor, and is expecting a presented as her most obvious options. knighthood.  Her life is presented to the audience as being a constant struggle and references 37  o Despite being female in a are made to her being penniless, hungry, patriarchal society, Sheila has lonely and preyed upon sexually by more power over Eva Smith as the powerful men. daughter of a wealthy customer.  Her lack of presence and voice in the play o Sybil Birling has power due to are also indicators of inequality – the her own social status, that of her silence reflects how little power and husband, and to influence those ‘voice’ the lower classes had who are helped by her charity. How does the Inspector fit into this?  The Inspector is consistently critical of how working class girls are viewed as ‘cheap labour’ and exploited for the profit of the powerful.  As he interrogates the family, he reveals the different ways that they have each made Eva a victim of their social superiority.  He blames inequality for her suicide.  Priestley’s use of the passive voice emphasises how Eva wasn’t in control of her own life.  Through the Inspector, Priestley is trying to show that the upper classes are unaware that the easy lives they lead rest upon hard work of the lower classes. Character Attitudes to the lower class Attitudes to the upper class: At the start of the play, this To this character, Eva was... char