Starter quiz
- These plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' focus on the character of Mrs Birling. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.
- 1⇔Mrs Birling is introduced as a confident, dismissive character.
- 2⇔We learn Eva Smith had approached her charity for help.
- 3⇔Mrs Birling rejects Eva’s request, believing her to be undeserving.
- 4⇔She denies responsibility, blaming Eva for her own downfall.
- 5⇔She is shocked to learn Eric was involved with Eva Smith.
- 6⇔After the Inspector leaves, Mrs Birling believes the whole event was a hoax.
- Is the answer true or false? In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs Birling is described as "superior" and "cold"
- 'true' ✓
- In 'An Inspector Calls', at the end of Act 3, Mrs Birling claims that everyone will be “amused”. Which answer is the best explanation of this?
- She is happy that they have all learnt a lesson about social responsibility.
- It emphasises her unchanging attitude towards social responsibility. ✓
- It reveals Mr Birling’s role as a kind and compassionate member of society.
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- In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony during the Inspector's interrogation of Mrs Birling?
- Mrs Birling denies wrongdoing, despite the audience knowing she is responsible.
- The Inspector reveals that Mrs Birling is lying about her involvement with Eva.
- Mrs Birling heavily criticises and judges the father of Eva Smith's baby. ✓
- The audience is unaware of the Inspector's true motives.
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- In 'An Inspector Calls', which of the following does Mrs Birling suggest about the father of Eva’s child?
- He should take full responsibility and be punished. ✓
- He is innocent and should be left alone.
- He was misled by Eva and should not be blamed.
- Mrs Birling does not care who the father is.
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- Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses the metaphor of a “wall” to symbolise how the Birlings use their power to help others.
- 'false' ✓
Exit quiz
- Which word beginning with 'p' can be described as: a system where men hold more power and dominate roles in society, family, or institutions
- 'patriarchy' ✓
- In 'An Inspector Calls', what word does Mrs Birling call Eva Smith, showing her prejudice toward the lower class?
- angry
- impertinent ✓
- insolent
- inappropriate
- arrogant
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- Which of the following terms describes a societal structure in which people or things are ranked according to their importance or status?
- prejudice
- marginalisation
- patriarchy
- hierarchy ✓
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- In 'An Inspector Calls', what is one difference between Mrs Birling and Eva Smith’s experiences of gender and class?
- Both women share the same social status and power.
- Both women have the same opportunities in a patriarchal society.
- Eva Smith has more societal influence than Mrs Birling.
- Mrs Birling is empowered by her class status; Eva is marginalised by class. ✓
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- Match the parts of a single paragraph outline to the correct description.
- topic sentence⇔outlines argument of each paragraph ✓
- supporting detail⇔in note form and includes: methods, main and supporting quotations ✓
- concluding sentence⇔summarises argument in each paragraph with a focus on writer’s purpose ✓
- In "An Inspector Calls', what does the term 'internalised patriarchal views' refer to in Mrs Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith?
- her strong sense of justice
- her deep respect for women
- her adherence to societal norms ✓
- her disregard for class divisions
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Arguably, Priestley uses the characters to critique the flaws of gender and class structures in Edwardian societies.
- Mrs Birling embodies traditional Edwardian norms of gender and class, reinforcing societal hierarchies.
- It could be suggested that Mrs Birling’s response reflects her internalised patriarchal views.
- Mrs Birling's treatment of Eva Smith could show the prejudice of the upper class against working-class women.
- Single paragraph outlines are a useful planning tool for analytical writing.
Common misconception
Mrs Birling is a woman and therefore she automatically shares the same struggles as Eva Smith.
While both are women, Mrs Birling's high class gives her power to uphold societal norms, whereas Eva, from a lower class, is oppressed by them.
Keywords
Patriarchy - a system where men hold more power and dominate roles in society, family, or institutions
Hierarchy - a system in which people or things are ranked according to their importance or status
Societal norms - perceived informal, mostly unwritten, rules that define acceptable and appropriate actions
Marginalise - to treat someone or something as if they are not important
Prejudice - an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual often due to a characteristic e.g class, gender
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