'An Inspector Calls': understanding and exploring key themes | English

Starter quiz

What is the setting for 'An Inspector Calls'?

The Birling home, 1945

The Birling home, 1912 ✓

A factory, 1912

A police station, 1945
In 'An Inspector Calls', who is the first character to be questioned by Inspector Goole?

Sheila

Eric

Mrs. Birling

Mr. Birling ✓
J.B. Priestley’s political views are most aligned with which ideology?

capitalism

socialism ✓

marxism

conservatism
In 'An Inspector Calls' what is the name of Sheila's fiancé?

'Gerald Croft' ✓
Match the character from 'An Inspector Calls' with the correct description.

Arthur Birling

⇔

Wealthy businessman, confident in his capitalist views. ✓

Sybil Birling

⇔

Proud, cold, and dismissive; holds strict moral beliefs. ✓

Sheila Birling

⇔

Young, perceptive, and regretful of her actions toward Eva. ✓

Eric Birling

⇔

Troubled, remorseful son; struggles with guilt and responsibility. ✓

Gerald Croft

⇔

Charming fiancé, but complicit in mistreating Eva. ✓

Eva Smith

⇔

Victim of the Birlings’ actions; represents the working class. ✓
In which fictional industrial town is 'An Inspector Calls' set?

'Brumley' ✓

Exit quiz

Which answer best describes a theme?

the setting or location of the story

the main ideas or messages that run through the entire text ✓

the specific actions that occur in the plot

the names of the characters in the play
Which of these could be considered key themes in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

social responsibility ✓

governmental corruption

class and power ✓

generational conflict ✓

environmental stability
Which of the answers is false? In 'An Inspector Calls' Sheila and Eric...

show guilt and take responsibility for their actions.

reject the Inspector’s message. ✓

represent the younger generation’s potential for change.

acknowledge their role in Eva Smith’s death
The themes in 'An Inspector Calls' could be described as ...

obsolete

timeless ✓

dated

universal ✓

archaic
Which word beginning with 'p' can be described as: 'to have an unfair opinion or feeling about someone based on characteristics like gender, age, class and ethnicity'?

'prejudice' ✓
Which of the following is an example of prejudice in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Sheila's remorse after discovering her role in Eva's death.

Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith because of her social status. ✓

Eric’s anger at his family’s treatment of Eva Smith.

The Inspector’s criticism of the Birlings' lack of social responsibility.

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

A theme is the main idea or message in a text.
Priestley explores the themes of social responsibility, age, class and power.
Some themes can be considered timeless and universal.
Arguably, themes in ‘An Inspector Calls’ are still relevant today which is why it's considered an important text.

Common misconception

Social responsibility means just helping those in need.

Social responsibility is about considering the impact of our actions on others and society, not just charity. It involves accountability for our role in social issues, like inequality.

Keywords

Discrimintation - treating someone unfairly or differently because of characteristics like gender, age, class and ethnicity
Exploit - to take advantage of someone or something unfairly, often for personal gain
Prejudice - to have an unfair opinion or feeling about someone based on characteristics like gender, age, class and ethnicity
Universal - something that applies to everyone or is true in all situations or places
Timeless - something that is always relevant or important, no matter the time period