An Inspector Calls Revision Notes

An Inspector Calls: Revision Notes – A Deep Dive into Priestley's Masterpiece

J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls remains a captivating and relevant play, exploring themes of social responsibility, class conflict, and the consequences of individual actions. This comprehensive revision guide will equip you with the knowledge and analytical tools to excel in your studies of this powerful drama. We'll delve into key characters, themes, dramatic techniques, and contextual factors to provide you with a thorough understanding of Priestley's masterpiece.

I. Plot Summary and Key Events

The play unfolds in a single, intense evening in the Birling family's wealthy home in Brumley. Arthur Birling, a self-satisfied industrialist, celebrates his daughter Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft, the son of a rival business tycoon. Their celebratory mood is shattered by the arrival of Inspector Goole, a mysterious figure investigating the suicide of a young working-class woman, Eva Smith.

The Inspector meticulously interrogates each member of the family, revealing their individual involvement in Eva Smith's tragic downfall. Each character's actions, driven by selfishness and a disregard for the consequences, contribute to her despair and eventual death. Arthur Birling dismissed Eva from his factory, Sheila caused her to lose her job at a department store, Gerald exploited her financially and emotionally, and Sybil Birling, Arthur's wife, refused Eva aid from a charitable organization. Even Eric, the Birling's son, contributed to Eva's suffering through a manipulative and exploitative relationship.

The Inspector's relentless questioning exposes the family's hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy. He emphasizes their collective responsibility for Eva Smith's fate and challenges their individual sense of self-importance. The play ends with a phone call announcing that there is no such suicide recorded in the police files, leaving the audience to question the Inspector's true identity and the nature of responsibility.

II. Key Characters and Their Roles

Each character in An Inspector Calls represents a specific social class and ideology, contributing to Priestley's exploration of social and moral issues.

• Arthur Birling: A prosperous businessman, Arthur embodies the capitalist mindset of the pre-war era. He is self-satisfied, arrogant, and dismissive of social responsibility. His dismissal of Eva Smith reveals his callousness and lack of empathy.

• Sybil Birling: Arthur's wife, Sybil, shares his social prejudices and lack of compassion. Her refusal to help Eva demonstrates her self-righteousness and her adherence to societal norms that prioritize class distinctions.

• Sheila Birling: Initially frivolous and self-absorbed, Sheila undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play. She displays a growing awareness of her role in Eva Smith's tragedy and demonstrates genuine remorse and a desire for social reform. She represents a potential for change and understanding.

• Eric Birling: The troubled son, Eric, is troubled and disillusioned. His actions reveal the consequences of societal inequalities and the desperation of those excluded from wealth and privilege. His relationship with Eva exposes his immaturity and lack of social awareness.

• Gerald Croft: A wealthy and charming young man, Gerald’s affair with Eva demonstrates his moral ambiguity and the superficiality of his relationship with Sheila. His actions betray his initial image of respectability.

• Inspector Goole: The enigmatic Inspector Goole is the central figure, driving the play's action and exposing the family's culpability. His true identity remains ambiguous, leaving the audience to ponder the nature of morality, responsibility, and the consequences of individual choices. He acts as a mouthpiece for Priestley’s socialist ideals.

III. Themes and Motifs

• Social Responsibility: This is the central theme, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals and their shared responsibility for the well-being of society. Priestley critiques the capitalist system that allows for such inequalities.

• Class Conflict: The play vividly portrays the chasm between the wealthy Birlings and the working-class Eva Smith. The stark contrast highlights the injustice and inequality prevalent in society.

• Consequences of Actions: The play highlights the far-reaching impact of individual actions. Each character's choices, however seemingly insignificant, contribute to Eva Smith's tragic fate.

• Hypocrisy and Deception: The Birlings' self-deception and hypocrisy are exposed throughout the play. Their attempts to justify their actions reveal their moral failings.

• Social Change and Reform: Priestley advocates for social change and reform. The play serves as a call for empathy, compassion, and collective responsibility.

• The Nature of Time: The play explores the concept of time as cyclical, suggesting that the past continually impacts the present and future.

• Justice and Morality: The Inspector's interrogation tests the Birlings' moral compass, forcing them to confront their actions and their complicity in Eva Smith's demise.

IV. Dramatic Techniques Employed

Priestley masterfully uses several dramatic techniques to enhance the play's impact and convey its themes:

• Suspense: The Inspector's methodical questioning creates a sense of suspense, keeping the audience engaged and anticipating the revelation of each character's involvement.

• Dramatic Irony: The audience is privy to information that the characters are not, creating dramatic irony and highlighting their self-deception.

• Symbolism: The Inspector's character, the setting of the Birling's home, and even the name "Eva Smith" (and its variations) are symbolic.

• Dialogue: Priestley uses dialogue to reveal character, advance the plot, and highlight the themes of the play. The language employed reflects the social class and personality of each character.

• Stage Directions: Priestley's precise stage directions guide the actors' movements and expressions, shaping the play's atmosphere and impact.

• Setting: The setting of the Birling’s comfortable yet ultimately confining home represents the limited perspective and complacency of the upper class.

V. Contextual Influences

Understanding the historical context of An Inspector Calls is crucial to appreciating its message. Written in 1945, immediately after World War II, the play reflects the social and political upheaval of the time.

• Post-War Britain: The play highlights the social inequalities and injustices exposed during the war, emphasizing the need for social reform and collective responsibility.

• Rise of Socialism: Priestley was a socialist, and his play reflects his belief in the importance of social justice and equality. The Inspector acts as a mouthpiece for Priestley’s socialist ideals.

• Shifting Social Attitudes: The play reflects the changing social attitudes of post-war Britain, where social issues were brought to the forefront and reforms were sought to create a fairer society.

VI. Critical Interpretations

• The Inspector's Identity: The ambiguity surrounding the Inspector's identity is a subject of ongoing debate. Is he a supernatural being, a symbol of conscience, or a manifestation of social responsibility?

• The Play's Ending: The final phone call raises questions about the reality of the Inspector's investigation and the nature of responsibility. Is it a realistic account, or is it a cautionary tale?

• Priestley's Message: Critics debate the extent to which the play's message is explicitly socialist or simply a call for greater social responsibility and empathy.

VII. Exam Questions and How to Answer Them

Exam questions on An Inspector Calls often focus on themes, character analysis, dramatic techniques, and contextual influences. Here's a framework for answering these questions effectively:

• Identify the question's focus: Carefully read the question and identify the specific aspect of the play it addresses (e.g., character, theme, dramatic technique).

• Develop a clear thesis statement: Your answer should begin with a clear thesis statement that directly addresses the question.

• Use textual evidence: Support your analysis with specific examples from the text, including direct quotations where appropriate.

• Analyze the evidence: Don't just quote; analyze the significance of the evidence and explain how it relates to your thesis statement.

• Structure your answer logically: Organize your answer into paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of the question.

• Write concisely and clearly: Use precise language and avoid unnecessary jargon.

• Proofread carefully: Ensure your answer is free of grammatical errors and typos.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Who is Inspector Goole? The Inspector's true identity is deliberately ambiguous. He could be a supernatural being, a representative of collective conscience, or simply a catalyst for the Birlings' moral reckoning.

• What is the significance of Eva Smith's name? The multiple names Eva Smith uses highlight the anonymity and vulnerability of the working class. It also allows Priestley to demonstrate how individuals are easily discarded.

• What is the play's main message? The play's central message is a plea for social responsibility, urging individuals to recognize their interconnectedness and the impact of their actions on others.

• What is the significance of the play's ending? The ambiguous ending leaves the audience questioning the nature of the Inspector’s visit. Was it a real investigation, a dream, or a moral awakening? It emphasises the ongoing responsibility and the lasting impact of actions.

IX. Conclusion

An Inspector Calls remains a powerful and relevant play, continuing to resonate with audiences today. By understanding its plot, characters, themes, dramatic techniques, and contextual influences, you can develop a sophisticated understanding of Priestley's masterpiece. This comprehensive revision guide provides the tools to not only succeed in your exams but also to appreciate the enduring legacy of this remarkable work. Remember to engage critically with the text, formulating your own interpretations and arguments supported by textual evidence. Good luck with your revision!