In this section you'll find quotations, explanations, themes, key events and characters to learn about. As much information as possible must be memorised before the exam, including quotations!
Mr Birling - represents capitalism, greed, lack of responsibility, being stubborn, arrogance
- Mrs Birling - represents capitalism, the uncaring upper classes, snobbery, a lack of care towards the poor
- The Inspector - represents truth, justice, equality, fairness, socialism and the destruction of the class system
- Sheila Birling - represents how people can change, grow up and show maturity; she was petulant and juvenile at first, but changes throughout the play into a responsible and caring young woman
- Eric Birling - like his sister, represents how an irresponsible drinker who only cares for himself can begin to show compassion and love for those less fortunate than himself. Both he and Sheila become symbols of socialism by the end and are very different in their views to their parents after the play.
- Eva Smith - her common name represents the fact she is a symbol for the poor/working class. She is a metaphor for neglected workers and class struggles of the time. She also represents those who would benefit in a socialist society, whereas in a capitalist one she is exploited and abused by greedy capitalists (in the eyes of J.B Priestley, the writer) by people like Mr Birling who have power, money and influence.
aic_-_full_text.docx |
an_inspector_calls_sample_essay_grade_7_to_8.pdf |
website_aic_quotations.docx |
aic_key_quotes_to_learn.docx |
an_inspector_calls_quotations_and_explanations.docx |
an_inspector_calls_themes.docx |
aic_-_more_quotations.pdf |
aic_revision_sheet.docx |
aic_extract_example_analysis_grade_4_and_6.docx |
mr_birling_key_quotations.docx |
aic_assessment_question_-_new_spec_style.docx |
aic_pics.docx |
aic_questions.docx |
aic_quote_requests.docx |
An Inspector Calls
1) Birling making arrogant, stupid-sounding (to us) claims about nobody wanting war and the Titanic being unsinkable - sets him up as the capitalist villain of the play
2) The Inspector showing how even though Birling did nothing illegal he didn't do his duty as a human being by helping Eva Smith
3) Sheila immediately regretting getting Eva sacked from Milwards and growing up, showing responsibility, and transitioning from a capitalist to socialist mindset
4) Gerald admitting to the affair, but also trying to undermine the Inspector's position
5) Mrs Birling refusing to admit any responsibility for doing any wrong by not giving out some charity money until she found out that Eva Smith/Daisy Renton was carrying her own grandchild (she only cares when it affects her directly)
6) Eric's fury towards his parents for their cold, heartless ways
7) The Inspector leaving with a warning about war, the dangers of selfishness/capitalism/greed and how socialism can save everyone from such pain
8) Gerald leading Mr & Mrs Birling into discovering the Inspector wasn't "real"
9) Gerald, Mr Birling & Mrs Birling thinking that nothing matters when they think Eva wasn't real. Eric and Sheila becoming more socialist and caring because they do still care about what they did wrong
10) The shock at the end of the play when it's revealed an inspector is coming.
1) Birling making arrogant, stupid-sounding (to us) claims about nobody wanting war and the Titanic being unsinkable - sets him up as the capitalist villain of the play
2) The Inspector showing how even though Birling did nothing illegal he didn't do his duty as a human being by helping Eva Smith
3) Sheila immediately regretting getting Eva sacked from Milwards and growing up, showing responsibility, and transitioning from a capitalist to socialist mindset
4) Gerald admitting to the affair, but also trying to undermine the Inspector's position
5) Mrs Birling refusing to admit any responsibility for doing any wrong by not giving out some charity money until she found out that Eva Smith/Daisy Renton was carrying her own grandchild (she only cares when it affects her directly)
6) Eric's fury towards his parents for their cold, heartless ways
7) The Inspector leaving with a warning about war, the dangers of selfishness/capitalism/greed and how socialism can save everyone from such pain
8) Gerald leading Mr & Mrs Birling into discovering the Inspector wasn't "real"
9) Gerald, Mr Birling & Mrs Birling thinking that nothing matters when they think Eva wasn't real. Eric and Sheila becoming more socialist and caring because they do still care about what they did wrong
10) The shock at the end of the play when it's revealed an inspector is coming.