an inspector calls – jb priestley

An Inspector Calls – JB Priestley

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What do we need to do in this unit:• We will study a play which has been written

and performed after 1914• We will be thinking about character as well as

plot and setting• Our main focus will be the theatrical elements

of the play and the social and historical context ( what was going on at the time )

• We will read the whole play but we will only focus on short extracts from various scenes


What was happening when the play was written?

•Although the play is set in 1912, it was written in 1945, as the Second World War was just ending. It was a time of great turmoil for the British people. •This play is set during 1912 – the period immediately before the First World War. It was a time when people were uncertain about the future and Britain were no longer quite as powerful as they thought they were.•After the war was an equally difficult time. There was the General Strike in 1926 and the Great Depression in during the 1930’s. •There was a large difference in class systems; the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. •Many people believed that, after two world wars and the problems that came about after them, the world needed to be a fairer place and people needed to treat others better.



• What clues are there in the initial stage directions that the Birling family are wealthy and upper class?

• The opening few lines of the play are given to Mr Birling. What impression do we get of his character?

• At the bottom of page 2, Mrs Birling scolds her husband for what he says. Why do you think what he said was so wrong?

• Look again at Mrs Birling’s speech on p.3 of the play. What impression do we get of the position between men and women during this time?

• Birling is clearly pleased that Sheila is marrying Gerald – why do you think he is so pleased?

• Look again at p.5 of the play. Do you think Gerald and Sheila are really in love? What clues are there?


The opening of the play introduces the main characters, and in particular, the character

of Mr Birling.


Above is one person’s interpretation of what Mr Birling might look like. Based on

your reading, either draw or write a paragraph explaining what you think the character might look like. Once you have done this, choose one quotation from the opening few pages of the play which you

think sums up the character best.

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Part of the importance of studying a play like this, is the audience’s interpretation of the characters … both in the way they

look and their personality.

Our job is to use our own imagination to construct a character.


Synopsis so far …


Mr Birling, a wealthy and ambitious man, and his family are celebrating the engagement of his daughter, Sheila to Gerald, the son of upper class business people. Mr Birling is seen to be confident and controlling whereas his wife fits happily into the role of rich housewife. The family enjoy a luxurious life, complete with hired help, champagne and cigars. The playwright shows that Mrs Birling is of a different social class to her husband, as she knows how to behave in front of guests whereas her husband shows off. He is also pleased with the marriage because it will improve business relations. Gerald gives Sheila an engagement ring – they are clearly in love – but her attention is taken away when her father wants to make yet another speech.

Part of the importance of studying a play and writing coursework essays is finding evidence to support our

opinions and ideas.


The following slide contains four points about the scene between Mr Birling and Gerald – the scene

we have just read aloud. Your job is to find quotations from the play – evidence – to support

your ideas. You can use stage directions and speech, but

your quotation must appear exactly as it does in the play.

The first one has been done to help you.

Focus on p.8 and p.9 only!

Point EvidenceMr Birling is conscious of the fact that Gerald is his social

superior

Mr Birling: ‘Lady Croft – while she doesn’t object to my girl – feels you might have done better for yourself

socially.’

Mr Birling enjoys showing off to prove himself. (p.8)

J.B. Priestley ( the playwright ) hints that Eric might have a

drink problem. (p.9)Mr Birling believes a man

should be the head – and most important member - of the

family. (p.9)

Which one of the following is the odd one out?


Mr Birling

An engageme

nt ringWorld War

One

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What themes have we seen in the play so far?


Suspense Ambition Love

Murder Deceit Money

Social class Anger Passion

Desire Jealousy Loneliness

You have a secret that, if it got out, would damage not only your personal relationships but also your reputation and

business connections. However, if you keep your secret, you know that other people will get the blame for what you have

done. Do you:•Own up and face the consequences.•Not own up and leave the country, for fear that you might be found out. •Not own up and refuse to feel guilty about what you have done.


The setting for An Inspector Calls is the Birling The setting for An Inspector Calls is the Birling household – they are celebrating the engagement of household – they are celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald. Sheila and Gerald. HoweverHowever, by the end of Act two, , by the end of Act two, the reason why these people have come together the reason why these people have come together this evening, is over and Sheila and Gerald have this evening, is over and Sheila and Gerald have

broken off their engagement. broken off their engagement.

What words would you use to describe Gerald and What words would you use to describe Gerald and Sheila at this point in the play? Choose three words Sheila at this point in the play? Choose three words

for each character – make a note of them in your for each character – make a note of them in your exercise book.exercise book.


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Disappointed Smug Angry

Guilty Repentant Determined

Optimistic Honest Nonchalant

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As we approach the end of Act two, we need to start looking at how the playwright

presents each character and how the Inspector interrogates each suspect in turn.


You will be given two pages of the play to look You will be given two pages of the play to look at within your group. You will also be given at within your group. You will also be given

question that you have to answer. You will be question that you have to answer. You will be expected to find three quotations to match the expected to find three quotations to match the

answer to the question. answer to the question.

Make your notes on the sheet and be prepared Make your notes on the sheet and be prepared to feedback your answers to the rest of the to feedback your answers to the rest of the

class.class.

Group oneGroup oneLook again at p.14 and p.15

How does Mr Birling react when the Inspector interrogates him?


Group twoGroup twoLook again at p.24 and p.25

How does Sheila react when the Inspector interrogates him?


Group threeGroup threeLook again at p.38 and p.39

How does Gerald react when the Inspector interrogates him?


Group fourGroup fourLook again at p.11 and p.12

What impression do we get of the Inspector when he begins his interrogation of the Birling family?


Group fiveGroup fiveLook again at p.2 and p.3

What impression do we get of the Birling family when we first meet them?


Group sixGroup sixLook again at p.1 and p.2

How does JB Priestley set the scene for the play in his opening stage directions?


Now that you have read through the Now that you have read through the interrogation of Mrs Birling, answer interrogation of Mrs Birling, answer

the following questions in full the following questions in full sentences, using evidence to sentences, using evidence to

support your points. support your points.


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• What word does JB Priestley repeat in the stage directions on p.41? What does this tell us about Mrs Birling’s reactions to his questioning?

• What does the Brumley’s Women’s Charity Organisation do? How does Mrs Birling feel about her work with the charity?

• What words in the stage directions on p.43 shows us that Mr and Mrs Birling are beginning to get concerned about this case?

• What does Mrs Birling admit to being when it came to Eva Smith / Daisy Renton on p.43?

• Look again at Mrs Birling’s speeches on p.45. Do you think she feels guilty about what she did to Eva / Daisy?

• What is Mr Birling concerned about on p.46? What does this tell us about how he feels about the case of Eva / Daisy?

• Who does Mrs Birling blame for Eva / Daisy’s situation? Why do you think JB Priestley focuses on this point so often in this scene?

As we near the end of Act two – and the play – the characters As we near the end of Act two – and the play – the characters and their behaviour starts to change. and their behaviour starts to change.

What do we notice about each character in the following What do we notice about each character in the following quotations?quotations?


Inspector: ‘That doesn’t make it any less yours. She came to you for help, at a time when no woman could have needed it more. And you not only refused it yourself but saw to it that others refused it too. She was here, alone, friendless, almost penniless, desperate. She needed not only money but advice, sympathy, friendliness. You had children. You must have known what she was feeling. And you slammed the door in her face’




Mrs Birling: ‘Secondly, I blame the young man who was the father of the child she was going to have. If, as she said, he didn’t belong to her class, and was some drunken young idler, then that’s all the more reason why he shouldn’t escape. He should be made an example of. If the girl’s death is due to anybody, then it’s due to him.’




Sheila: (with sudden alarm) ‘Mother – stop – stop!’

Birling: ‘Be quiet, Sheila.’

Sheila: ‘But don’t you see –’

Mrs B: (severely) ‘You’re behaving like a hysterical child tonight.’

(Sheila begins crying quietly. )




Birling: (terrified now) ‘Look Inpsector, you’re not trying to tell us that – that my boy – is mixed up in this - ?’

Inspector: (sternly) ‘If he is, then we know what to do, don’t we? Mrs Birling has just told us.’

Birling: (thunderstruck) ‘My God! But – look here –’

Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What Look carefully at the list of stage directions below. What order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?order do you think they appear in throughout Act two?


Cutting in, sharplyExchanges a frightened glance

her husbandSeverely

With sudden alarmCalmly

ThunderstruckWith dignityAstounded



Calmly




CalmlyWith dignity




CalmlyWith dignity

Severely




CalmlyWith dignity

SeverelyAstounded




CalmlyWith dignity

SeverelyAstounded

Cutting in, sharply




CalmlyWith dignity

SeverelyAstounded

Cutting in, sharplyWith sudden alarm




CalmlyWith dignity

SeverelyAstounded


Exchanges a frightened glance her husband



CalmlyWith dignity

SeverelyAstounded


Exchanges a frightened glance her husband

Thunderstruck

So far, we have seen how each one of the characters So far, we have seen how each one of the characters contributed to the death of Eva Smith; everyone did contributed to the death of Eva Smith; everyone did something to make her unhappy. The only one left to something to make her unhappy. The only one left to speak is Eric … but is he the one who is ultimately to speak is Eric … but is he the one who is ultimately to

blame? Is it his fault?blame? Is it his fault?Read through the scene carefully. Once you have done Read through the scene carefully. Once you have done so, look at the following statements and decide which so, look at the following statements and decide which

ones are true and which are false.ones are true and which are false.


• Eric is portrayed as an alcoholic OR Eric is portrayed as a normal young man who lies the occasional drink.

• We are reminded that Eva Smith is still poor and hungry OR We are shown that Eva Smith has managed to get back on her feet financially.

• Mrs Birling is shocked and disgusted by her son’s actions with Eva OR Mrs Birling is understanding and sympathetic towards Eric.

• Eric tells the Inspector that he was in love with Eva Smith OR Eric shows that, like many young men of the time, he was just passing the time with Eva Smith.

• Eric looks up to his father and men like him OR Eric hates what his father stands for.

• Mr Birling blames his son for the death of Eva Smith OR Mr Birling accepts that everyone in the family must take some responsibility for what has happened.

• Eric feels guilty about what he has done to Eva Smith OR Eric is unconcerned about what he has done to Eva Smith.

• Eric is furious at his parents and their behaviour towards Eva Smith OR Eric understands why his parents did what they did.








• Eric is furious at his parents and their behaviour towards Eva Smith OR Eric understands why his parents did what they did.

Throughout this play we have met three Throughout this play we have met three main male characters – each one of them main male characters – each one of them

have had dealings with Eva Smith and have had dealings with Eva Smith and have played a part in her death.have played a part in her death.

Which of the men do you sympathise Which of the men do you sympathise with the most? Why do you sympathise with the most? Why do you sympathise with this character? What makes you with this character? What makes you less sympathetic with the other two less sympathetic with the other two

characters?characters?


This play has been ambiguous and complex. We have met many characters and have

formed clear opinions about them.


What do we think is going to What do we think is going to happen at the end of the happen at the end of the

play?play?Which characters are going Which characters are going to have been changed by to have been changed by

their experiences?their experiences?What is going to happen to What is going to happen to

the Inspector? Who is he and the Inspector? Who is he and what is he trying to prove?what is he trying to prove?

JB Priestley wrote this to explore the ideas of the social conscience – he wanted to see whether people would take responsibility for what they did to others.

The Inspector was somewhat successful in his mission … although he did not manage to change the whole family, he did manage to alter the views of some of them.

Look at the table on the next slide. Your aim is to decide whether you think each character has been changed by their interrogation from the Inspector or whether they remain the same sort of person.

Once you have decided whether they have changed or not, you will need to find a relevant quotation from the end of the play to support your opinion.



CharacteCharacterr

Have Have they they

changedchanged??

EvidenceEvidence

Mr Birling XMrs Birling

Sheila

Gerald

Eric

If we are to decipher how JB Priestley creates If we are to decipher how JB Priestley creates tension throughout the play, we need to tension throughout the play, we need to

think about the opening, calm scene. This is think about the opening, calm scene. This is the starting point and the scene changes as the starting point and the scene changes as

the Inspector is introduced. the Inspector is introduced.


Together, we are going to make Together, we are going to make class notes which will help us to class notes which will help us to

write our essay. However, certain write our essay. However, certain people will be looking at certain people will be looking at certain

aspects of the text. aspects of the text.

***

Group oneGroup one‘The dining room …Eric suddenly guffaws.’

(p.1 – 3)What clues are there that this family is wealthy

and rich?


Group twoGroup two‘Giving us the port, Edna …much nicer really.’

(p.2 – 4)What clues are there that this is a happy, family

occasion?


Group threeGroup three‘I’m delighted about this engagement … they both laugh’

(p.6 - 9)What impression do we get of Mr Birling at the beginning of

the play?


What words would we use to describe the opening of the play?


Tranquil Exciting Calm Jubilant

Smug Elegant Dramatic Revealing

Nervous Confident Sophisticated Idyllic

Wealthy Arrogant Reserved Difficult

Class notes on the opening of the play.• ‘Edna goes out – They all have their glasses filled. Birling beams at

them and clearly relaxes.’ This proves that the Birling family are having a good time.

• ‘Oh come, come – I’m treating Gerald like one of the family.’ This proves that the family are happy and relaxed.

• ‘I’ll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee.’ This proves that the family are wealthy and of a high social status.

• ‘Port, cigar box and cigarettes.’ This proves that the family are used to luxuries in life.

• Birling: ( raising his glass ) So here’s wishing you both the very best that life cane bring.’ This proves that Birling is delighted at the engagement between Gerald and Sheila.

• ‘I speak as a hard-headed businessman who has to take risks and know what he’s about.’ This proves that Mr Birling cares only about business and money.

• Mrs Birling: ‘Our congratulations and very best wishes.’ This proves that Mrs Birling wants everyone in the family to know that she approves of the engagement.


When we begin to write an essay, we need to think about not only what we write but

also how we write. You will not get a C grade if you do not write in the appropriate way.


The most important thing is that you use a particular formula in all of your essay writing. This formula is called Point – Point –

Evidence – ExplanationEvidence – Explanation.

PointThis is where you introduce the point you are This is where you introduce the point you are going to make. This should only be one – two going to make. This should only be one – two

sentencessentences.Evidence

This is where you include your quotation. It This is where you include your quotation. It should be short, relevant and accurate.should be short, relevant and accurate.

ExplanationThis is the most important part of your This is the most important part of your

paragraph as this is where you explain what paragraph as this is where you explain what your quotation shows us. This is where your your quotation shows us. This is where your

examiner will decide what grade you are.examiner will decide what grade you are.


If you use Point – Evidence – Explanation you will automatically be awarded a C grade. If you do

not, examiners will find it harder to award you the best grades.

!!

An example of Point – Reason – An example of Point – Reason – Justification might be …Justification might be …

At the beginning of the play, JB Priestley shows us what the character of Mr Birling is like.

‘So – well –I gather there’s a very good chance of a knighthood – so long as we behave ourselves, don’t get into the police court or start a scandal – eh?’ (p.8)

This proves that Mr Birling is a man who is only concerned with business and social status. He is looking forward to a knighthood because he believes that it will make him look better to people like Gerald’s parents. JB Priestley tries to get the audience to dislike Mr Birling.

This is the Point. It is brief and only introduces the point you are going to make.This is your

Evidence. The quote follows on from the Point above. This is your

Explanation. It is the longest part of your paragraph and it is where you show what you know.

In this section of your In this section of your essay you need to …essay you need to …

• Write one paragraph about how Mr Birling is portrayed in the opening of the scene.

• Write one paragraph about the way in which the family are portrayed as wealthy and upper class.

• Write one paragraph about relaxed and happy the family are at the beginning of the play.


The only version of An Inspector Calls is the black The only version of An Inspector Calls is the black and white version we watched in class. Yet, the and white version we watched in class. Yet, the play is studied by hundreds of GCSE students. play is studied by hundreds of GCSE students.


Imagine you are the casting director of a major new – blockbuster – version of the play. You have been given responsibility for casting the roles of …

Mr Birling Mrs Birling SheilaGerald Eric Inspector Goole.

Who would you choose to play these parts? Think carefully about your choices – don’t just choose

people you like; choose those who you think would be well suited to the part.

Group oneGroup oneInspector:’Mrs Birling, you’re a member … Mrs B: But I

accept no blame for it at all.’(p.42 – 47)

How does the Inspector question Mrs Birling? How does Mrs Birling react to this? What does this show us about the

Inspector’s opinion of this family?


Group twoGroup twoInspector:As soon as I mentioned the name … Inspector: I

see … (p.33 - 37)

How does the Inspector question Gerald? Does the Inspector ever give the audience – or Gerald – any information? Why

do you think JB Priestley does this?


Group threeGroup threeExtracts from p. 12 and p.21.

Who does the Inspector show the photograph to? How do they react? What do their reactions tell us about their characters?

Why does he not need to show the photo to other characters?


Group fourGroup fourInspector: ‘Mr Birling? … Mr Birling: This unpleasant

business.’(p.11 – 17)

How does Mr Birling react to the Inspector when he first comes into the Birling household? How does his reaction change? What does this tell us about how Mr Birling feels after the

Inspector has questioned him?


Group fiveGroup fiveThere are three acts in this play. Look again at the ending of

each act. What happens at the end of each act? Why do you think JB Priestley chooses to end the scene in this way? How does the

ending of the act add to the tension of the play?


Playwrights try to very the tension of their plays – if Playwrights try to very the tension of their plays – if every scene was as tense as the last, the audience every scene was as tense as the last, the audience

would find the play predictable and boring. would find the play predictable and boring.


In your exercise books, design a graph. In your exercise books, design a graph. On this graph, plot five key points from On this graph, plot five key points from the play. Decide where you would put the play. Decide where you would put them on the tension scale, rating the them on the tension scale, rating the least tense scene as 1 and the most least tense scene as 1 and the most

tense scene as 10. tense scene as 10.


The party

The Inspector arrives

Sheila’s story Mrs

Birling’s story

The end

1

5

10

What do you notice about the points you have plotted in your graph? What insight does this give you into the mind of the playwright … what is he trying to do?

Class notes on the play …Class notes on the play …• At the beginning of the play, Mr Birling tries to make friends with the

Inspector and is inviting and pleasant. ‘Mr Birling: Have a glass of port – or a little whisky.’

• As the scene continues, Mr Birling tries to get rid of the Inspector. ‘Mr Birling: We shall be along in a minute now, just finishing.’

• As he finished his questions, Mr Birling starts to get annoyed and is nasty to the Inspector. He forgets all of his social graces and manners. ‘Mr Birling: ( angrily ) Look here, Inspector. I find this uncalled for and officious.

• The Inspector shows the photograph to Mr Birling. ‘( takes a photograph, about postcard size, out of his pocket and goes to Birling. )

• The Inspector also shows the photo to Gerald. ‘Gerald: Any particular reason why I shouldn’t see this girls’ photo, Inspector?’

• The Inspector also shows it to Sheila. ‘( she looks at it closely, recognises it with a little cry, gives a half stifled sob, and then runs out.’ )

• The Inspector only shows the photo to certain people and never shows the photo to the whole family. It makes us wonder whether it is the same girl or not.


Class notes on the play …Class notes on the play …• The Inspector takes control of the situation when questioning Gerald,

even though Gerald is of a higher social position than him. ‘Inspector: He must wait his turn.’

• The Inspector only asks basic questions of Gerald, but Gerald gives him lots of detailed answers. ‘When and where did you meet her?’ Gerald tells his tale without having to, suggesting he has a guilty conscience and wants to get things off his chest.

• The Inspector questions Mrs Birling very promptly and pointedly; he doesn’t waste time with manners and pleasantries. Mrs Birling doesn’t like this. ‘Mrs Birling: If that was any business of yours. ‘

• Mr Birling does not trust the Inspector and stands up for his family, even though he is a hard-headed businessman. ‘Birling: Is there any reason why my wife should answer that question, Inspector.’

• The end of Act one finishes on a cliffhanger. ‘Inspector: Well?’ This is so everyone comes back to watch the play.

• The end of Act two also ends with a tense moment. ‘Mother, I begged and begged you to stop.’ Although the audience can guess what is coming, we need to watch the rest of the play to see what happens.

• The end of Act three is the most tense of all. ‘Mr Birling: That was the police. A girl just found dead …’ Most plays answer all our questions at the end, but this play leaves us with questions unanswered.


In this section you need to …In this section you need to …• Write one paragraph on how the Inspector questions Mr

Birling.• Write one paragraph on how the Inspector questions Gerald. • Write one paragraph about how the Inspector uses the photo

to interrogate the Birling family. • Write one paragraph about how the Inspector questions Mrs

Birling.• Write one paragraph about how the writer ends each of the

acts.


The whole of this play takes place The whole of this play takes place in the Birling household, in fact, in the Birling household, in fact,

in one room of the Birling in one room of the Birling household. household.

Why do you think JB Priestley does this? Why do you think JB Priestley does this?


IntroductionJB Priestley set the play, An Inspector Calls, in 1912. The play is set during the years before World War One and is set in a large house where the Birling family, the main characters, live. The family are wealthy, smug and of a high social class. The play is based on the suicide of Eva Smith and Inspector’s Goole’s investigation of the family. This essay will focus on the Birling family and how they are connected to Eva’s suicide, looking at the interrogation of the Birling family at the hands of Inspector Goole.

Writing your essay …The structure of your writing should

go as follows …

IntroductionSocial and Historical Setting

Scene analysis ( white PEE sheet )

Conclusion

Title –Title – How does JB Priestley present How does JB Priestley present the interrogation scene in An Inspector the interrogation scene in An Inspector

Calls by JB Priestley.Calls by JB Priestley.

an inspector calls – jb priestley

Documents

character of mr birling

birling family

character best

british people

difficult time

time of great turmoil

class systems

world wars