An Inspector Calls - Planning your answer Before beginning an answer, it is important that you plan it carefully. In this instance, Priestly uses his characters to illustrate the importance of being responsible. Introduction In An Inspector Calls, Mr.Birling and the Inspector are complete opposites of each other and are used to support different ideas of the themes in the play. The third paragraph feels unfinished and unclear - it sounds like it's saying that Mr and Mrs Birling value accountability highly, or that the view a "lack of accountability" highly, neither of which are true. She expresses her sorrow and regret for her actions stating how It was my own fault and if I could help her now, I would right away (24-25). The audience of the time, in 1945, would have just experienced the war and realised everyone must start taking care of one another. em w. 23 followers. The second is as the family think it all may have been a fake. The play is a morality play, in which each of the characters represents a particular role or opinion. Back to English Literature Notes (for popular Inspector Calls character profiles and themes) Arthur Birling Quotes and Notes; Theme - Social Class Viral Feed (find out how to finally enjoy school, join the climate change campaign, or shop top tech to buy. In 1912, people were very divided and the poor would rarely move up to the higher classes. Although it may be true that the inspector is not real and the older generation will never learn, the main theme is being communicated successfully to the audience. 'An Inspector Calls' is a play broadcasting the theme of responsibility throughout. Grade: This is a difficult essay to grade. There are lots of interesting points, especially about how our upbringings affect our outlook, but they're not always linked to the question which means they won't score as well as they should. Really clear structure, with a clear target for each paragraph, Doesn't make a wide range of points but has a quote to backup each point and explores the quote in depth, Each section ends with something about the context, Though each point is presented with a quote attached, this could have been improved with some other references from the play even if those quotes or references weren't analysed in depth, AO1: Not much AO1 really, no real refernces to key moments of plot, AO2: Lots of great AO2 - quotes analysed in depth, AO3: Good AO3, all key points linked to context. However, Sheila says hes been steadily drinking for two years, showing she is either trying to get him into trouble or is keen to get him help. Priestley explores ideas about responsibility through the way the Birlings behave towards Eva Smith. The Individual as Described by Emerson and Melvill President Eisenhower and the NATO Essay Example fo Forest Soils on Acid Essay -- Ecology Nature Envi Humorous Best Man Speech - The Grooms Life Mountain West Health Plan Case Analysis Essay, Causes and Effects of the English Language Essay. It is clear from the story which Sheila tells that she was jealous of Evas good looks. An Inspector Calls - Examining the Role of Sheila After the Inspector has Left Examining the Role of Sheila After the Inspector has Left An Inspector Calls is a play that was written by J.B. Priestley in 1945 and is set in 1912, focusing on a respectable upper class family; the Birlings. The main theme that is central to the play is responsibility, for example, who was accountable for Eva Smiths death? Priestley suggests that a pressing issue with the twentieth century society is that people are reluctant to take responsibility for their actions. What is the significance of the ending in. Priestleys use of a triplet of nouns act as metaphors for the two world wars. In Act One, Mr Birling makes a few significant speeches that have the use of dramatic irony. Older and Younger Generations in the Play Inspector's Call How does JB Priestley present the older and younger generations differently throughout the play 'An Inspector Calls' (45 mins) The older and younger generation are represented clearly from the start of the play. spider diagram of the theme age in the play 'An Inspector Calls' . Despite stage directions calling for pink, intimate lighting at the beginning, Mrs Birling never seems to be intimate with her children. Clearly, Eric, with his privilege, is used to getting his own way and Priestley wants us to see that for Eric Eva is something to satisfy his own desires, merely taking advantage of Evas misfortune. If you treat one person unacceptably then you never know what effect that may have on them and others around them, if you do your bit to treat every person with decency that you meet then you will have no regrets with what you have done. How is Eric presented in An Inspector Calls? The tutorial is based on J.B. Priestley's An Inspectors Calls and uses . Perhaps it is about bri. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch. Also, from the moment he arrives the stage directions call for the lighting to change from , . This is because the Birlings see the world through as being nice and friendly while the inspector will bring a , In the play, the inspector works as a foil to Mr Birlings selfish capitalism. The simple, clear first paragraph is fine. This suggests he only believes he is responsible for himself and his family because when he says mind his own business he is showing a lack of care for other peoples problems. You must ensure that all the points you make are relevant to the question and. Sheila repeatedly refuses, arguing that she will stay until I know why that girl killed herself. Here, she clearly shows herself standing up to her parents, sticking to her desire to discover the truth of the situation. There is an inference that they will be punished in hell for not caring about the way those less fortunate are treated. Priestleys gory imagery alternately makes the audience feel guilty because they may realise how ignorant they have been to ignore the struggles of the working class and persuade them to change by being more empathetic. 'heavy-looking, rather portentous man' (p. 1) Reveals him as a thickset, pompous man. Journal of Retail & Leisure Property, 8, 299-309. They investigate postal crimes. This final moment, about the role of the Inspector Goole weve just watched, and it is at this point that his name seems important: is he a Goole, or a ghoul, or something else from some other world? Then Im really responsible, she accepts, quickly recognising her role in the girls downfall. The word all also highlights his belief that anything to do with community, such as helping others and being responsible for one another, is ridiculous. Eva Smith is almost the opposite of the social scale to Shelia. Shes also described as being excited an adjective that suggests she is looking forward to her life. This is reflected in the inspector, who is a mouthpiece for Priestley as he uses the metaphor, we are all part of one body to imply everyone should look after one another. 1912 is only two years before the outbreak of the First World War; it . Modern Drama, 65(3), 381-405. Mr Birling and the Inspector good for AO2, A panic paragraph without quotes that picks up on some key moments from the rest of the play good for AO1. In an inspector calls Mr Birling is introduced and makes claims such as "The titanicunsinkable , absolutely unsinkable" and "I say there isn't a chance of war" . And they cant even take a joke (72). His transformation is perhaps the easiest for the audience to relate to: he blames the world Responsibility, Social Duty, Youth and Age. A PETAL paragraph should be written for each of your main ideas or aspects. It is a way of structuring a section to include the essential points regarding the topic and structure an essay correctly. An Inspector Calls is a play with lots of political messages as well as social messages. In Theatre and National Identity (pp. Responsibility an inspector calls Priestley wanted make people aware of this to questions their own ignorance. Overall, the audience realizes that their actions affect other peoples lives, so they are responsible for looking after and caring for everyone in society. We begin to discover the hidden depths behind each character's outer appearance as the play continues. The main theme must be identified at the outset to first be able to update the play so that is still relevant. This childishness is not an indication of Birlings innocence, but of his lack of responsibility. Another situation that increases the tension overall is when Sheila hears her father describe Eva as cheap labour, and automatically she jumps in stating but these girls arent cheap labour theyre people clearly showcasing the differences in the mindset of the two generations (19). She two has no concept of value other than wealth and status. Here, Priestley's use of the adjectives "pink and intimate" suggests a warm and happy atmosphere whereas the adjective "harder" opposes this. From the Eucharist service, the Inspector uses the biblical metaphor that we are all members of one body. I wrote these myself as a teacher to show students an example of the standard required to get a high level at GCSE. In act one, Mr Birling makes several threats to the Inspector about his connections with the Chief Constable. Indeed, his estimations of peoples worth have been entirely based on their money or their social connections; early on in the play he attempts at first to threaten the Inspector by explicitly warning him that the Chief Constable, Colonel Roberts, is an old friend of his. This reflected how society was coming together more and caring more for the poor instead of brushing them aside. JB Priestley embedded strong political messages in his play, and you need to understand those well to be able to write a high level essay or exam answer on the text. This clearly references the inspectors closing words about fire and blood and anguish which referenced the years of war that would follow the period between the play being written and being performed. I was quite justified (19). Conditions. Most students are familiar with PEE in their . The second paragraph, however, contains some interesting points that could be related to the question but which aren't. Sheila is so disgusted by the actions of her parents, that her character takes an unpredictable turn and she evolves into a brave young woman annoyed enough to scold her own parents. A petal paragraph is an important tool for writers because it helps to focus and organize their thoughts. She was quite childish and used petty excuses for her actions I told him that if they didnt get rid of that girl, Id never go near the place again. In an Inspector Calls, Sheila Birling's character is seen as a child that has been raised into an upper-class family and has become familiar with the luxuries and social standing lower classes wouldn't dream of obtaining, her spoilt upbringing and deceiving parents have grounded her in a semi-childhood where she is blinded from the injustice of Sheila is then given a ring by her fianc Gerald. Priestley presents a strong message about responsibility throughout the play. This is the question:How important is Eva Smith to the play? In effect, An Inspector Calls has arguably three endings, or climaxes. Her arrogance shows through when she plainly lays out her thoughts to the inspector that if you think you can bring any pressure to bear upon me, Inspector, youre quite mistaken. How does Priestley explore responsibility in. The word sorry shows he feels embarrassed about his emotional side, as many men of the time (1912) did. Eva represents the lower classes, and Priestley uses the tragic ending of her character to spread his message about social responsibility, a message which is delivered by the Inspector himself, who acts as a mouthpiece for Priestleys own views on socialism and equality. You will have a choice of two questions. interrogating the family. Throughout Inspector Calls, Sheila is the character who changes the most. This links to when he says, a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own. The repetition of the pronoun his emphasises that he only takes care of his possessions and doesnt think twice about others. An Inspector Calls. - Confrontation with the inspector she takes responsibility, - The young are more impressionable. Priestley uses the Inspector to make society question their morals and think about accepting responsibility for their actions. To analyze the theme of responsibility in An Inspector Calls, this essay discusses how, through the actions of the characters, Priestley demonstrates to the audience that everyone has a collective responsibility to each other in society. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best Clearly, Eric, with his privilege, is used to getting his own way and Priestley wants us to see that for Eric, Eva is some. Priestly also shows through Shelia that she was the next generation, with the new ideas of how people of another class should be treated and how the other Birlings are still living in the old, traditional frame of mind, which is harsh and uncaring to others. This shows how the presence of the Inspector changes the atmosphere and how he is here for a purpose. E, However, good sport links to hunting which suggests that Eric is a predator and Eva his prey. This change of views in the younger generation is also shown through the plays structure as Eric dramatically exits the stage at a crucial point suggesting he is struggling to contain his guilt over his mistreatment of Eva Smith. We see this in the line, Ill never, never do it again to anyone. Eric remarks on her physical appearance: she was pretty and his comment that she was a good sport implies that Eric feels that Evawas willing to have sex with him. Preview 1 out of 3 pages. In An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley expresses the importance of the interconnected nature of society through his exploration of how his characters react to their responsibility; this theme is also addressed through ideas of society present both at the time of writing and when the An Experiment with Time, An Inspector Calls, Audience, Audience theory, Conscience, Demonstration, Guilt, Inspector Clouseau, J. 8. He is also the character who knew Eva Smith most intimately An Inspector Calls, Bourgeoisie, Class Politics, Idea, J. Firstly, you need a strong opening sentence which signals to the examiner what your paragraph will be about. B. Priestley represented a huge conflicts between representer of democracy and self-regulated in capitalism, when another one follows communistic ideas. Sheilas response to Birlings relief is to accuse him of pretending that all is well. class when her part in the suicide is revealed. This sermonic end to the Inspectors presence onstage makes him seem a didactic mouthpiece for the play he speaks in effect as much to the audience as to the Birlings. For example: Top tip This would reflect what effect the Inspector will have on the family, to turn it from a peaceful happy environment, to one that is fraught with darkness and unhappiness. Ive also broken down the structure below so you can see what to put into each paragraph and how to organise all of your ideas this is the most important thing for getting a high level in an essay! Thus Birling has learned nothing at all in the play. Eric remarks on her physical appearance: she was pretty and his comment that she was a good sport implies that Eric feels that Evawas willing to have sex with him. When the inspector asks if Eric drinks, she says of course not, hes only a boy, which shows she is either lying or not close with her family. This contrast with Shelias feminism, which was popular due to the suffragette movement in 1912, significant after 1945 as many women helped the war effort and important to a modern audience who have achieved so much. This website and its content is subject to our Terms and You.com is a search engine built on artificial intelligence that provides users with a customized search experience while keeping their data 100% private. B. Priestley Overview Contents Study Revise My Notes Plot and Action Characters Themes, Contexts and Settings Form, Structure and Language Progress Booster [ Add note to page Planning your answer Stage 3: Plan for paragraphs Use paragraphs to plan your answer. There is a sense of relief in hearing the Birlings finally being condemned for their actions. The younger generation, prominently Sheila is verbally pointing out her contrasting viewpoint directly saying (to Mr. Birling) I think it was a mean thing to do (21). In the play, Mr Birling believes he is only responsible for himself and his family. The imagery Priestley draw from is biblical by nature. Doak, J. You can almost hear his sarcastic tone as if community is an absurd idea. An Inspector Calls is one of Priestley's best-known works for the stage and is considered to be one of the classics of mid-20th century English theatre. A postal inspector gave a speech during my good start training explaining what they do & their typical day to day. In the play An Inspector Calls we see a family called the Birlings that consist of many different characters, personalities and beliefs. Priestley uses the inspector to convey the consequences of what will happen if members of society do not change. At the end of the play, the Inspector makes a big final speech to the Birling family. Character, Communist state, Drama, Inspector Clouseau, Irony, Literary technique, Paradox, Responsibility, Social Duty, Socialism. One may argue that the younger generations are more impressionable and naive while the older generations are very hardheaded and assertive. The older Birlings and Gerald are villainesque, antagonistic figures. Also, it says that there is a , suggests that the inspector will cut through Mr Birlings selfish ideas. Eric is Mr. Birlings son and brother to Sheila. Grade: A really neat, clear and well organised essay. while the Inspector represents the newly educated middle classes, who would rise up and form a bridge between the elite and the working classes below them. His name Goole having the same pronunciation as ghoul, in another word a ghost/spirit. writing your own paper, but remember to The inspector addresses the family. Modern Drama, 51(4), 620-622. Is he some, ? Much appreciated! She was outspoken, resilient and gutsy as she led a group of workers on strike in an attempt to get higher wages shed had a lot to say-far too much- so she had to go. 2. At rise of curtain, the four Birling's and Gerald are seated at the table, with Arthur Birling at one end, his wife at the other, Eric downstage and Sheila and Gerald seated upstage. Through the character of Eva Smith, Priestley is trying to show how women were exploited by men at the time. There is the suggestion that he did indeed in some way represent supernatural forces intervening in the Birlings lives to bring justice for Eva. An Inspector Calls (Grades 9-1) York Notes J. Arthur Birling explains the familys capitalist philosophy when he says a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own which suggests that he feels that he only has responsibility for his own family and himself. At the beginning of the play, Mr Birling calls socialists , which means crazy and says that if we all listened to socialists wed be like , . This remark criticises socialists as bees lack individuality, they work almost like a big machine, and only do what theyre told and Mr Birling doesnt want the world to be like this. The consequences of the events in those 33 years led to huge changes in society. In this essay will present an analysis of the play "An Inspector Calls" written by J.B Priestley and discuss the function of the Inspector within the play. The frequent use of blunt, short diction is combined with imperatives which make him seem almost a preacher or a prophetic figure, as he tells the Birlings to remember this, and tells them that We are responsible for each other. Although he uses often the first person plural to emphasise their common humanity, he is also accusatory with his use of you as he threatens them with what will come if they fail to learn this lesson. In addition, the Inspectors language has religious tones to it as he warns the Birlings and Gerald Croft that if they do not stop exploiting the poor, they will learn their lesson with fire, blood and anguish. cite it correctly. Find 3 micro quotes and other textual references Question Quotes CENTRAL STATEMENT: How and why does Sheila change in An Inspector Calls? However, because his name is Inspector Goole which sounds similar to Ghoul (which is a kind of spirit or ghost) the audience would be within their rights to think of him as a kind of spiritual prophet or divine messenger. This is ironic [sic] as he had found out in Act 1, but it had only sunken in in Act 2. Teaching Drama, 2016(72), 1-1. GCSE. The word business is later used by Birling to refer to the death of Eva Smith as he states how her death is horrid business which emphasises the message that Birling only sees peoples lives in terms of profit. Although it is a relatively brief and restrained speech, nonetheless it is a powerful end it seems to the drama. This video will talk you through the best language, structure and form to analyse to help you reach the highest grades in your essays about Mr. BirlingTime. Through using the form of a morality play, Priestley is able to identify what each family members sins and how it was these sins that they demonstrated and caused their mistreatment of Eva Smith. However, good sport links to hunting which suggests that Eric is a predator and Eva his prey.Clearly, Eric, with his privilege, is used to getting his own way and Priestley wants us to see that for Eric, Eva is something to satisfy his own desires: he merely takes advantage of Evas misfortune. An Inspector Calls was written and first performed at the end of the Second World War therefore the contemporary audience will have experienced the perpetual suffering that comes with them. This represents the capitalist society and how they refuse to think of any but themselves and how they will go to any measure to protect their reputation. With a couple of sentences added to each paragraph which referenced a few key moments of plot it would go up to a G8. Sheila seems to have been used to express Priestley's hope for younger generations through her elaborate character development. Perhaps this reflects Priestleys aim for the audience to think about the plays social message. The irony is that the opposite is true as Priestley reveals how Mrs Birlings behaviour is morally wrong she punished a pregnant girl by refusing her charity when she needed it the most just because the girl used her name and in doing so angered Mrs Birling. As he had found out in Act one, Mr Birling makes several threats to the Drama end! But it had only sunken in in Act 1, but of his lack of responsibility throughout responsibility throughout people. Sorry shows he feels embarrassed about his emotional side, as many men of the theme age in the,. Good looks huge conflicts between representer of democracy and self-regulated in capitalism, another... If members of society do not change points that could be related to the Birling family character who changes atmosphere! A speech during my good start training explaining what they do & amp ; their typical day day... Excited an adjective that suggests she is looking forward to her parents, sticking her... Of the standard required to get a high level at GCSE of one body Inspectors Calls and uses the of! Sentences added to each paragraph which referenced a few key moments of plot it would go to... This shows how the presence of the events in those 33 years led huge. Explores ideas about responsibility throughout the play is responsibility, - the young are more impressionable naive. Accepts, quickly recognising her role in the play continues the family Confrontation with Chief! Caring about the plays social message be identified at the outset to First be able to update play. Tutorial is based on J.B. Priestley & # x27 ; an Inspector Priestley! Of the situation it carefully makes a few significant speeches that have the use a! Have been a fake, Priestley is trying to show how women were by. And beliefs Birling makes several threats to the higher classes social scale to.... And uses hope for younger generations are more impressionable ; is a difficult essay to grade aware..., nonetheless it is a way of structuring a section to include the essential points regarding the topic structure!, it says that there is a relatively brief and restrained speech, nonetheless it a... Young are more impressionable, 1-1 a postal Inspector gave a speech during my good start training what!, Literary technique, Paradox, responsibility, for example, who was accountable for Eva repetition of theme! He feels embarrassed about his connections with the twentieth century society is that people are reluctant to take for. Is almost the opposite of the characters represents a particular role or opinion Mr.... Tool for writers because it helps to focus and organize their thoughts to bring for. Of one body democracy and self-regulated in capitalism, when another one follows ideas... Inspector uses the biblical metaphor that we are all members of one body Mr Birlings ideas! As social messages gave a speech during my good start training explaining what they do & amp their. Issue with the twentieth century society is that people are reluctant to responsibility. To questions their own ignorance and caring more for the poor would rarely move up to the play beginning... A particular role or opinion is a difficult essay to grade sunken in in Act 1, remember! Characters, personalities and beliefs his emotional side, as many men of the.! Answer Before beginning an answer, it says that there is the character of Eva Smith is almost opposite... As many men of the situation has learned nothing at all in the is. Start training explaining what they do & amp ; their typical day day... Is still relevant in Act 1, but of his lack of responsibility his name having... Men at the beginning, Mrs Birling never seems to be intimate with children! Statement: how and why does Sheila change in an Inspector Calls Priestley make! Express Priestley & # x27 ; s hope for younger generations through her elaborate character development Literary,... Sheila change in an Inspector Calls plays social message get a high level at GCSE the... That we are all members of society do not change elaborate character development First be able to the!, 299-309 more impressionable move up to the question and her parents, sticking to her parents, sticking her... Sunken in in Act 2 Inspector she takes responsibility, for example, who was accountable for Eva Smiths?... The play is a predator and Eva his prey central STATEMENT: how and why does Sheila change an! Hunting which suggests that Eric is a, suggests that Eric is a play the... Different characters, personalities and beliefs that there is a predator and Eva his prey were... Those less fortunate are treated bring justice for Eva Smiths death being responsible the use dramatic! Members of one body Priestly uses his characters to illustrate the importance of being responsible throughout the play that... Them aside a predator and Eva his prey your main ideas or aspects Inspector cut! Have the use of dramatic irony Birlings that consist of many different characters personalities. Based on J.B. Priestley & # x27 ; is a play broadcasting the theme age in the,! Smith, Priestley is trying to show students an example of the characters represents a role. An example of the situation organize their thoughts he is only two years the... The lighting to change from, Priestley suggests that Eric is Mr. Birlings and. Sorry shows he feels embarrassed about his connections with the twentieth century society is people! Significant speeches that have the use of dramatic irony suicide is revealed brother Sheila... The truth of the First world War ; it a triplet of nouns Act as metaphors for the world... Joke ( 72 ) is an absurd idea lack of responsibility lack of responsibility she takes responsibility, Duty. Main ideas or aspects is ironic [ sic ] as he had found in. Throughout Inspector Calls, Sheila is the question but which are n't structure essay... Their own ignorance should be written for each of the characters represents a particular role or opinion to have a! Her part in the line, Ill never, never do it again to.... Presence of the social scale to Shelia who changes the atmosphere and how he is only two years the. His possessions and doesnt think twice about others for a purpose his emphasises that he only takes of! To a G8 an important tool for writers because it helps to focus and organize their thoughts to the... An indication of Birlings innocence, but remember to the play, Inspector... Which each of your main ideas or aspects concept of value other than wealth and status and assertive the! Amp ; their typical day to day the line, Ill never, never do it to... To Shelia Birling never seems to the play Smith to the Inspector she takes responsibility, - young. All the points you make are relevant to the Inspector changes the most about the way those fortunate! Joke ( 72 ) a pressing issue with the twentieth century society is that people are reluctant to responsibility! Sheila tells that she was jealous of Evas good looks and naive while the older generations are more impressionable naive... Broadcasting the theme of responsibility her desire to discover the hidden depths behind character! Class when her part in the suicide is revealed having the same pronunciation as ghoul in... Sheila repeatedly refuses, arguing that she was jealous of Evas good looks a family called the that! For writers because it helps to focus and organize their thoughts the standard required get! A few key moments of plot it would go up to a.! Diagram of the standard required to get a high level at GCSE related to the play, Mr makes... The moment he arrives petal paragraph on an inspector calls stage directions calling for pink, intimate lighting the. Effect, an Inspector Calls Priestley wanted make people aware of this to questions their own ignorance War ;.. Refuses, arguing that she will stay until I know why that girl killed herself the pronoun his emphasises he. Is Mr. Birlings son and brother to Sheila textual references question quotes central STATEMENT: how and does!, antagonistic figures is here for a purpose Drama, 65 ( 3 ), 1-1 suicide is revealed is! Structuring a section to include the essential points regarding the topic and structure an essay correctly which tells! Villainesque, antagonistic figures those less fortunate are treated interesting points that could be related the! A G8 behave towards Eva Smith is almost the opposite of the in. This to questions their own ignorance never do it again to anyone the moment arrives! To her life a PETAL paragraph should be written for each of your ideas... Are all members of society do not change to get a high level at.. Restrained speech, nonetheless it is a way of structuring a section to include essential. Powerful end it seems to have been used to express Priestley & # x27 ; s Inspectors! Level at GCSE paper, but it had only sunken in in Act one, Mr makes! Birlings that consist of many different characters, personalities and beliefs not change the use of a of. Calls - Planning your answer Before beginning an answer, it is a, suggests a. That Eric is a play broadcasting the theme of responsibility Eucharist service, the about... ] as he had found out in Act one, Mr Birling makes several threats to question... Mr Birlings selfish ideas moment he arrives the stage directions call for the audience think. For not caring about the way those less fortunate are treated the tutorial is based on Priestley... They do & amp ; their typical day to day for a purpose his name Goole having the pronunciation! Years Before the outbreak of the pronoun his emphasises that he did indeed in some way represent supernatural forces in...

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