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AN INSPECTOR CALLS PART 2 EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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AN INSPECTOR CALLS PART 2 EXAMQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Name a quote where Mr Birling treats his workers harshly - ANSWER "I went
down myself and told them to clear out"
Name a quote where Sheila's behavior towards Eva Smith was a result of her
own vanity. - ANSWER "If she'd been some miserable plain little creature, I
don't suppose I'd have done it"
How does Priestley create the impression that the Birlings are on trial? -
ANSWER The Inspector is the barrister asking the questions, nd the judge
giving his verdict at the end. The Birlings are the defendants and are made to
confess their wrongdoings.
In act 3, Eric says "He was our police inspector all right"
Wat does this show about Eric's understanding of judgement? - ANSWER Eric
understands that judgement goes beyond whether something is against the law
or not. The Inspector has shown that they have committed moral crimes, even if
they can't be arrested for them.
The Inspector leaves well before the end of the play. Why is this important for
the theme of judgement? - ANSWER It gives the characters chance to debate
their own responsibility and pass judgement on each other. They show whether
they have learned anything.
How is the Inspector used to explore the theme of judgement in An Inspector
Calls? - ANSWER The Inspector acts as a moral critique
Questions morality of characters actions "Well, he inspected us right"
Reveals evidence to audience the leaves, encouraging characters to judge each
other
Audience, no real closure at end, have to come to own conclusions about who
was to blame.
The Inspector reveals different ideas about judgement.
,Gerald: they're "not criminals" vs Eric: "we all helped to kill her"
Reveals generation divide in play. Eric and Sheila=wider more mature view of
social responsibility.
Inspector passes sentence on Birlings/Gerald. "if men will not learn that lesson,
then they will be taught it"
"men"= society as a whole. Inspector warning that if selfish actions continue,
everyone will suffer.
Echoes Priestley's socialism: people are responsible for each other.
Relevant to audience of 1945: lived through world war, understand what "fire
and blood and anguish" was referring to.
In Act three, Mr Birling claims "I've learnt plenty tonight" Give one argument
for and one against this statement - ANSWER For: Mr Birling has found out a
lot about the immoral actions of his family.
Against: He hasn't learnt that it's wrong to treat lower-class people badly.
Sheila arguably learns the most about how her actions can affect other people.
Find a quote from ACT 1, Act 2 and Act 3 to show how her understanding
grows. - ANSWER Act 1 "Oh I wish you hadn't told me"
Act 2 "I know I'm to blame-and I'm desperately sorry-"
Act 3 "If it didn't end tragically, then that's lucky for us. But it might have done"
What does the Inspector teach the other characters about the lives of working
class people? - ANSWER He teaches them how hard working class people
have to work in order to survive, and that they often have no one to support
them.
Explain how Priestley presents the theme of learning in An Inspector Calls. -
ANSWER Sheila is willing to learn from the Inspector. Initially, she is quite
selfish and ignorant, for example she admits that she didn't think getting Eva
Smith sacked was "anything very terrible". This shows that she didn't grasp the
seriousness of her actions. Later, Sheila starts to consider Eva's plight and
realises they have all done wrong. Her development follows the structure of the
play: she learns more and more as the play progresses. By act three, Sheila
, thinks of their actions as "crimes and idiocies". She is able to change her views
and she encourages her parents to do likewise.
Mr Birling's arrogance prevents him from learning. He is set in his ways and
won't consider other points of view. His arrogance is clear at the beginning of
the play wen he calls Eric's concerns about Eva's dismissal "Rubbish!". The
force of this short, aggressive exclamation shows how convinced he is of his
own opinions. This attitude may have been strengthened by his traditional role
as head of the family, he would have been unused to having his authority
challenged.
Mrs Birling's views are similarly unshakeable. Like Mr Birling she doesn't learn
because she refuses to see that she is in the wrong. Even when the Inspector is
questioning her, she is adamant that she has done nothing she's "ashamed of".
Mr and Mrs Birling finish the play as they started it: convinced of the
correctness of their views. Priestley thus shows that learning isn't an automatic
process, some character won't ever change.
How does Gerald's view about social responsibility vary from the beginning of
the play vs end of play - ANSWER start- thinks business is more important
than social responsibility
end- refuses to learn about social responsibility.
How does Eric's view about social responsibility vary from the beginning of the
play vs end of play - ANSWER start- doesn't think about how his behavior
affects others, acts immaturely
end- aware of the consequences of his actions, more sympathetic towards the
working class
How does Sheila's view about social responsibility vary from the beginning of
the play vs end of play - ANSWER start- only thinks of her own feelings and
happiness.
end- feels responsible for Eva's death, knows they've all done wrong.
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