Calls Gcse Revision: An Inspector

Priestley’s social message

For GCSE revision of An Inspector Calls , focusing on is key to securing high marks . The play was written in 1945 but set in 1912 to highlight the shift from Edwardian individualistic attitudes to post-war collective responsibility. 1. Core Themes

• Responsibility: The play explores the idea that we are all responsible for the welfare of others, and that our actions have consequences.
• Social Justice: Priestley highlights the social inequalities of the time, critiquing the class system and the treatment of working-class people.
• Guilt and Redemption: Each character is forced to confront their own guilt and seek redemption for their actions.
• Morality: The play explores the idea that morality is not just about individual actions, but also about the social and economic systems that govern our society.

• "But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people." (Develops empathy).
• "I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry." (Accepts responsibility).
• "I tell you – whoever that chap was, the fact remains that I did what I did." (Even after finding out Goole was a fake, she feels real guilt).

• Minutes 0-10: Re-read the Inspector’s final speech aloud. Underline every command ("We are responsible...").
• Minutes 10-20: Draw a "chain of events" for Eva’s death (Birling → Sheila → Gerald → Mrs. Birling → Eric).
• Minutes 20-30: Write down three quotations for: Responsibility, Class, and Gender.
• Minutes 30-40: Practice a single paragraph on the prompt: "How does Priestley present Mrs. Birling?"
• Minutes 40-50: Learn the phrase "dramatic irony" (the audience knows Birling is wrong about the Titanic/war) – you can use it in almost every essay.
• Minutes 50-60: Relax. You have done the work.

• Shows Sheila's growing awareness of her responsibility towards others
• Marks a turning point in her character development

5 key quotes

For each character, aim to learn at least that show their development or core beliefs. Key Traits Essential Quote(s) to Learn Mr. Birling Capitalist, arrogant, "hard-headed" "A man has to make his own way... look after himself." Sheila Perceptive, remorseful, maturing "But these girls aren't cheap labour – they're people." Eric "Half shy, half assertive," socially aware an inspector calls gcse revision