inspector calls

Question 1

who is Mr birling

Answer 1

he is an arrogant and egotistical person who only cares about his well being and status in society. him and his family represents the capalist views on society. his views and ideas do not change thought the play.

Question 2

who is Mrs birling

Answer 2

she is Mr Birlings wife who hold the same views as Mr birling however put him in place as he has been brought into a high status and wealthy family through marriage. she tries to build a wall a shut the inspector out however that fails. she stays the same thought the play and dose anything to keep her high status reputation.

Question 3

who is Sheila birling

Answer 3

Sheila is the daughter of Mr and Mrs birling. at the start of the play she in infantilised by her parents and stuck up, however thought the play her views change and she turns toward the socialist views(like the inspector). she cuts in on her parents and isn’t called a foolish child anymore.

Question 4

who is Gerald

Answer 4

Gerald is Sheila’s fiancé ( thought the play until the end). at the start of the play he is written to make the audience believe he is a charming and handsome man, however later on he is revelled to not be as honest as he appears. Priestley uses the character of Gerald to represent the individualism of the upper-class. He disillusions (disappoints) the audience, who hopes that by the end of the play he would change his capitalist and selfish attitudes, as he fails to do so.

Question 5

who is Eric

Answer 5

Eric is Mr and Mrs Birlings son. at the start of the play he is seen to be drinking and getting drunk. We don’t see him much thought the play until the omniscient inspector reviles that he used daisy Renton. priestly dose this to show the younger generation of socialism and how he takes responsibility and tries to help the situation.

Question 6

who is the inspector

Answer 6

the inspector is an almighty omniscient being who is the personification of socialism. priestly wants to show the inspector as demanding an in control even though he is of a lower status . this is done through many ways with the main one being him cutting into their sentence. the inspector as we come to find isn’t an inspector and could be a random person and manifestation of some type of ghost.

Question 7

“child”

Answer 7

infatalises his children. he treats them like children even though they are old enough now.

Question 8

“unsinkable…absolutely unsinkable”

Answer 8

dramatic irony (we know it sinks but they don’t).show birling to be foolish this metaphorically means it makes the proletariat can also metaphorically mean on how there family will sink after the inspector.

Question 9

“lower cost and higher prices”

Answer 9

as a business man he wants to profit as much as he can so he uses his workers and makes them do longer days for less pay . this again shoes his hubris and egotistical nature and is suppose to represent the capalist over socialism.

Question 10

“millions and millions of Eva smith and john smiths”

Answer 10

at the end of the extract we find out this might have not just been1 person however many people in the socialist community and it leaves us wondering.

Question 11

mommy->mother

Answer 11

shows the progression thought the play at the start of the play because Sheila was infantilised she called her mum “mummy” and was treated like a child however whilst the plays starts to play out she grows a sense of independence and calls her mum “mother” instead again showing socialist views.

Question 12

“sharp”
“cutting in”

Answer 12

these are from the inspector. priestly dose this to represent his socialist views and how the inspector has power and control even though he is lower status . this is done to show the power of socialism.

Question 13

“he knows”

Answer 13

the inspector is an all knowing god (omniscient) who knows everything about this family before he entered. all he wanted to do was let the (high status) birling family come to agreement on their sins.

Question 14

unsinkable… absolutely unsinkable

Answer 14

represents mr birling arigance and ingnorance he confidently asserts that the titanic , a symbol of wealth and technological advancments , is imperous to dasater . this statment highlights mr birlings materialistic vie worldview and his belife in the invincibility of his own class. this creates dramatic irony as the audiance knows the titanic sinks. the quote undescores the theme of hubris and cretiques the upper-class complecency and disgard for others “well-being”

Question 15

“Everything alright now shiela… what about his ring”

Answer 15

The quote “Everything all right now, Sheila? . What about his ring?” is spoken by Mrs. Birling in “An Inspector Calls.” Mrs. Birling asks Sheila if she is feeling better after confronting the truth about their involvement in Eva Smith’s death.
She then shifts the conversation to the practical matter of Sheila returning the engagement ring given to her by Gerald. This quote demonstrates Mrs. Birling’s attempt to redirect the focus away from the uncomfortable truth and back to superficial concerns.

Question 16

“Hoax” “bluff”

Answer 16

The words “hoax” and “bluff” are not directly mentioned in “An Inspector
Calls.” However, the concept of a
“hoax” or a “bluff” can be related to the play’s central theme of deception and the manipulation of truth.
Inspector Goole’s investigation into the death of Eva Smith can be seen as an attempt to uncover the truth and expose the characters’ lies and hidden secrets. The Inspector’s questioning and revelations challenge the characters’ facades and force them to confront their actions, revealing the “hoax” or
“bluff” of their supposedly respectable lives.

Question 17

“We’re respectable citizens, not criminals”

Answer 17

The quote “We’re respectable citizens, not criminals” is spoken by Mrs. Birling in “An Inspector Calls” during the interrogation by Inspector Goole. Mrs. Birling uses this statement to assert her and her family’s high social standing and reputation, denying any wrongdoing or involvement in the death of Eva Smith. It reflects her belief that their status exempts them from moral accountability and legal culpability.
The quote highlights the theme of social hypocrisy and the characters’ resistance to admitting their responsibility for their actions.

Question 18

“easily well-bred”

Answer 18

The phrase “easily well-bred” is not a direct quote from “An Inspector
Calls.” However, if you are referring to the character description of Sheila Birling in the stage directions, she is described as a “pretty girl of about twenty, very pleased with life and rather excited,” suggesting that she comes from a privileged and well-bred background. This description emphasizes Sheila’s social status and upbringing, which plays a role in her development and interactions with other characters throughout the play.

Question 19

“half shy, half assertive”

Answer 19

The phrase “half shy, half assertive” is used to describe Sheila Birling’s character in “An Inspector Calls.” It suggests that Sheila possesses a mix of qualities, exhibiting both shyness and assertiveness. This description highlights her complex nature and the internal conflicts she experiences throughout the play. Sheila’s character development demonstrates her growth from initially being timid and submissive to becoming more confident and vocal in demanding justice and accountability.

Question 20

We all helped to kill her”. “cutting in” and
“sharply”

Answer 20

The quote “We all helped to kill her” is spoken by Sheila Birling in “An Inspector Calls.” She realizes that each member of her family has contributed to the death of Eva
Smith in their own ways. This statement reflects her newfound sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions.
The phrases “cutting in” and
“sharply” are stage directions used to indicate the manner in which characters speak their lines, particularly during moments of tension or conflict in the play. These directions suggest that the characters are interrupting or speaking in a harsh and abrupt manner.
Overall, these quotes and stage directions highlight the themes of collective guilt, introspection, and the tense atmosphere within the play.

Question 21

state where a chap easily turns nasty”

Answer 21

Eric describes himself as in a “state where a chap easily turns nasty” which suggests that Eric did not do an ethical thing because he had the upper hand as if someone did something that did not please him, he would become violent which could become dangerous.

Question 22

“pretty” and “good sport”

Answer 22

The quotes “pretty” and “good sport” are used to describe Sheila Birling in
“An Inspector Calls.” In the opening stage directions, Sheila is described as a “pretty girl in her early 20s, very pleased with life and rather excited.”
This highlights her youthful appearance and positive outlook on life.
Later on, when Sheila is discussing her relationship with Gerald, her fiancé, she refers to herself as a
“good sport.” This suggests that she is open-minded and willing to go along with things, even if they may not be entirely to her liking. It shows her adaptability and her desire to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
Both of these quotes help to establish Sheila’s character at the beginning of the play, showcasing her youthful enthusiasm and her ability to adapt to different

Question 23

“suddenly guffaws”

Answer 23

The phrase “suddenly guffaws” is not a direct quote from “An Inspector
Calls.” However, it could describe a moment in the play where a character bursts into laughter.
Laughter can sometimes be used as a defense mechanism or a means to hide true emotions.

Question 24

Silly boy” and
“Hysterical young fool”

Answer 24

The quotes “Silly boy” and
“Hysterical young fool” are both spoken by Mrs. Birling in “An Inspector Calls.” She uses these derogatory terms to belittle and dismiss Eric, her son, during the course of the play. These quotes reflect Mrs. Birling’s condescending and unsympathetic attitude towards Eric’s behavior and emotions. They highlight the strained relationship between Mrs. Birling and her son, as well as her inability to empathize with his struggles.

Question 25

“Pretend”

Answer 25

The quote “Pretend” is spoken by Inspector Goole in “An Inspector
Calls.” He uses this word to challenge the characters to confront their actions and take responsibility for their role in Eva Smith’s demise. By urging them not to pretend or deny their involvement, the Inspector emphasizes the need for honesty and accountability. This quote symbolizes the Inspector’s mission to expose the truth and disrupt the facade of the characters’ lives.

Question 26

“We must not build a wall”

Answer 26

The quote “We must not build a wall” is spoken by Sheila in “An Inspector Calls.” Sheila is urging her family not to distance themselves from Eva
Smith and to acknowledge their responsibility for their actions. She emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and recognizing the equality of all individuals, suggesting that building walls between people only perpetuates social injustice. This quote reflects Sheila’s growing awareness of social responsibility and her rejection of division and inequality.

Question 27

These girls aren’t cheap labor, they’re people”

Answer 27

The quote “These girls aren’t cheap labor, they’re people” is spoken by Sheila in “An Inspector Calls.” Sheila demonstrates her growing awareness and empathy for the working class, acknowledging that they should be treated with dignity and respect. This quote highlights
Sheila’s understanding of social responsibility and her rejection of societal hierarchies that devalue the lives of others based on social class.
It signifies her development as a character throughout the play.

Question 28

Impressionable- inspector goole

Answer 28

In “An Inspector Calls,” Inspector Goole can be seen as impressionable in the sense that he is not easily influenced or swayed by the social status or power of the characters he interrogates. He remains steadfast in his pursuit of the truth and demonstrates a resilience to manipulation by the wealthy and influential characters. Inspector Goole’s impartiality and ability to see through facades make him a formidable figure who is not easily persuaded or influenced by external factors.

Question 29

“There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John
Smiths still left with us”

Answer 29

The quote “There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John
Smiths still left with us” is spoken by Inspector Goole in “An Inspector Calls”. In this quote, the Inspector implies that there are countless individuals like Eva Smith and John Smith who are marginalized, mistreated, and vulnerable in society.
He emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and social responsibility towards these individuals. The quote serves as a reminder of the pervasive social issues and inequalities that exist beyond the scope of the play’s events.

Question 30

“Thing”

Answer 30

Calls,” there is a moment when the character Sheila Birling refers to Eva Smith as a “thing.” She says, “And I think that’s what you all were talking about a little earlier, when you mentioned a ‘thing’ that happened to this girl.” This statement reflects the dehumanization of Eva Smith and highlights the callous indifference of the characters towards her. The use of the word
“thing” implies a lack of empathy and regard for her as a person, reducing her to a mere object.

Question 31

Animal

Answer 31

In “An Inspector Calls,” there is a reference to an animal in one of the character’s speeches. Inspector Goole compares the capitalist mindset and treatment of others to a chain of animals devouring each other. He says, “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other… If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.” This animalistic imagery serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of greed and the need for collective responsibility.

Question 32

“Silly war scares” and
“community and all that nonsense”

Answer 32

The phrases “Silly war scares” and
“community and all that nonsense” reflect Mr. Birling’s dismissive attitude towards social issues in “An
Inspector Calls.” He belittles concerns about war and dismisses the idea of a united community, demonstrating his self-centeredness and lack of empathy. Similarly, his comment about socialists being
“cranks” reveals his disdain for those who advocate for more equitable social structures. These quotes highlight the play’s critique of the upper class’s indifference towards social responsibility and their refusal to acknowledge the value of collective action and social change.

Question 33

“Business”

Answer 33

“An Inspector Calls,” business plays a significant role and serves as a central theme. The play critiques the capitalist mindset and the exploitation of workers for the sake of profit. It portrays Mr. Birling as a ruthless businessman who prioritizes his own financial interests over the well-being of his employees. The play also highlights the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of the business world, with characters like Mr. Birling attempting to bribe the Inspector to protect their reputation.
Business, in this context, symbolizes the callousness and disregard for human welfare that can result from unchecked capitalism.

Question 34

“Hard-headed”

Answer 34

The phrase “hard-headed” in “An
Inspector Calls” is used by Mr. Birling to describe himself. It suggests that he is practical, pragmatic, and focused on practical matters rather than being guided by emotions or idealism. Mr. Birling sees himself as a shrewd businessman who prioritizes financial success and personal gain.
However, this description also highlights his stubbornness, lack of empathy, and inability to see beyond his own self-interest. The term “hard-headed” thus contributes to the play’s critique of the character’s narrow-mindedness and his failure to consider the broader ethical implications of their actions.

Question 35

“A man has to look after himself and his own”

Answer 35

The quote “A man has to look after himself and his own” is spoken by Mr.
Birling in “An Inspector Calls.” It represents his individualistic and self-centered worldview. Mr. Birling believes that one’s primary
responsibility is to prioritize their own interests and those of their immediate family, rather than considering the welfare of the wider community. This quote reflects the play’s themes of selfishness and the failure to recognize the importance of collective responsibility and social unity. It serves as an example of the characters’ narrow-mindedness and their unwillingness to acknowledge the interconnectedness of society.

Question 36

“for lower costs and higher prices”

Answer 36

The quote “for lower costs and higher prices” in “An Inspector Calls” is mentioned by Mr. Birling as he discusses his business strategy and mindset. It reflects his capitalist-driven outlook, where he prioritizes maximizing profits by minimizing costs and increasing prices. This quote highlights his focus on financial gain and his disregard for the welfare and fair treatment of his workers. It underscores the theme of capitalism’s exploitative nature and the play’s criticism of prioritizing economic interests over the wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.