Overview And Key Scenes Flashcards
1
Q
Who wrote ‘An Inspector Calls’ and when?
A
Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945.
2
Q
Where is ‘An Inspector Calls’ set?
A
In an English manufacturing town called Brumley.
3
Q
What year is ‘An Inspector Calls’ set in?
A
The play is set in 1912.
4
Q
How many acts does ‘An Inspector Calls’ have?
A
It has 3 acts.
5
Q
What is the time structure of ‘An Inspector Calls’?
A
The play is in real time, with no change in time or location between acts.
6
Q
Who visits the Birling family in the play?
A
A mysterious inspector.
7
Q
What is the inspector investigating?
A
The death of a young woman by suicide.
8
Q
What does Priestley examine through the inspector’s revelations?
A
How each member of the Birling family is involved with and partially responsible for the woman’s death.
9
Q
Who is Arthur Birling?
A
The head of Birling and Company and the Birling family, representing the capitalist businessman.
10
Q
Who is Sybil Birling?
A
The wife of Arthur Birling, representing the upper-class, socially prominent wife.
11
Q
Who is Sheila Birling?
A
The Birlings’ daughter, representing the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the feminist movement.
12
Q
Who is Eric Birling?
A
The Birlings’ son, representing the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the consequences of toxic masculine culture.
13
Q
Who is Gerald Croft?
A
The son of Sir and Lady Croft, representing privilege and the dominance of the upper classes and patriarchy.
14
Q
Who is Inspector Goole?
A
A police inspector representing the ideals of socialism and social responsibility.
15
Q
Who is Eva Smith?
A
A lower-class, young girl mistreated by the Birlings, representing the neglected lower-classes.
16
Q
Who is Arthur Birling?
A
The head of Birling and Company and the Birling family, representing the Capitalist businessman.
17
Q
Who is Sybil Birling?
A
The wife of Arthur Birling, representing the upper-class, socially prominent wife.
18
Q
Who is Sheila Birling?
A
The Birlings’ daughter, representing the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the feminist movement.
19
Q
Who is Eric Birling?
A
The Birlings’ son, representing the impressionable, socially-aware younger generation and the consequences of toxic masculine culture.
20
Q
Who is Gerald Croft?
A
The son of Sir and Lady Croft, socially superior to the Birlings, representing privilege and the dominance of the upper classes and patriarchy.
21
Q
Who is Inspector Goole?
A
A police inspector representing the ideals of Socialism, social responsibility, and the ideal justice system.
22
Q
Who is Eva Smith?
A
A lower-class young girl mistreated by the Birlings, representing the neglected lower-classes.
23
Q
What event is taking place in Act 1?
A
The Birlings are having a dinner to celebrate Sheila’s engagement to Gerald.
24
Q
What significant event does Inspector Goole announce in Act 1?
A
Eva Smith has died at the Infirmary after drinking disinfectant.
25
Why did Arthur Birling fire Eva Smith?
He fired her after she led a strike at his factory asking for higher wages.
26
What happens to Eva Smith at Milward’s?
She is fired after Sheila complains about her, believing she was mocking her.
27
What name does Eva Smith change to?
She changes her name to Daisy Renton.
28
What does Gerald Croft confess?
He admits to having an affair with Daisy Renton.
29
What does Mrs Birling do at the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation?
She ensures that a young, pregnant woman is refused help.
30
Who is the father of the pregnant woman Mrs Birling refuses help?
The father is revealed to be Eric Birling.
31
What does Eric Birling admit to in Act 3?
He admits to drinking heavily and acting aggressively towards Eva to get her to sleep with him.
32
What warning does Inspector Goole give to the Birlings?
He warns that if people don't accept their responsibility for each other, 'fire and blood and anguish' will follow.
33
What do the Birlings discover about the Inspector at the end?
They realize he wasn't a real police inspector and that no girl died from drinking disinfectant that night.
34
What happens at the end of the play?
A phone call reveals that a girl has just died on the way to the Infirmary, and an inspector is on his way to question the Birlings.
35
Where does the play open?
In the dining room of a suburban house belonging to Arthur Birling.
36
What is being celebrated at the beginning of the play?
The engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft.
37
How is the lighting described in the opening scene?
It is described as 'pink and intimate'.
38
Who are the main characters present at the dining table?
Mr Birling, Sheila, Gerald, Mrs Sybil Birling, and Eric.
39
What does Mr Birling hope the marriage will achieve?
He hopes it will bring his and Gerald’s father’s companies together.
40
How does Mr Birling view the future of society?
He predicts a new age of prosperity and dismisses concerns about war and labor strikes.
41
What does Sheila say when she receives her engagement ring?
She says she now 'feels engaged'.
42
What does Mr Birling say about the Titanic?
He uses it as an example of mankind’s progress, calling it 'unsinkable'.
43
What is the significance of Mr Birling's views on community?
He rejects any talk of community, emphasizing individualism and capitalism.
44
What does Mr Birling think of the political views of Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells?
He dismisses them as 'cranks' and believes their ideas are not valid.
45
What does the stage direction about the lighting indicate when the Inspector arrives?
The lighting should be brighter and harder, indicating a shift to scrutiny.
46
How does the Inspector's appearance contrast with the Birlings?
He wears a plain darkish suit, contrasting with the Birlings' luxurious attire.
47
What does Mr Birling claim about his status?
He mentions being an alderman and a former Lord Mayor to intimidate the Inspector.
48
What is revealed about Eva Smith's death?
She died by suicide after swallowing disinfectant.
49
How does Mr Birling respond to the Inspector's questioning?
He refuses to accept any responsibility for Eva's death.
50
What does the Inspector mean by 'a chain of events'?
He suggests that the circumstances leading to Eva's death are interconnected.
51
What does the Inspector mean by 'chain of events'?
It refers to how everything is linked together, demonstrating that all actions have consequences in society.
52
What is the significance of the metaphor 'chain of events'?
It creates an image of connection and intimacy, but also connotes imprisonment, highlighting our duty to others in society.
53
What does the verb 'determined' imply about society's role?
It suggests that society acts as a source of fate, indicating that people have little control over how they are treated.
54
What does Mr. Birling say about accepting responsibility?
'Still, I can’t accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?'
55
What does the Inspector's parallel phrasing signify?
It imitates the 'chain of events' and emphasizes the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences.
56
How does Mr Birling respond to the Inspector's teachings?
Mr Birling is resistant to the Inspector’s teachings, admitting the Inspector’s proposition is likely but choosing not to change his ways.
57
What does the modal verb 'can’t' imply about Mr Birling?
It implies there’s something in his nature that stops him from taking responsibility, likely due to his privilege or entitlement.
58
What does the adjective 'awkward' indicate about Mr Birling's perspective?
It shows how he chooses not to care for others merely because it is an inconvenience for him, reflecting a selfish, self-absorbed perspective.
59
What does the Inspector's interruption of Birling represent?
It represents Socialism’s triumph over Capitalism, highlighting the Birlings’ outlook as a key point of contention in the play.
60
How does the dialogue between the Inspector and Mr Birling set the theme for the play?
It establishes a contrast between Mr Birling's selfishness and the Inspector's social consciousness, setting the tone for future inquiries.
61
What does Mr Birling claim about his actions?
He claims everything he did was fully justified and in keeping with how he chooses to run his business.
62
How does the Inspector challenge Mr Birling's outlook?
He asks 'Why?' and tells him his actions determined what happened next in a 'chain of events'.
63
What does the Inspector's dialogue reveal about the Birlings?
It exposes their cruel prejudices and privileges through the use of parallel structure.
64
How does Sheila react to the news of Eva Smith's death?
She shows interest and sympathy for Eva, growing agitated when she learns about the circumstances of Eva's firing.
65
What does Sheila confess about her actions towards Eva?
She confesses that she complained about Eva, getting her fired, and expresses regret for her actions.
66
What does the Inspector reveal about Eva's job changes?
He recaps how Mr Birling and Sheila were responsible for Eva losing two jobs and reveals that she changed her name to Daisy Renton.
67
How does Gerald react to the mention of Daisy Renton?
He is shocked but tries to hide it, initially denying knowing her before confirming an affair after Sheila accuses him.
68
What does Sheila's quote about Eva reveal?
Sheila expresses shock and empathy for Eva, indicating she hasn't put up a wall between herself and the lower classes.
69
What does Mr Birling's suggestion to the Inspector reveal?
It reveals his obsession with public image and his willingness to silence the Inspector to protect his reputation.
70
What does Inspector Goole imply about Capitalism?
He implies that Capitalism takes advantage of poverty and relies on it, making it a universal issue.
71
What does Sheila's statement about cheap labour signify?
It signifies her understanding of the exploitation of workers, contradicting her father's business methods.
72
What is the significance of the Inspector's challenge to the Birlings?
It highlights their arrogance and the consequences of their actions, emphasizing their responsibility for Eva's death.
73
What does Sheila's desire to stay during questioning indicate?
It indicates her wish to understand how the blame is shared, rather than bearing all the guilt herself.
74
How does Mrs Birling's entrance contrast with the previous scene?
Her self-confident tone contrasts with the tension of the previous scene, as she dismisses Sheila's insights.
75
What does Mr Birling's annoyance reveal about his character?
It reveals his impatience and desire to control the situation, particularly regarding the Inspector's questioning of Eric.
76
What does Gerald say about Miss Birling's questioning?
Gerald believes Miss Birling should be excused from questioning, claiming she has nothing more to tell and has had a long, tiring day.
## Footnote
This highlights his condescending attitude towards her emotional state.
77
How does Sheila interpret Gerald's comment on her being hysterical?
Sheila acknowledges that Gerald means she is getting hysterical, indicating her awareness of his dismissive attitude towards her emotions.
78
What does the term 'female hysteria' imply in the context of the play?
Female hysteria is used to belittle and silence women who challenge societal norms, portraying them as weak and emotional.
79
What does Inspector Goole mean by sharing guilt?
Inspector Goole suggests that sharing guilt can bring people together and promote social responsibility, rather than isolating individuals.
## Footnote
This reflects Priestley's Socialist ideology.
80
What is significant about Mrs. Birling's entrance?
Mrs. Birling enters confidently, expecting authority over the Inspector, which creates dramatic irony as the audience knows she will be challenged.
81
What does Sheila mean by 'silly pretences'?
Sheila criticizes her family's deliberate actions to ignore reality, indicating her desire to face the truth about their actions.
82
How does Sheila's metaphor of a 'wall' relate to class divide?
The 'wall' symbolizes the societal barriers that prevent social mobility and keep the lower classes from achieving success.
83
What does Gerald's denial about knowing Eva reveal?
Gerald's denial shows the arrogance of the upper classes and their belief that they can evade accountability.
84
What does Sheila's insistence on hearing the truth signify?
Sheila's refusal to leave the room demonstrates her rejection of traditional gender roles and her demand for honesty.
85
How does Gerald describe his attraction to Eva?
Gerald describes Eva as young and pretty, indicating his superficial attraction and objectification of her.
## Footnote
His focus on her appearance suggests a predatory view.
86
What does Gerald mean by saying his relationship with Eva was 'inevitable'?
Gerald implies that his attraction to Eva was natural and uncontrollable, reflecting a problematic view of male desire.
87
What does Inspector Goole's response about Eva's feelings reveal?
Inspector Goole highlights Eva's loneliness and dependency, suggesting the exploitative nature of her relationship with Gerald.
88
How does Gerald view his relationship with Eva?
Gerald sees Eva as just one girl among many and uses her in secret, isolating her from the rest of his life.
## Footnote
This illustrates the tragic difference in how they view their relationship.
89
What does Eva believe about her relationship with Gerald?
Eva views their relationship as the chance of a lifetime, a glimpse of happiness in her life of suffering.
## Footnote
She felt there’d never be anything as good again for her.
90
What does Gerald's statement about Eva not blaming him imply?
It implies there was a set life the poor were expected to lead, and that they were raised to expect disappointment.
## Footnote
Eva likely blamed herself instead of Gerald.
91
How does Mrs Birling react to Eva's appeal for help?
Mrs Birling claims she doesn’t recognize Eva and is prejudiced against her, using her influence to deny her help.
## Footnote
She believes Eva's morals weren't believable for a woman of her class.
92
What does the Inspector reveal about Mrs Birling's actions?
The Inspector reveals that Mrs Birling spoke to Eva two weeks ago and denied her help based on her prejudices.
## Footnote
Mrs Birling considers her actions as doing her duty.
93
How does Mrs Birling view Eva's claim to the Birling name?
Mrs Birling views Eva's use of the name as gross impertinence, suggesting it taints her family name.
## Footnote
She believes Eva disobeyed her societal role.
94
What does the Inspector say about the responsibilities of public men?
The Inspector argues that public men have responsibilities as well as privileges, contrasting with the Birlings' self-centered views.
## Footnote
This highlights the difference between Capitalism and Socialism.
95
What does Mrs Birling's statement about Eva's morals reveal?
It reveals her prejudices and the expectation that lower classes should behave in a certain way, showing her disdain for Eva's situation.
## Footnote
She believes Eva should have abandoned her morals.
96
What does the Inspector imply about the upper classes' neglect?
The Inspector implies that those with the capability to provide support have a responsibility to do so, criticizing the neglect of the poor.
## Footnote
He accuses the British government of serious neglect.
97
How does Eric describe his relationship with Eva?
Eric admits he was drunk when he first met Eva and later slept with her without love, blaming his actions on being unmarried.
## Footnote
He refers to other women in derogatory terms.
98
What does Eric confess about the money he gave Eva?
Eric confesses that the money he gave Eva was stolen from the Birlings' company, leading to outrage from Mr Birling.
## Footnote
This highlights the moral failings of the upper class.
99
What was Eric's relationship with Eva Smith?
Eric was involved with Eva Smith, who was pregnant with his child. He insisted on giving her money, which he later confessed was stolen from the Birlings’ company.
100
How did Mr. Birling react to Eric's actions?
Mr. Birling was outraged and argued with Eric about the situation.
101
What did the Inspector reveal about Eva's appeal?
The Inspector informed Eric that Eva had appealed to Mrs. Birling’s charity.
102
What was Eric's emotional state during the confrontation?
Eric was distraught and accused Mrs. Birling of killing Eva and his child.
103
What did the Inspector declare about their responsibility?
The Inspector declared that they all helped to kill Eva Smith and warned them to never forget what they did.
104
What does the Inspector mean by society being 'one body'?
The Inspector emphasized that society is interconnected, and if one individual suffers, we all suffer.
105
What is the significance of the phrase 'fire and blood and anguish'?
It serves as a warning that if people do not learn their responsibilities to one another, they will face dire consequences.
106
How did Eric describe his state during the incident with Eva?
Eric described himself as 'a bit squiffy' and in a state where he could easily turn nasty.
107
What does Eric's comment about Eva reveal?
He referred to Eva as 'pretty and a good sport', indicating he viewed her as a sexual object rather than a person.
108
How does Mr. Birling respond to Eric's theft?
Mr. Birling expresses concern about covering up the theft to avoid a public scandal, showing his priority is reputation over morality.
109
What does the Inspector say about the Birlings' attitude towards Eva?
He challenges their belief that Eva brought her fate upon herself, asserting that they all contributed to her death.
110
How does Sheila perceive her parents' behavior after the Inspector's visit?
She accuses them of being childish and not learning from the events that transpired.
111
What does Eric say about his feelings towards his parents?
Eric expresses that he is ashamed of both his parents, indicating a rift in their family dynamics.
112
What does Sheila mean by 'pretending nothing much has happened'?
Sheila criticizes her parents for their refusal to acknowledge the gravity of their actions and the impact on Eva.
113
What is the debate surrounding the Inspector's authority?
The family argues about whether the Inspector was a real officer, with the parents hoping it was a bluff to absolve them of guilt.
114
How do the younger generation view the consequences of their actions?
They believe that the moral implications of their actions are more significant than any legal repercussions.
115
What do parents seek to avoid?
Parents seek any way to let themselves off the hook.
116
What scares parents the most?
The possibility of being taken to court.
117
What is the impact of being taken to court?
It will have a permanent impact on their reputation.
118
How does Priestley view parents' attitudes?
Priestley suggests it is a selfish attitude, as they view themselves as the victims.
119
What does Priestley suggest society has lost sight of?
Society has lost sight of morality.
120
What influences people's recognition of wrongs?
The influence of legality and status.
121
When do people recognize wrongs?
People only recognize wrongs if they are punishable by law.
122
Why is Mr. Birling angry at Eric?
Mr. Birling is angry at Eric because theft is a real crime.
123
How does Mr. Birling react to Sheila's actions?
He isn’t bothered by what Sheila did, even though it was just as catastrophic for Eva.
124
Why is Mr. Birling not bothered by Sheila's actions?
Because it wasn’t illegal.
125
What does Mrs. Birling's remark about the children reveal?
It demonstrates the growing divide between generations and the 'us vs. them' mentality of the upper classes.
126
How do Mr. and Mrs. Birling view the world?
They see it through conflict: upper class vs. lower class, employer vs. employee, Capitalism vs. Socialism.
127
What is the number one rule for the upper classes according to Priestley?
Loyalty, particularly to family and reputation.
128
What does Mrs. Birling resent about her children?
She resents their siding with the Inspector instead of their parents, viewing it as disloyalty.
129
What does the structure of the second part of Act 3 indicate?
The play is about more than the investigation; it focuses on the family's reaction to their responsibility.
130
What happens immediately after the Inspector leaves?
The family is left 'staring, subdued and wondering', suggesting they might heed his warning.
131
What does Mr. Birling's first words after the Inspector leave reveal?
He blames others, showing he hasn't learned to accept responsibility.
132
What does Gerald confirm about Inspector Goole?
He confirms that Inspector Goole wasn't a member of the police force.
133
How do Sheila and Eric feel about their parents' reactions to Eva Smith's death?
They are bitter about their parents' willingness to forget their guilt.
134
What does Mr. Birling say about the Inspector's authenticity?
He claims to have had suspicions about the Inspector from the start.
135
What does Sheila accuse her family of?
Pretending nothing has happened regarding Eva Smith's death.
136
What does Eric say about the importance of money?
He states that 'the money's not the important thing', emphasizing the significance of their actions towards Eva.
137
What does Mr. Birling's view on public vs. private scandals reveal?
He believes actions are judged based on their publicity rather than their morality.
138
What does Gerald's statement about the dead girl imply?
It reveals the ignorance of the upper classes regarding responsibility and blame.
139
What does Mr. Birling's reaction to the Inspector's lies signify?
He feels liberated from guilt and dismisses the Inspector's words as 'moonshine'.
140
What does Sheila's statement about the outcome of actions suggest?
It suggests that the morality of actions should not depend on their outcomes.
141
How does Sheila view the way her family talks?
She finds it frightening and feels she can't listen to any more of it.
142
What social hierarchy is depicted in the text?
The poor suffer from the consequences of the upper classes’ mistakes, while the rich continue to live happily.
## Footnote
Sheila's remark “that’s lucky for us” implies the situation is still unlucky for others.
143
How does Sheila express her feelings towards her parents' views?
Sheila says, “It frightens me the way you talk, and I can’t listen to any more of it.”
## Footnote
This shows how the younger generation views their elders as a threat to their futures.
144
What connotation does the verb 'frightens' have in the text?
It connotes shock and horror, implying a serious threat.
## Footnote
The repetition of “frightens” portrays the Birlings as the real villains.
145
What does Mr. Birling think of the younger generation?
Mr. Birling believes his children are oversensitive, arrogant, and foolish, and he enjoys mocking them.
## Footnote
This demonstrates his lack of guilt and regret about the Inspector’s visit.
146
What irony is present in Mr. Birling's remarks about the younger generation?
There is situational irony because the younger generation turns out to be right about the consequences of their actions.
## Footnote
A girl has died, and the parents regret what they said.
147
What does Priestley suggest about the older generation's attitude?
The older generation will never accept advice or help from the younger generation, believing their children are foolish.
## Footnote
They want to educate their children, not the other way round.
148
What barriers to social progress does Priestley highlight?
Priestley implies that the arrogance and stubbornness of the older generations are dangerous barriers to social progress and equality.
## Footnote
They want to uphold tradition and maintain their power.
