An Inspector Callsis all about class conflict and moral... Show more
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31 Dec 2025
•
Your Ultimate GCSE Resource for 'An Inspector Calls'
Sophia Khan
@sophiakhan_bejh
1 / 6
Setting the Scene and Early Character Reveals
Ever wondered how lighting can tell a story before anyone even speaks? Priestley opens with pink, intimate lighting that shifts to "brighter and harder" when Inspector Goole arrives. This isn't just fancy stage craft - it represents how the Birlings live in a comfortable, unrealistic bubble until the Inspector forces them to face harsh reality.
The class tensions emerge immediately through Mrs Birling's snobby behaviour. When she tells Arthur he "shouldn't be saying such things" about complimenting the chef, we see how obsessed she is with maintaining social boundaries. She's married him for money, not love, showing how marriage was often a business transaction for the upper classes.
Sheila starts as a spoiled child, calling her mum "Mummy" and getting excited about material things like her engagement ring. Her playful comment about Gerald abandoning her "last summer" hints at trust issues, but she's still too naive to take it seriously.
Key Insight: Notice how the older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) represent outdated, selfish values, whilst the younger characters (Sheila and Eric) show more potential for change and moral growth.
Mr Birling's Capitalist Views and Dramatic Irony
Mr Birling's confident predictions about the Titanic being "unsinkable" and "nobody wants war" are perfect examples of dramatic irony. Since audiences know both the Titanic sank and World War I happened, Priestley immediately makes Birling look foolish and unreliable. This clever technique discredits everything else he says.
His capitalist philosophy becomes crystal clear when he dismisses socialism as "cranks" talking "nonsense" and compares community spirit to being "like bees in a hive." Birling genuinely believes people should only "look after himself and his own" - a selfish worldview that Priestley wants us to reject.
The social climbing element shows through Birling's hints about getting a knighthood and his strategic marriage to aristocratic Mrs Birling. He's traded money for social status, whilst she's traded her title for financial security. Everything's a transaction to these people.
Key Insight: Eva Smith's name is symbolic - 'Smith' represents common working-class people, whilst 'Eva' echoes 'Eve', suggesting she represents all women. She's not just one person but a symbol of everyone the upper classes exploit.
The Inspector's Authority and Growing Tensions
Inspector Goole immediately disrupts the social hierarchy with his "massiveness" and "disconcerting habit" of staring people down. Despite being socially inferior, he commands respect through moral authority rather than wealth or status. His surname "Goole" sounds like "ghoul," hinting at his supernatural, almost otherworldly role.
The generational divide becomes obvious in their reactions to Eva's suicide. Whilst Mr Birling dismissively calls it a "horrid business" and focuses on keeping "labour costs down," Eric and Sheila show genuine horror and empathy. Eric's involuntary "My God!" and Sheila's "Oh - how horrible!" reveal their basic humanity.
Eric emerges as surprisingly socialist, arguing "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices." This logical comparison exposes his father's hypocrisy and shows how the younger generation can think more fairly about social justice.
Key Insight: When Sheila asks if Eva was "pretty" and "quite young," she's starting to identify with her. This connection across class boundaries terrifies the older generation but shows hope for social change.
Sheila's Transformation and Mrs Birling's Snobbery
Sheila undergoes the most dramatic character development, evolving from a spoiled child to someone with real moral insight. When she realises the Inspector "knows" about Gerald's affair with "Daisy Renton," she shows she's becoming perceptive and can see through people's lies.
Mrs Birling's aristocratic snobbery reaches peak cruelty when she refers to working-class girls as "girls of that class" and uses euphemisms like "women of the town" for prostitutes. She constantly name-drops her husband's position as Lord Mayor and magistrate, trying to intimidate the Inspector with social connections.
The symbolic moment when Sheila hands back her engagement ring shows complete transformation. At the play's start, she was materialistic and excited about jewellery. Now she's willing to give up her engagement because she's learned what really matters in life.
Key Insight: Mrs Birling's name "Sybil" ironically means "prophetess," but she shows no foresight when condemning the father of Eva's child - not knowing she's actually condemning her own son Eric.
Family Relationships Fracture
Sheila's maturity becomes complete when she tells Gerald "I rather respect you more than I've ever done before" and recognises that "You and I aren't the same people who sat down to dinner here." She's developed the emotional intelligence to forgive Gerald's affair whilst still holding him accountable.
The family splits into two camps - the older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) who refuse to accept responsibility, and the younger generation (Sheila and Eric) who feel genuine guilt and want to change. The Inspector predicts this when he says there'll be "plenty of time...to adjust your family relationships."
Mrs Birling's priorities are completely warped when she's more shocked that "Eric! You stole money?" than about Eva's death or her son's drinking problem. Meanwhile, Mr Birling still thinks money solves everything, offering "thousands - yes, thousands" as if cash can compensate for a human life.
Key Insight: The generational divide isn't just about age - it's about the capacity for moral growth. The younger characters can learn and change, whilst the older ones remain stuck in their selfish ways.
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Your Ultimate GCSE Resource for 'An Inspector Calls'
Sophia Khan
@sophiakhan_bejh
An Inspector Callsis all about class conflict and moral responsibility in early 1900s Britain. J.B. Priestley uses the mysterious Inspector Goole to expose how the wealthy Birling family's actions contribute to a working-class girl's suicide, creating a powerful message... Show more
Setting the Scene and Early Character Reveals
Ever wondered how lighting can tell a story before anyone even speaks? Priestley opens with pink, intimate lighting that shifts to "brighter and harder" when Inspector Goole arrives. This isn't just fancy stage craft - it represents how the Birlings live in a comfortable, unrealistic bubble until the Inspector forces them to face harsh reality.
The class tensions emerge immediately through Mrs Birling's snobby behaviour. When she tells Arthur he "shouldn't be saying such things" about complimenting the chef, we see how obsessed she is with maintaining social boundaries. She's married him for money, not love, showing how marriage was often a business transaction for the upper classes.
Sheila starts as a spoiled child, calling her mum "Mummy" and getting excited about material things like her engagement ring. Her playful comment about Gerald abandoning her "last summer" hints at trust issues, but she's still too naive to take it seriously.
Key Insight: Notice how the older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) represent outdated, selfish values, whilst the younger characters (Sheila and Eric) show more potential for change and moral growth.
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Mr Birling's Capitalist Views and Dramatic Irony
Mr Birling's confident predictions about the Titanic being "unsinkable" and "nobody wants war" are perfect examples of dramatic irony. Since audiences know both the Titanic sank and World War I happened, Priestley immediately makes Birling look foolish and unreliable. This clever technique discredits everything else he says.
His capitalist philosophy becomes crystal clear when he dismisses socialism as "cranks" talking "nonsense" and compares community spirit to being "like bees in a hive." Birling genuinely believes people should only "look after himself and his own" - a selfish worldview that Priestley wants us to reject.
The social climbing element shows through Birling's hints about getting a knighthood and his strategic marriage to aristocratic Mrs Birling. He's traded money for social status, whilst she's traded her title for financial security. Everything's a transaction to these people.
Key Insight: Eva Smith's name is symbolic - 'Smith' represents common working-class people, whilst 'Eva' echoes 'Eve', suggesting she represents all women. She's not just one person but a symbol of everyone the upper classes exploit.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Inspector's Authority and Growing Tensions
Inspector Goole immediately disrupts the social hierarchy with his "massiveness" and "disconcerting habit" of staring people down. Despite being socially inferior, he commands respect through moral authority rather than wealth or status. His surname "Goole" sounds like "ghoul," hinting at his supernatural, almost otherworldly role.
The generational divide becomes obvious in their reactions to Eva's suicide. Whilst Mr Birling dismissively calls it a "horrid business" and focuses on keeping "labour costs down," Eric and Sheila show genuine horror and empathy. Eric's involuntary "My God!" and Sheila's "Oh - how horrible!" reveal their basic humanity.
Eric emerges as surprisingly socialist, arguing "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices." This logical comparison exposes his father's hypocrisy and shows how the younger generation can think more fairly about social justice.
Key Insight: When Sheila asks if Eva was "pretty" and "quite young," she's starting to identify with her. This connection across class boundaries terrifies the older generation but shows hope for social change.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sheila's Transformation and Mrs Birling's Snobbery
Sheila undergoes the most dramatic character development, evolving from a spoiled child to someone with real moral insight. When she realises the Inspector "knows" about Gerald's affair with "Daisy Renton," she shows she's becoming perceptive and can see through people's lies.
Mrs Birling's aristocratic snobbery reaches peak cruelty when she refers to working-class girls as "girls of that class" and uses euphemisms like "women of the town" for prostitutes. She constantly name-drops her husband's position as Lord Mayor and magistrate, trying to intimidate the Inspector with social connections.
The symbolic moment when Sheila hands back her engagement ring shows complete transformation. At the play's start, she was materialistic and excited about jewellery. Now she's willing to give up her engagement because she's learned what really matters in life.
Key Insight: Mrs Birling's name "Sybil" ironically means "prophetess," but she shows no foresight when condemning the father of Eva's child - not knowing she's actually condemning her own son Eric.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Family Relationships Fracture
Sheila's maturity becomes complete when she tells Gerald "I rather respect you more than I've ever done before" and recognises that "You and I aren't the same people who sat down to dinner here." She's developed the emotional intelligence to forgive Gerald's affair whilst still holding him accountable.
The family splits into two camps - the older generation (Mr and Mrs Birling) who refuse to accept responsibility, and the younger generation (Sheila and Eric) who feel genuine guilt and want to change. The Inspector predicts this when he says there'll be "plenty of time...to adjust your family relationships."
Mrs Birling's priorities are completely warped when she's more shocked that "Eric! You stole money?" than about Eva's death or her son's drinking problem. Meanwhile, Mr Birling still thinks money solves everything, offering "thousands - yes, thousands" as if cash can compensate for a human life.
Key Insight: The generational divide isn't just about age - it's about the capacity for moral growth. The younger characters can learn and change, whilst the older ones remain stuck in their selfish ways.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user