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English Literature

29 Nov 2025

195

65 pages

Complete Guide to 'An Inspector Calls' for GCSE English

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Alesia M @alesiam

Ever wondered why your English teacher bangs on about social responsibility? J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls' is basically... Show more

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

Getting Started with An Inspector Calls

You're about to dive into one of the most clever plays ever written for GCSE English. J.B. Priestley wrote this in 1945 but set it in 1912 - and there's a brilliant reason for this time trick.

The play explores social class and how the rich treated the poor back in 1912. Priestley wanted his 1945 audience (who'd just lived through World War II) to think about whether society had actually improved. Spoiler alert he didn't think it had improved enough!

💡 Quick Tip Remember the dates! 1912 (when it's set) vs 1945 (when it was written). This time gap is crucial for understanding Priestley's message.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

The World of Brumley

Welcome to Brumley - a fictional industrial town in the North Midlands where factory owners lived comfortably whilst their workers struggled. Think Victorian-style inequality that was still going strong in 1912.

The Birling family represents everything Priestley wanted to criticise about middle-class attitudes. Arthur owns a factory, Sybil cares obsessively about social status, and their children Sheila and Eric are just starting to question their privileged bubble.

Then there's Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton) - the working-class woman whose death drives the entire plot. We never see her on stage, but her story reveals how each family member has failed someone in need.

💡 Key Point Pay attention to how the characters' comfortable world gets completely turned upside down by one mysterious visitor.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

What Actually Happens

Act One kicks off with Sheila's engagement party to Gerald Croft - everything seems perfect until Inspector Goole arrives with news of Eva Smith's suicide. Arthur and Sheila both discover they've treated Eva badly in the past.

Act Two gets messier as Gerald confesses to having an affair with Eva (now calling herself Daisy), and Sybil admits to refusing her charity help when she was pregnant. The family's unity starts cracking.

Act Three delivers the knockout punch when Eric reveals he got Eva pregnant and stole money to support her. Just when you think it's over, the play hits you with its famous twist ending that'll leave your head spinning.

💡 Remember Each family member has contributed to Eva's downfall - this isn't about one villain, but a whole system that fails people.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

Arthur Birling - The Overconfident Businessman

Arthur Birling is basically that relative who thinks they know everything about politics and won't stop talking at family dinners. His engagement party speech is packed with predictions that the audience knows are completely wrong.

He confidently states the Titanic is "unsinkable" and that there won't be a war with Germany. This is dramatic irony at its finest - Priestley makes Birling look like a fool because we know what's coming next in history.

His motto "every man for himself" represents everything Priestley wants to challenge. Arthur believes in capitalism, individual responsibility, and keeping the workers in their place - attitudes that Priestley argues lead to disasters like wars.

💡 Essay Gold Arthur's wrong predictions make the audience question all his other beliefs, especially about social responsibility.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro
# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro
# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro
# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro
# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro
# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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Most popular content in English Literature

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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

 

English Literature

195

29 Nov 2025

65 pages

Complete Guide to 'An Inspector Calls' for GCSE English

user profile picture

Alesia M

@alesiam

Ever wondered why your English teacher bangs on about social responsibility? J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls' is basically the ultimate lesson in how our actions affect others - wrapped up in a brilliant mystery that'll keep you guessing until the... Show more

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

Getting Started with An Inspector Calls

You're about to dive into one of the most clever plays ever written for GCSE English. J.B. Priestley wrote this in 1945 but set it in 1912 - and there's a brilliant reason for this time trick.

The play explores social class and how the rich treated the poor back in 1912. Priestley wanted his 1945 audience (who'd just lived through World War II) to think about whether society had actually improved. Spoiler alert: he didn't think it had improved enough!

💡 Quick Tip: Remember the dates! 1912 (when it's set) vs 1945 (when it was written). This time gap is crucial for understanding Priestley's message.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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 World of Brumley

Welcome to Brumley - a fictional industrial town in the North Midlands where factory owners lived comfortably whilst their workers struggled. Think Victorian-style inequality that was still going strong in 1912.

The Birling family represents everything Priestley wanted to criticise about middle-class attitudes. Arthur owns a factory, Sybil cares obsessively about social status, and their children Sheila and Eric are just starting to question their privileged bubble.

Then there's Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton) - the working-class woman whose death drives the entire plot. We never see her on stage, but her story reveals how each family member has failed someone in need.

💡 Key Point: Pay attention to how the characters' comfortable world gets completely turned upside down by one mysterious visitor.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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What Actually Happens

Act One kicks off with Sheila's engagement party to Gerald Croft - everything seems perfect until Inspector Goole arrives with news of Eva Smith's suicide. Arthur and Sheila both discover they've treated Eva badly in the past.

Act Two gets messier as Gerald confesses to having an affair with Eva (now calling herself Daisy), and Sybil admits to refusing her charity help when she was pregnant. The family's unity starts cracking.

Act Three delivers the knockout punch when Eric reveals he got Eva pregnant and stole money to support her. Just when you think it's over, the play hits you with its famous twist ending that'll leave your head spinning.

💡 Remember: Each family member has contributed to Eva's downfall - this isn't about one villain, but a whole system that fails people.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

Arthur Birling - The Overconfident Businessman

Arthur Birling is basically that relative who thinks they know everything about politics and won't stop talking at family dinners. His engagement party speech is packed with predictions that the audience knows are completely wrong.

He confidently states the Titanic is "unsinkable" and that there won't be a war with Germany. This is dramatic irony at its finest - Priestley makes Birling look like a fool because we know what's coming next in history.

His motto "every man for himself" represents everything Priestley wants to challenge. Arthur believes in capitalism, individual responsibility, and keeping the workers in their place - attitudes that Priestley argues lead to disasters like wars.

💡 Essay Gold: Arthur's wrong predictions make the audience question all his other beliefs, especially about social responsibility.

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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

# CGP

GCSE English

# GCSE English
An Inspector Calls

# An Inspector
Calls

# The Text Guide --- OCR Start ---
Introduction
CONTENTS
Intro

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.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

3

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in English Literature

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

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