Subjects
Careers
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Lang.
History
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Responding to change (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
The control of gene expression (a2 only)
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
World war two & the holocaust
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
The cold war
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
Inter-war germany
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
2,435
•
6 Jul 2025
•
Sarah
@sarah_jaynee
An Inspector Calls explores themes of social responsibility, gender, class,... Show more
This page delves into the key themes of J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls", focusing on social responsibility, gender, class, and age. These themes are intricately woven throughout the narrative, revealing the characters' attitudes and the societal norms of the time.
The theme of social responsibility is central to the play, with a clear divide between the older and younger generations of the Birling family.
Highlight: The older generation maintain a capitalistic view, refusing to take responsibility for others, while the younger generation embrace a more socialistic perspective, accepting responsibility for their actions towards Eva Smith.
This contrast is exemplified through various quotes:
Quote: "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody... it would be very awkward," - Mr. Birling
Quote: "You're quite wrong to suppose I shall regret what I did." - Mrs. Birling
These statements from the older Birlings demonstrate their refusal to accept responsibility for their actions.
In contrast, the younger generation shows growth and a willingness to change:
Quote: "I'll never, never do it again to anybody." - Sheila
Quote: "The money's not the important thing. It's what happened to the girl and what we did to her that matters." - Eric
The play also explores gender roles and class distinctions prevalent in early 20th century British society.
Highlight: Mr. Birling's patronizing view of women is evident in his statement about clothing being a sign of self-respect for women, revealing stereotypical gender expectations.
Quote: "Something to make 'em look prettier - but - well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect." - Mr. Birling
Class prejudices are also apparent, particularly in Mrs. Birling's attitude towards working-class individuals:
Quote: "Simply absurd in a girl in her position." - Mrs. Birling
Quote: "As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!" - Mrs. Birling
These quotes highlight the upper-class characters' preconceptions about the working class, particularly working-class women.
The play emphasizes the generational divide between the older and younger characters, with the younger generation representing hope for social change.
Highlight: Eric and Sheila continue to feel responsible for their actions even after it's suggested that the Inspector might not have been real, while their parents attempt to revert to their previous state of denial.
Quote: "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all." - Eric
This quote underscores the younger generation's refusal to ignore the lessons learned from the Inspector's visit.
In conclusion, "An Inspector Calls" uses these interconnected themes to critique societal norms and advocate for social responsibility. The play suggests that the younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, offers hope for a more empathetic and socially conscious future.
Vocabulary: Juxtaposition - The act of placing two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them.
Example: The juxtaposition of the older Birlings' capitalistic views with the younger generation's more socialistic perspective highlights the generational divide and the potential for social change.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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
Sarah
@sarah_jaynee
An Inspector Calls explores themes of social responsibility, gender, class, and age through the Birling family's interactions with the mysterious Inspector Goole. The play contrasts the older generation's capitalistic views with the younger generation's more socialistic outlook, highlighting the need... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page delves into the key themes of J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls", focusing on social responsibility, gender, class, and age. These themes are intricately woven throughout the narrative, revealing the characters' attitudes and the societal norms of the time.
The theme of social responsibility is central to the play, with a clear divide between the older and younger generations of the Birling family.
Highlight: The older generation maintain a capitalistic view, refusing to take responsibility for others, while the younger generation embrace a more socialistic perspective, accepting responsibility for their actions towards Eva Smith.
This contrast is exemplified through various quotes:
Quote: "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody... it would be very awkward," - Mr. Birling
Quote: "You're quite wrong to suppose I shall regret what I did." - Mrs. Birling
These statements from the older Birlings demonstrate their refusal to accept responsibility for their actions.
In contrast, the younger generation shows growth and a willingness to change:
Quote: "I'll never, never do it again to anybody." - Sheila
Quote: "The money's not the important thing. It's what happened to the girl and what we did to her that matters." - Eric
The play also explores gender roles and class distinctions prevalent in early 20th century British society.
Highlight: Mr. Birling's patronizing view of women is evident in his statement about clothing being a sign of self-respect for women, revealing stereotypical gender expectations.
Quote: "Something to make 'em look prettier - but - well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect." - Mr. Birling
Class prejudices are also apparent, particularly in Mrs. Birling's attitude towards working-class individuals:
Quote: "Simply absurd in a girl in her position." - Mrs. Birling
Quote: "As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!" - Mrs. Birling
These quotes highlight the upper-class characters' preconceptions about the working class, particularly working-class women.
The play emphasizes the generational divide between the older and younger characters, with the younger generation representing hope for social change.
Highlight: Eric and Sheila continue to feel responsible for their actions even after it's suggested that the Inspector might not have been real, while their parents attempt to revert to their previous state of denial.
Quote: "You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all." - Eric
This quote underscores the younger generation's refusal to ignore the lessons learned from the Inspector's visit.
In conclusion, "An Inspector Calls" uses these interconnected themes to critique societal norms and advocate for social responsibility. The play suggests that the younger generation, represented by Sheila and Eric, offers hope for a more empathetic and socially conscious future.
Vocabulary: Juxtaposition - The act of placing two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them.
Example: The juxtaposition of the older Birlings' capitalistic views with the younger generation's more socialistic perspective highlights the generational divide and the potential for social change.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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
