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An Inspector Calls Mind Map: Themes, Quotes & Gender Analysis

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31/05/2023

English Literature

Inspector Calls mindmap

An Inspector Calls Mind Map: Themes, Quotes & Gender Analysis

An Inspector Calls explores themes of social responsibility, class, age, and gender through the lens of a mysterious inspector's investigation into a young woman's death. The play contrasts older and younger generations' attitudes, highlighting the need for societal change and collective responsibility.

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31/05/2023

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English Literature

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30 Jun 2025

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An Inspector Calls Mind Map: Themes, Quotes & Gender Analysis

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SC

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An Inspector Calls explores themes of social responsibility, class, age, and gender through the lens of a mysterious inspector's investigation into a young woman's death. The play contrasts older and younger generations' attitudes, highlighting the need for societal change and... Show more

Age
The fixed views of
the older generation
are juxtaposed
with the dynamic,
accepting younger
generation. This is
done because it
is more a

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An Inspector Calls: Themes and Context

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" is a powerful exploration of social responsibility, class divisions, age dynamics, and gender roles set against the backdrop of early 20th century Britain. The play masterfully weaves these themes together to create a compelling critique of societal norms and values.

Age and Generational Divide

The play presents a stark contrast between the older and younger generations, highlighting their differing perspectives on social issues.

Highlight: The fixed views of the older generation are juxtaposed with the dynamic, accepting younger generation.

This generational divide serves multiple purposes:

  1. It makes the play more relatable to younger audiences.
  2. It uses dramatic irony to expose the flaws in the older generation's beliefs, particularly those of Mr. Birling.

Class and Social Hierarchy

Priestley uses the play to critique the rigid class structure of early 20th century Britain, particularly the treatment of the lower classes by the upper classes.

Example: Eva Smith and Edna, representing the lower classes, are poorly treated by the Birlings, who display prejudice and rudeness towards them without justification.

Quote: "Girls of that class"

This quote exemplifies the dismissive attitude of the upper classes towards those they consider beneath them.

Supernatural Elements

The play incorporates subtle supernatural elements, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

Vocabulary: Goole - The name of the Inspector can also be spelled "Ghoul," meaning ghost.

This wordplay hints at the Inspector's otherworldly nature and his role as a harbinger of truth and justice.

Historical Context

The play is set in 1912 but was written and first performed in 1945, allowing Priestley to comment on both pre-war and post-war British society.

Highlight: In 1912, life favored the rich and powerful, with reputation and money being paramount, while women's rights were limited.

Highlight: In 1945, the country was recovering from World War II and had elected a Labour government under Clement Attlee, signaling a desire for social change.

Social Responsibility

Central to the play's message is the concept of social responsibility and the interconnectedness of society.

Quote: "We are members of one body"

This quote, delivered by the Inspector, encapsulates Priestley's socialist ideals and the play's core message about collective responsibility and social cohesion.

Gender Roles and Women's Rights

The play also addresses the status of women in early 20th century society, highlighting the limitations and expectations placed upon them.

Highlight: In 1912, women were still viewed as property, raised to be good mothers and wives.

Example: Sheila's reliance on Gerald and the reference to both Sheila and Eva as "girls" illustrate the infantilization and subordination of women in society.

Through these interconnected themes, "An Inspector Calls" offers a powerful critique of social structures and individual responsibility, challenging audiences to reflect on their own roles in society and the impact of their actions on others.

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Paul T

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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

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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

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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