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2 Jan 2026
•
Comprehensive Grade 9 Revision Notes for 'An Inspector Calls'
M
maestro247
@maestro247
1 / 10
Arthur Birling: The Face of Capitalism
Arthur Birling isn't just a grumpy businessman - he's Priestley's symbol of everything wrong with capitalism. His name cleverly references King Arthur, showing his power in society, but it's pure irony since the legendary king was actually noble and good.
When Arthur describes sacking Eva Smith as a "pitiful affair," he reveals his complete lack of empathy. The word "pitiful" originally meant "full of pity," but here it shows contempt - classic Priestley irony that'll impress your examiner.
His boast about being a "hard headed, practical man of business" directly references political language from the 1920s-30s, when politicians criticised businessmen for profiting from war. This connects to Labour's 1945 victory, making the play deeply political.
Quick Tip: Notice how Arthur treats his daughter Sheila as a business asset, calling her marriage to Gerald an "alliance" between companies - women as commodities under capitalism!
Arthur's Dramatic Irony and Sybil's Blindness
Arthur's famous claim that the Titanic is "absolutely unsinkable" makes him look ridiculous to audiences who know it sank. This dramatic irony suggests the upper classes will also "sink" after WWII through social change and Labour's election victory.
Sybil Birling represents class prejudice and the failure of charity-based welfare. Her name ironically references Greek Sibyls (prophets), yet she's blind to everything - Eric's drinking, Gerald's affair, and her own grandson's existence.
Sybil's refusal to help Eva Smith demonstrates why Priestley believed private charity couldn't replace proper welfare systems. She's suspicious of Eva's lies, which seems reasonable, but this shows charity's fundamental flaw - making moral judgements about who "deserves" help.
Key Insight: Sybil isn't necessarily more evil than the others, but she represents society's last safety net failing the vulnerable - exactly what the 1945 welfare state aimed to fix.
Eric Birling: Capitalism as Theft
Don't be fooled by Eric's apparent redemption - he never truly accepts responsibility for his actions. He distances himself from rape by claiming no memory and referring to "a chap" rather than "I" - avoiding personal accountability entirely.
Eric's theft of £50 represents over 40 weeks of Eva's wages, yet he was only with her for 16 weeks. He clearly kept most for himself, making him a symbol of how capitalism itself is theft from working people.
His drunkenness throughout the play isn't just character development - it represents how the upper classes failed to learn from WWI, leading to WWII. Eric symbolises the "lost generation" of young men who might have embraced social responsibility but died in the trenches.
Alternative Reading: If Eric represents youth who could have changed society but were killed in WWI, then the older generation clung to power too long because their natural replacements were dead.
Sheila Birling: Powerless Despite Understanding
Sheila learns the Inspector's lesson but can't act on it - she's trapped by 1912's patriarchal society. Women couldn't vote, couldn't be independent, and marriage was their only escape route from parental control.
Her decision to keep Gerald's engagement ring ("not yet" rather than "no") shows she'll probably marry him anyway. Financially and socially, she has no better options, even knowing he'll likely be unfaithful like most upper-class men.
This creates the play's real tragedy - Sheila understands social responsibility but lacks political power to implement change. Without voting rights or business control, her moral awakening becomes meaningless in practical terms.
Feminist Message: Sheila becomes Priestley's mouthpiece, suggesting that "men" (not humanity generally) are the danger to society, having led the country into two world wars.
Gerald Croft: The True Face of Evil
The Inspector treats Gerald relatively gently, probably because Priestley himself had affairs and didn't judge sexual infidelity harshly. Gerald even receives praise for showing Eva "some affection" and making her temporarily happy.
But look deeper at Gerald's sophisticated deceptions and manipulation. He gets Eva drunk before seducing her, pretends not to recognise her despite matching details, and conveniently ends their affair when his friend returns from Canada.
Gerald represents post-WWI capitalism - old enough to avoid military service, he'd have run the family business during wartime. He's the type of capitalist who exploited Britain between the wars, making him Priestley's primary target for rejection.
Spot the Sophistry: Gerald's arguments sound reasonable but hide selfish motives - classic upper-class manipulation that Priestley wants audiences to see through.
Inspector Goole: Priestley's Socialist Mouthpiece
The Inspector delivers Priestley's core message: we're all responsible for the "millions and millions" of Eva Smiths suffering under capitalism. His famous "we are members of one body" directly echoes Christian communion language.
This biblical reference was genius - 80% of 1945 audiences attended church regularly, so linking socialism to Christianity made Priestley's politics seem morally inevitable rather than just political preference.
The Inspector's final warning about "fire and blood and anguish" predicts both world wars, directly connecting capitalism to military conflict. Priestley argues that economic competition between nations inevitably leads to war.
Anti-War Message: By addressing "men" specifically (not "mankind"), the Inspector suggests war is a male obsession that women voters should reject by choosing socialism over Churchill's Conservatives.
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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
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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
Comprehensive Grade 9 Revision Notes for 'An Inspector Calls'
M
maestro247
@maestro247
Ever wondered why your English teacher bangs on about social responsibility in An Inspector Calls? This breakdown reveals how Priestley crafted each character to deliver his anti-capitalist message and why it still matters today.
Arthur Birling: The Face of Capitalism
Arthur Birling isn't just a grumpy businessman - he's Priestley's symbol of everything wrong with capitalism. His name cleverly references King Arthur, showing his power in society, but it's pure irony since the legendary king was actually noble and good.
When Arthur describes sacking Eva Smith as a "pitiful affair," he reveals his complete lack of empathy. The word "pitiful" originally meant "full of pity," but here it shows contempt - classic Priestley irony that'll impress your examiner.
His boast about being a "hard headed, practical man of business" directly references political language from the 1920s-30s, when politicians criticised businessmen for profiting from war. This connects to Labour's 1945 victory, making the play deeply political.
Quick Tip: Notice how Arthur treats his daughter Sheila as a business asset, calling her marriage to Gerald an "alliance" between companies - women as commodities under capitalism!
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Arthur's Dramatic Irony and Sybil's Blindness
Arthur's famous claim that the Titanic is "absolutely unsinkable" makes him look ridiculous to audiences who know it sank. This dramatic irony suggests the upper classes will also "sink" after WWII through social change and Labour's election victory.
Sybil Birling represents class prejudice and the failure of charity-based welfare. Her name ironically references Greek Sibyls (prophets), yet she's blind to everything - Eric's drinking, Gerald's affair, and her own grandson's existence.
Sybil's refusal to help Eva Smith demonstrates why Priestley believed private charity couldn't replace proper welfare systems. She's suspicious of Eva's lies, which seems reasonable, but this shows charity's fundamental flaw - making moral judgements about who "deserves" help.
Key Insight: Sybil isn't necessarily more evil than the others, but she represents society's last safety net failing the vulnerable - exactly what the 1945 welfare state aimed to fix.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Eric Birling: Capitalism as Theft
Don't be fooled by Eric's apparent redemption - he never truly accepts responsibility for his actions. He distances himself from rape by claiming no memory and referring to "a chap" rather than "I" - avoiding personal accountability entirely.
Eric's theft of £50 represents over 40 weeks of Eva's wages, yet he was only with her for 16 weeks. He clearly kept most for himself, making him a symbol of how capitalism itself is theft from working people.
His drunkenness throughout the play isn't just character development - it represents how the upper classes failed to learn from WWI, leading to WWII. Eric symbolises the "lost generation" of young men who might have embraced social responsibility but died in the trenches.
Alternative Reading: If Eric represents youth who could have changed society but were killed in WWI, then the older generation clung to power too long because their natural replacements were dead.
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Sheila Birling: Powerless Despite Understanding
Sheila learns the Inspector's lesson but can't act on it - she's trapped by 1912's patriarchal society. Women couldn't vote, couldn't be independent, and marriage was their only escape route from parental control.
Her decision to keep Gerald's engagement ring ("not yet" rather than "no") shows she'll probably marry him anyway. Financially and socially, she has no better options, even knowing he'll likely be unfaithful like most upper-class men.
This creates the play's real tragedy - Sheila understands social responsibility but lacks political power to implement change. Without voting rights or business control, her moral awakening becomes meaningless in practical terms.
Feminist Message: Sheila becomes Priestley's mouthpiece, suggesting that "men" (not humanity generally) are the danger to society, having led the country into two world wars.
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
Gerald Croft: The True Face of Evil
The Inspector treats Gerald relatively gently, probably because Priestley himself had affairs and didn't judge sexual infidelity harshly. Gerald even receives praise for showing Eva "some affection" and making her temporarily happy.
But look deeper at Gerald's sophisticated deceptions and manipulation. He gets Eva drunk before seducing her, pretends not to recognise her despite matching details, and conveniently ends their affair when his friend returns from Canada.
Gerald represents post-WWI capitalism - old enough to avoid military service, he'd have run the family business during wartime. He's the type of capitalist who exploited Britain between the wars, making him Priestley's primary target for rejection.
Spot the Sophistry: Gerald's arguments sound reasonable but hide selfish motives - classic upper-class manipulation that Priestley wants audiences to see through.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Inspector Goole: Priestley's Socialist Mouthpiece
The Inspector delivers Priestley's core message: we're all responsible for the "millions and millions" of Eva Smiths suffering under capitalism. His famous "we are members of one body" directly echoes Christian communion language.
This biblical reference was genius - 80% of 1945 audiences attended church regularly, so linking socialism to Christianity made Priestley's politics seem morally inevitable rather than just political preference.
The Inspector's final warning about "fire and blood and anguish" predicts both world wars, directly connecting capitalism to military conflict. Priestley argues that economic competition between nations inevitably leads to war.
Anti-War Message: By addressing "men" specifically (not "mankind"), the Inspector suggests war is a male obsession that women voters should reject by choosing socialism over Churchill's Conservatives.
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
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
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
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.
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Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
Most popular content in English Literature
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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