An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley is a thought-provoking play... Show more
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31 Jan 2023
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An Inspector Calls PDF: Key Quotes, Context & More
bella
@isabella.ferrari
Plot Overview and Key Concepts in An Inspector Calls
This page provides a concise summary of the plot for each act of "An Inspector Calls" and introduces key concepts and contextual elements to consider while studying the play. The plot summary is divided into three acts, corresponding to the structure of the play.
Act 1 sets the scene in April 1912, introducing the Birling family and Gerald Croft celebrating Sheila's engagement. The arrival of Inspector Goole disrupts their celebration as he investigates the suicide of Eva Smith. Mr. Birling and Sheila are implicated in Eva's misfortunes.
Highlight: The play's setting in 1912 is significant, as it allows Priestley to use dramatic irony, with the audience aware of future events unknown to the characters.
Act 2 focuses on Gerald's confession of his affair with Eva and Mrs. Birling's involvement through her charity work. The act ends with Mrs. Birling unknowingly implicating her son Eric in Eva's pregnancy.
Act 3 reveals Eric as the father of Eva's unborn child and explores the family's reactions to the Inspector's revelations. The Inspector delivers a powerful final speech before leaving, after which the family begins to question the reality of what has transpired.
Quote: "The Inspector delivers his final speech. After he leaves, the family begin to suspect" - This line hints at the play's ambiguous ending and the questions it raises about responsibility and reality.
The page also lists key concepts and contextual elements to consider:
- Morality and Legality
- Wealth, Power and Influence
- Class Politics
- Blame and Responsibility
- Prejudice
These themes are central to the play's exploration of social justice and individual accountability in early 20th century British society.
Vocabulary: Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes, often negative, towards individuals or groups based on their social class, gender, or other characteristics.
The juxtaposition of the play's setting in 1912 and its writing in 1945 is highlighted, emphasizing how Priestley uses this time gap to comment on social progress and the need for collective responsibility in the aftermath of two world wars.
Characters and Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls
This page introduces the main characters of J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls" and outlines key dramatic devices used throughout the work. The characters are presented with their roles and defining characteristics, providing insight into their personalities and functions within the narrative.
Highlight: The Inspector, Goole, is described as "Priestley's mouthpiece; advocates social justice; serves as the Birlings' conscience," emphasizing his role as a moral arbiter in the play.
The Birling family members, including Mr. Arthur Birling, Mrs. Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, and Eric Birling, are introduced along with Gerald Croft and the unseen character Eva Smith. Each character is given a brief description that hints at their role in the story and their personal traits.
Example: Mr. Arthur Birling is characterized as a "Businessman; capitalist; against social equality: a self-made man ," setting up his opposition to the Inspector's ideals.
The page also lists several dramatic devices employed in the play:
- Dramatic irony
- Setting
- Tension
- Cliff-hanger
- Foreshadowing
- Theatrical Stagecraft
- Time-lapse
- The 4th Wall
Definition: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension and anticipation in the narrative.
These devices are crucial in understanding how Priestley crafts the play's structure and impact. The inclusion of stage directions is noted as an important element that reveals character emotions and sets the atmosphere.
Quote: The stage directions are described as "Instructions for the actors; often revealing - such as the lighting change when the Inspector arrives: 'Pink and intimate then brighter and harder'"
The page concludes with a section on Social, Historical and Literary Allusions, mentioning references to the Titanic, Russia, and socialist writers Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells. These allusions provide context for the play's setting and themes, connecting the fictional events to real-world history and social commentary.
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
An Inspector Calls PDF: Key Quotes, Context & More
bella
@isabella.ferrari
An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley is a thought-provoking play that explores themes of social responsibility, class inequality, and moral accountability. Set in 1912 but written in 1945, the play uses dramatic irony and foreshadowing to critique the societal... Show more
Plot Overview and Key Concepts in An Inspector Calls
This page provides a concise summary of the plot for each act of "An Inspector Calls" and introduces key concepts and contextual elements to consider while studying the play. The plot summary is divided into three acts, corresponding to the structure of the play.
Act 1 sets the scene in April 1912, introducing the Birling family and Gerald Croft celebrating Sheila's engagement. The arrival of Inspector Goole disrupts their celebration as he investigates the suicide of Eva Smith. Mr. Birling and Sheila are implicated in Eva's misfortunes.
Highlight: The play's setting in 1912 is significant, as it allows Priestley to use dramatic irony, with the audience aware of future events unknown to the characters.
Act 2 focuses on Gerald's confession of his affair with Eva and Mrs. Birling's involvement through her charity work. The act ends with Mrs. Birling unknowingly implicating her son Eric in Eva's pregnancy.
Act 3 reveals Eric as the father of Eva's unborn child and explores the family's reactions to the Inspector's revelations. The Inspector delivers a powerful final speech before leaving, after which the family begins to question the reality of what has transpired.
Quote: "The Inspector delivers his final speech. After he leaves, the family begin to suspect" - This line hints at the play's ambiguous ending and the questions it raises about responsibility and reality.
The page also lists key concepts and contextual elements to consider:
- Morality and Legality
- Wealth, Power and Influence
- Class Politics
- Blame and Responsibility
- Prejudice
These themes are central to the play's exploration of social justice and individual accountability in early 20th century British society.
Vocabulary: Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes, often negative, towards individuals or groups based on their social class, gender, or other characteristics.
The juxtaposition of the play's setting in 1912 and its writing in 1945 is highlighted, emphasizing how Priestley uses this time gap to comment on social progress and the need for collective responsibility in the aftermath of 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
Characters and Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls
This page introduces the main characters of J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls" and outlines key dramatic devices used throughout the work. The characters are presented with their roles and defining characteristics, providing insight into their personalities and functions within the narrative.
Highlight: The Inspector, Goole, is described as "Priestley's mouthpiece; advocates social justice; serves as the Birlings' conscience," emphasizing his role as a moral arbiter in the play.
The Birling family members, including Mr. Arthur Birling, Mrs. Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, and Eric Birling, are introduced along with Gerald Croft and the unseen character Eva Smith. Each character is given a brief description that hints at their role in the story and their personal traits.
Example: Mr. Arthur Birling is characterized as a "Businessman; capitalist; against social equality: a self-made man ," setting up his opposition to the Inspector's ideals.
The page also lists several dramatic devices employed in the play:
- Dramatic irony
- Setting
- Tension
- Cliff-hanger
- Foreshadowing
- Theatrical Stagecraft
- Time-lapse
- The 4th Wall
Definition: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating tension and anticipation in the narrative.
These devices are crucial in understanding how Priestley crafts the play's structure and impact. The inclusion of stage directions is noted as an important element that reveals character emotions and sets the atmosphere.
Quote: The stage directions are described as "Instructions for the actors; often revealing - such as the lighting change when the Inspector arrives: 'Pink and intimate then brighter and harder'"
The page concludes with a section on Social, Historical and Literary Allusions, mentioning references to the Titanic, Russia, and socialist writers Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells. These allusions provide context for the play's setting and themes, connecting the fictional events to real-world history and social commentary.
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