An Inspector Calls Gcse Revision ~upd~ May 2026
Context
Eric Birling: Plagued by guilt and an alcohol problem. Like Sheila, he eventually accepts his role in Eva’s death. an inspector calls gcse revision
Sheila Birling: Represents Socialism and the "younger generation" [22]. Context Eric Birling: Plagued by guilt and an
Focus on how characters represent certain ideas rather than just their personalities. What they represent Essential Quote The Inspector Social Conscience / Morality Responsibility : The play explores the idea that
Themes
- Responsibility: The play explores the idea that individuals have a responsibility to act with kindness, compassion, and fairness towards others
- Social Class: The play highlights the class divisions and social inequalities of the time, critiquing the wealthy and powerful for their treatment of the working class
- Morality: The play challenges the characters' (and the audience's) moral assumptions, encouraging a re-evaluation of values and principles
Key Themes — What to discuss in essays
- Social responsibility / collective responsibility: The Inspector’s message; Priestley advocates care for others and social reform.
- Class and inequality: Eva represents the working poor; the Birlings’ actions show upper-class exploitation.
- Generational divide: Younger characters (Sheila, Eric) show remorse; older characters cling to selfish values.
- Guilt and conscience: Each character’s denial vs acceptance of guilt; drama forces self-examination.
- Hypocrisy and appearance: Birlings’ public respectability vs private immorality.
- Time and structure: Play written 1945 about 1912 — dramatic irony (Birling’s wrong predictions about war), Priestley’s use of time to critique capitalism.
- Power and control: Who controls who (employers, men over women, class over poor).
- Gender: Women’s vulnerability, patriarchal control, Sheila’s awakening.
Essay Questions
- How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector to explore the theme of responsibility?
- Analyze the portrayal of social class in the play. How does Priestley critique the wealthy and powerful?
- Discuss the character development of Sheila Birling. How does she change throughout the play?