EXAMPLE EXAM QUESTIONS & PLANS
How is the character of Mr Birling presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How does Mr Birling represent society’s greed in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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To what extent does Mr Birling accept responsibility?
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How is Mr Birling shown as a dislikeable character?
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How is Mr Birling shown as an ignorant character?
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How does Priestley use Mr Birling to present his ideas about an employer's responsibility?
Strong thesis
Priestley portrays Mr Birling as selfish, ignorant and obsessed with his social status
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Birling's speech to his family in Act 1 and Priestley's use of dramatic irony
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Discuss Birling's treatment of Eva Smith in his factory and how he explains it to Goole and his family
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Discuss Birling's reaction when he thinks his reputation is ruined in Act 3
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Discuss Birling's reaction when he discovers Inspector Goole is not really from the police
Perceptive thesis
On the surface Mr Birling is ignorant and selfish, but we can also view him as a man shaped by the society he lives in and acting out of necessity
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Birling's political views in Act 1 as one which a capitalist system teaches
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Discuss how Birling's treatment of Eva was cruel but normalised in a system which could ruin his business and punish Birling for kindness
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Explore how on the surface Birling seems to see Sheila's marriage as a business opportunity, yet he also understands that in the society they live in, it would be the best opportunity for her
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Explore how Birling's relationship with Eric seems cruel and unkind, yet could also be seen as a realistic portrayal of Birling trying to prepare him for a cruel and unkind society
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Discuss how Birling's reaction in Act 3 shows he has learned little due to the effects of living within the confines of a competitive and cruel society for so long
Useful quotes to explore
How is the character of Mrs Birling presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How is Mrs Birling shown as a dislikeable character?
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How far is Mrs Birling shown as a selfish character?
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How does Mrs Birling represent a generation that will never change?
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How is Mrs Birling shown as an ignorant character?
Strong thesis
The ignorant and cruel Mrs Birling is shown as someone more interested in the reputation of her family name than the lives of others in society
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Mrs Birling's attitude towards Inspector Goole
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Discuss Mrs Birling's explanation for her treatment of Eva Smith
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Discuss Mrs Birling's ignorance and falling into the trap Goole sets her to blame Eric
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Discuss Mrs Birling's reaction after they realise Goole is not from the police
Perceptive thesis
On the surface Mrs Birling is show as cruel and ignorant, but we can also see her as a woman is left powerless by a patriarchy and shamed by society for marrying below her social class
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Mrs Birling's attitude towards the investigation and explore how it could stem from her upbringing that family reputation is everything for her social class
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Explore how her ignorance, in particular of Eric's behaviour, demonstrates how she and women were shut out of society by men
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Explore how her desire for Sheila to marry Gerald even after his relationship with Eva, shows how far the patriarchy and desire to climb social classes was accepted by women too
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Explore how her work with the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation was nothing more that an attempt to raise her profile and family name. It had little to do with helping women
Useful quotes to explore
How is the character of Sheila presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How does Sheila change throughout ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How is Sheila’s relationship with other characters presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How does Sheila demonstrate the views of her generation?
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How important is the character of Sheila in demonstrating Priestley’s ideas?
Strong thesis
Sheila transforms from a naïve character who develops to accept responsibility for her actions and stand up to her parents
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Sheila's stage directions and how she is portrayed during the engagement dinner
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Discuss Sheila confronting her father in Act 1 and showing support for his workers
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Discuss Sheila's actions towards Eva Smith and her regret
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Discuss Sheila's intelligence and perception: understanding Gerald was involved before he admits it; first to realise the inspector seems to know everything; attempts to stop her mother falling into his traps; understanding of the inspector's message
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Discuss Sheila's acceptance of responsibility at the end and disgust at her parents
Perceptive thesis
On the surface we see Sheila as a character who changes for the better, however we also see a society where real change for Sheila seems impossible
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Sheila's behaviour at the engagement dinner shows how she is indoctrinated into a patriarchal and class based society
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Explore how her behaviour at Milwards towards Eva is terrible but her guilt shows she cares. Society begins to shape people into being cruel and uncaring and Sheila was undergoing that transition before the arrival of Goole
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Discuss Sheila's intelligence and perception (see strong thesis) and how this demonstrates that the views of younger generations should be seen as valid as older generations
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Explore how in Act 3, Sheila's desperation and anger suggests she is a fighting against a system she knows she cannot beat. She does not fully refuse Gerald's offer to return the ring.
Useful quotes to explore
How is the character of Eric presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How is Eric shown as a naive character?
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To what extent is Eric shown as a character who changes?
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How far does Eric represent a character who learns from his mistakes?
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How far is Eric shown as a moral character?
How important is the character of Eric in demonstrating Priestley’s ideas?
Strong thesis
Eric is portrayed as a young man whose actions may be unforgivable for the audience yet is someone who accepts responsibility for them
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Eric's portrayal in the stage directions and Act 1 as naive and immature
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Discuss Eric's difficult relationship with his father
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Discuss Eric's relationship with Eva including where he forces his way into her room
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Discuss Eric's acceptance of responsibility for his actions including when Goole leaves
Perceptive thesis
On the surface Eric is an immature and dislikeable character, but we can also see him as someone being moulded by a toxic, patriarchal society
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Eric's relationship with his father is toxic and representative of a capitalist and patriarchal society
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Explore the balance Eric holds throughout the play as someone still learning but capable of doing deeply unpleasant things
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Discuss the role models that Eric may have in his life such as his father, Gerald, and men like Alderman Meggarty
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Explore the complicated nature of his relationship with Eva and although is actions are unforgivable, how it shows he is being indoctrinated into a patriarchal society where women and the working class are seen as inferior
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Discuss how Eric's angry behaviour suggests that he disagrees with much in society but feels he is incapable of changing it: leaving the house; excessive drinking; stealing rather than telling his father about his relationship
Useful quotes to explore
How is the character of Gerald presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How does Gerald represent upper-class men of the period
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How does Priestley portray Gerald’s treatment of women?
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How far does Gerald represent the younger generation?
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How does Priestley use Gerald Croft’s status to show his ideas about society?
Strong thesis
Gerald is portrayed as someone born with privilege who uses it to exploit others
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Gerald's introduction to the audience in Act 1 and his similarities to Birling
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Discuss Gerald's relationship with Eva and how he portrays it himself
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Discuss Gerald's relationship with Sheila and how important it is for Mr and Mrs Birling due to his class
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Discuss how he reacts at the end of the play and sides with the older generation not his own
Perceptive thesis
On the surface Gerald is shown as privileged and selfish, however we could also see him as a young man indoctrinated into a cruel, competitive society
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Gerald's relationship with Sheila and the comparison between the reaction of his own parents (disappointed) to Sheila's parents (delighted); he has failed to meet his parents (upper class) expectations
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Discuss how his behaviour toward Eva is normalised by society. Mr and Mrs Birling seem disinterested, Alderman Meggarty behaves in a similar way, and it is alluded that Birling was also similar
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Explore how he seems to have many similarities to Eric in the way society has placed pressures on him and he has disappointed his parents
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Explore his reaction at the end of the play and why he sides with the older generation. Is this because of his experiences, class or simply out of self interest?
Useful quotes to explore
How is the character of Inspector Goole presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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To what extent is Inspector Goole Priestley’s mouthpiece?
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How is Inspector Goole used to argue for the benefits of socialism?
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How is Inspector Goole portrayed as a powerful character?
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How important is the character of Inspector Goole in demonstrating Priestley’s ideas?
Strong thesis
Inspector Goole is portrayed as someone calling for a fairer more equal society and a mouthpiece for J.B. Priestley himself
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Inspector Goole's introduction into the play
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Discuss how Goole treats Mr and Mrs Birling in his questioning
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Discuss of Goole treats Sheila and Eric in his questioning
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Discuss Goole and his questioning of Gerald
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Discuss Goole's final speech in Act 3 and its significance
Perceptive thesis
Inspector Goole is not simply a voice for future change, but embodies everything society has learned between 1912 and 1945
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss Goole's introduction and how it disrupts the engagement party. Explore how this symbolises events which disrupted Edwardian society from 1912 onwards. e.g. war, rise of trade unions, women's suffrage movement
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Explore how his questioning of the older generation reminds the audience about the past and places an emphasis on how far society has moved on by 1945
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Discuss his 'influence' on the younger generation. Explore how he is used by Priestley to show his audience in 1945 how they did change society (older members of his audience would be from Sheila's generation) or can change it even further
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Explore his speech in Act 3 "fire and blood and anguish". Explore how his message is both for future generations but also alludes to many events between 1912 and 1945 (e.g. world wars, revolution in Russia, suffrage movement, strikes...)
Useful quotes to explore
How is the theme of poverty presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How is desperation shown in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How is working class life presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How is the life of a working class woman presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How does Priestley suggest society could be improved through ‘An Inspector Calls’
Strong thesis
Poverty is portrayed by Priestley as something that is capable of destroying the lives of working class women like Eva Smith in Edwardian society
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how easily it was for Eva to lose her employment with Birling and Milwards
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Discuss how poverty forced Eva into desperate situations: hunger in the Palace Bar, relationships with Gerald and Eric, allusion her considering prostitution, impossible situation of being a single mother
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Discuss how poverty meant that people like Eva relied on charity and the kindness of strangers such as Mrs Birling
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Discuss how Inspector Goole describes poverty and the warning he has if society ignores it
Perceptive thesis
Whilst Priestley shows us the effects of poverty, his message that society simply accepted it as part of life is his bigger concern
Potential paragraphs
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Explore how normalised it was for men such as Birling and Gerald to accept that their workers lived in poverty and not see it as something they should or could change
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Discuss how the Palace Bar in a microcosm for how women in poverty are left vulnerable to being exploited by men who see it as part of life
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Explore how Mrs Birling sees poverty through her charity. Discuss her motivations for running the charity: a chance to feel superior; an opportunity to raise her profile within the community; a way the rich deal with the guilt of knowing they are part of an unfair society
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Explore how Inspector Goole's message warns that this acceptance of the effects of poverty will lead to consequences for all
Useful quotes to explore
How does Priestley explores the difference in generations in ‘An Inspector Calls’
Other linked questions:
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How are the younger generation presented as open-minded in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How are the older generation presented as ignorant in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How does Priestley suggest there is hope for the future with the younger generation in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
How successfully does Priestley present the different attitudes between the older and younger generations in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Strong thesis
Priestley shows an open-minded younger generation who are capable of change and building a better future
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Sheila immediately challenges her father's actions and accepts responsibility for her own behaviour at Milwards
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Discuss how Eric accepts responsibility and sides with Sheila in Act 3
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Discuss how Inspector Goole treats Eric and Sheila and admits he has made an impression on them
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Discuss how the younger generation are contrasted by Mr and Mrs Birling refusing to accept any responsibility throughout the play
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Discuss how the older generation are portrayed as ignorant (Birling saying the Titanic was unsinkable, Mrs Birling falling into the trap of blaming Eric for everything) and contrasted to the younger generation (in particular Sheila) understanding both the power of the inspector and his message
Perceptive thesis
Priestley uses the younger characters not just to argue for a more equal society, but to show the audience what their own generation have already achieved
Potential paragraphs
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Explore how Sheila represents perhaps the generation of the current audience in 1945 and celebrates their achievements
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Explore how the older generation reminds the audience about the past and places an emphasis on how far society has moved on by 1945
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Discuss Goole's 'influence' on the younger generation. Explore how he is used by Priestley to show his the audience in 1945 how they did change society (older members of his audience would be from Sheila's generation) or can change it even further
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Explore how Gerald represents that as society moves forward there will always be those who resist change out of their own self interest
Useful quotes to explore
How is the theme of responsibility presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’
Other linked questions:
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Which characters are shown to accept responsibility for their actions in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How is the theme of guilt presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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Which characters show remorse in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How successfully is the idea of collective responsibility explored in this play, through the use of the Inspector?
Strong thesis
Priestley uses the Birling family to show how society must take responsibility for its actions or be punished if we don’t
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Sheila and Eric take responsibility for their actions and how the audience view them for this
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Discuss how Mr and Mrs Birling don't accept responsibility for their actions and their upset is only caused by the impact they will now have on their family's reputation
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Discuss how Mr and Mrs Birling refuse to take responsibility for their actions once they realise Goole is not from the police
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Discuss Inspector Goole's final speech and how it suggests that if we do not take responsibility for our actions we will be punished
Perceptive thesis
Priestley uses the Birling family as a microcosm for society and how individuals hold free will for the responsibility of their actions
Potential paragraphs
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Explore how Sheila represents perhaps the generation of the current audience in 1945 and celebrates their achievements
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Explore how the older generation reminds the audience about the past and places an emphasis on how far society has moved on by 1945
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Discuss Goole's 'influence' on the younger generation. Explore how he is used by Priestley to show his the audience in 1945 how they did change society (older members of his audience would be from Sheila's generation) or can change it even further (younger members)
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Explore how Gerald represents that as society moves forward there will always be those who resist change out of their own self interest
Useful quotes to explore
How is the theme of social class presented in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How is society shown as divided in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How is society shown as unequal in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How is society shown as unfair for the working class in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How are the wealthy shown as powerful in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How does Priestley present a society divided by social class?
Strong thesis
Priestley demonstrates the unfairness of the class system and how those of a higher class exploit their power
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how the family, in particular Mr and Mrs Birling, view working class women like Eva Smith
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Discuss the relationship between Mr and Mrs Birling and that she is his 'social superior'
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Discuss how Gerald is seen as a perfect match for Sheila by her family as he is upper-class
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Discuss how working class women are left vulnerable in a society where they have little opportunity to improve their lives
Perceptive thesis
On the surface Priestley shows us how the working class were exploited, but also demonstrates how the class system placed unfair pressures on people of all classes
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Eva is a symbol of how the working class are exploited and vulnerable. Link to Goole's final message
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Explore how Birling feels the pressure of being socially inferior to his wife and therefore over compensates with his boasting and aggressive business dealings
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Discuss how Sheila is pressured into marriage as the only family member who can achieve higher class status, something her brother would never be able to do
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Explore how Gerald represents the upper class but it is perhaps a clue to his failure to live up to these standards that he is involving himself in a middle class family
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Explore how Mrs Birling's shame and anger for failing to marry into her class is shown through her behaviour
Useful quotes to explore
How does Priestley portray the role of women in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Other linked questions:
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How is society shown as patriarchal in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How are women presented as vulnerable in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
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How are the men in ‘An Inspector Calls’ shown to exploit women?
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How does Priestley show his ideas about gender inequality in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Strong thesis
Priestley shows how a patriarchal society left women with little power over their own lives
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Eva is exploited and seen as disposable in the workplace
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Discuss how Eva's vulnerability is exploited by Gerald and Eric for sex
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Discuss how Sheila is pressured into a marriage and how her family tries to stop her hearing what Goole and the others later say
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Discuss how Mrs Birling ultimately has little power over her own life, despite being of a higher social class
Perceptive thesis
On the surface Priestley shows how a patriarchal society leaves women powerless, but on a deeper level also shows how women came to accept this system
Potential paragraphs
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Discuss how Eva is exploited in the workplace by her employers but also by Sheila
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Explore how Mrs Birling seems to show little sympathy towards the women coming to her charity but uses it as an opportunity to build her own status
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Explore how Gerald, Eric and Alderman Meggarty have normalised the exploitation of women
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Discuss how the language to describe working class women is often patronising and belittling (such as "girls" not women) and used by all characters - including when Sheila is defending them