a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not

a speech by one character, usually expressing thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play

thinking you are better or more important than others, often in a way that is overconfident or dismissive

cheerful, friendly, and full of good humor

'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling

English

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.

Modern text: first study

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

He admits his mistakes and takes responsibility.

He denies everything and remains unrepentant.

He is deeply remorseful and changes his views.

He insists that the Inspector was a fake and irrelevant.

At the end of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Mr. Birling react to the Inspector's visit?

Which dramatic technique can be described as: 'a speech by one character, usually expressing their thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play.'?

when the characters in a play agree on the events that are happening

when a character says something, but it is not true

when two characters share a secret that the audience does not know

Which definition best describes dramatic irony?

Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' the stage directions describe Mr.Birling as "pretentious".

In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling uses a simile to describe a the concept of community and social responsibility. What animal does he use as the comparison?

as a system that benefits everyone equally

as a fair system that encourages social responsibility

as a system that promotes individual success at the expense of others

In 'An Inspector Calls', how is capitalism portrayed?

Mr. Birling is described as "portentous" in the stage directions.

Mr. Birling predicts no war will occur, showing his arrogance and ignorance.

It is revealed that Mr. Birling fired Eva Smith.

He states that he can't be responsible; it would be "awkward" if everyone was.

Mr. Birling realises that Eric is involved in Eva's death.

He dismissed the Inspector's visit as hoax and is "amused".

Mr. Birling tells the family that an inspector is on the way.

These plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' focus on the character of Mr. Birling. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.

In 'An Inspector Calls', why does Mr. Birling fire Eva Smith?

In 'An Inspector Calls', what does Mr. Birling say about the Titanic?

In 'An Inspector Calls' it is discovered that the character or Eva Smith goes by a different name. What is that name?

The stage directions in a play do **not** include...

Is the answer true or false? 'In An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling believes in the importance of social responsibility.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz