a public declaration of policies or beliefs, typically political

intended to teach or instruct, often in a way that is overly focused on moral lessons or guidance

information, often biased, used to promote or influence public opinion

the way a writer develops and presents a character's traits and personality

a distorted or exaggerated portrayal of characters to create discomfort or highlight flaws

Considering ‘An Inspector Calls’ as a political text

English

In this unit, pupils look at how Priestly uses dramatic forms to present his ideas. They look at naturalism and expressionism, before thinking about how the play fits with Brechtian theatre and the morality play tradition. They finally write about how Priestly uses form to present his ideas.

Modern text: third deep dive

a play that presents a strong argument but encourages engagement

Match the word to its correct definition.

Which word beginning with 'd' can be defined as: intended to teach or instruct, often in a way that is overly focused on moral lessons or guidance

In his final speech in 'An Inspector Calls', The Inspector uses both "we" and "you". These are examples of:

It teaches a historical narrative about capitalism.

It promotes socialist views through its characters and themes.

It encourages a purely capitalist agenda.

It supports individualism over societal change.

In what way could 'An Inspector Calls' be described as a political text?

The defeat of socialism in the United Kingdom.

The Labour Party won a landslide victory in the general election.

What political event in 1945 is significant to the context of 'An Inspector Calls'?

They are presented with such complexity they are difficult to understand.

Reducing the Birlings to simplistic villains may limit the play’s power

They offer a balanced view of capitalist and socialist values.

Their likeability diminishes Priestley's message.

Which of the following offers the most effective criticism of the Birlings' portrayal in 'An Inspector Calls'?

The Birlings celebrate Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.

Birling dismisses war and social responsibility in his speech.

Inspector Goole arrives and announces a woman's suicide.

Birling admits firing the woman for demanding higher wages.

Sheila reveals she got the woman dismissed out of jealousy.

Gerald confesses to a past affair with the woman.

Eric admits to exploiting the woman and stealing to support her.

Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' into chronological order.

In 'An Inspector Calls' which character refers to Eva Smith as a "sort" of girl.

J.B. Priestley’s political views are most aligned with which ideology?

Sheila's remorse after discovering her role in Eva's death.

Mrs Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith because of her social status.

Eric’s anger at his family’s treatment of Eva Smith.

The Inspector’s criticism of the Birlings' lack of social responsibility.

Which of the following is an example of prejudice in 'An Inspector Calls'?

In 'An Inspector Calls', which word is used in the stage directions to describe how the Inspector "surveys" the family in his final speech?

Which character in 'An Inspector Calls' is described as "portentous" and "provincial" in the opening stage directions?

Starter Quiz