qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys

behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner

power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour

to behave according to a group's usual standards and expectations

to examine something carefully and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses; (often) to express disapproval

Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'

English

In 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils evaluate the different types of leadership styles presented in the novella. In 'Animal Farm: Lies and Deception', pupils explore how key images, such as food and the windmill, are used a symbols of the lies and deceit of the pigs.

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 this unit, pupils learn about how Priestly questions societal expectations of gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls'. They look at three female characters, Sheila, Mrs Birling and Eva, and also explore how masculinity is presented. They finally plan and write an essay on the topic.

Modern text: first deep dive

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sexual or domestic abuse or violence, including  threats of or the aftermath of.

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

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

Which character in 'An Inspector Calls' could be described as one who both asserts authority and prioritises business over responsibility?

Which word is most associated with patriarchal societies?

In 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling dismisses social responsibility with which word beginning with 'n'?

To highlight the flaws in capitalist and patriarchal values.

To encourage the audience to admire his business success.

To suggest that personal ambition leads to unhappiness.

To show that older generations are always right.

In 'An Inspector Calls', which answer best describes Priestley’s purpose in presenting Mr Birling as an unsympathetic character?

By making the Inspector dismiss traditional masculine traits as irrelevant.

By ensuring that the audience never disagrees with Mr Birling.

By showing that Gerald is the only character with moral authority.

By making Mr Birling’s confident predictions about the future appear foolish.

In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony to critique traditional male authority?

In 'An Inspector Calls', Gerald and Eric could both be described as {{}} narrators.

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

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

In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Eric. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Eric?

In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Eric in the stage directions of Act 1?

Gerald and Eva both come from similar social backgrounds.

Gerald and Eva both challenge societal expectations.

Gerald represents link between class and power; Eva represents the oppressed.

Gerald and Eva share similar personalities.

In 'An Inspector Calls', why might Gerald Croft be considered a character foil to Eva Smith?

Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', Gerald acknowledges the power imbalance between himself and Eva.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.