a style of theatre that portrays life realistically

a style that emphasises emotion and individual perception, often distorting reality for effect

the passing of traits from parents to offspring, influencing behaviour and characteristics

representing something beyond its literal meaning, often used to convey deeper or abstract concepts

relating to or advocating for significant change or transformation, often challenging traditional views

Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls'

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

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

What is the full name of the director who directed 'An Inspector Calls' at the National Theatre in 1992 and again in 2009?

The use of exaggerated emotions and symbolism.

The representation of life as it is, focusing on realism and social issues.

The use of fantasy elements to create an imaginative world.

The focus on abstract themes and minimal dialogue.

What is the primary characteristic of naturalism in theatre?

Is this statement true or false? The Inspector in 'An Inspector Calls' could be considered an example of an expressionist character, as he is symbolic rather than a realistic figure.

The soft, warm lighting at the beginning of the play.

The dramatic change from soft to hard lighting when the Inspector enters.

The even, steady lighting throughout the entire play.

The use of natural sunlight to create a sense of realism.

What element of lighting in 'An Inspector Calls' can be considered an example of expressionism?

Which word beginning with 'r' can be described as: relating to or advocating for significant change or transformation, often challenging traditional views.

By presenting the house as large and luxurious, symbolising stability.

By making the house small and fragile, symbolising their unstable social world.

By using realistic furniture to highlight the characters' class.

By resembling a traditional family home, reinforcing their position.

How might Daldry’s expressionist set choices symbolise the Birlings’ social world in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Where was 'An Inspector Calls' first performed?

How is the lighting initially described at the start of 'An Inspector Calls', before The Inspector arrives?

Is this statement true or false? Propaganda presents a strong argument, but encourages critical thinking and audience engagement.

Which words best describe Priestley's characterisation of the Birlings as villains in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Arguably, it makes the speech more personal to the Birlings only.

It arguably makes the speech less serious and more conversational.

Arguably,  it shifts from blaming individuals to a wider social warning.

It arguably creates distance between the audience and characters.

In the final speech of 'An Inspector Calls', The Inspector switches from "you" to we". Which answer best describes the effect of this?

Is this statement true or false? Arguably the Birlings are constructed to embody the new political order of 1945.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

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

Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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