a system where men hold more power and dominate roles in society, family, or institutions

a system in which people or things are ranked according to their importance or status

perceived informal, mostly unwritten, rules that define acceptable and appropriate actions

to treat someone or something as if they are not important

an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual often due to a characteristic e.g class, gender

Understanding gender and class through Mrs Birling 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

Which word beginning with 'p' can be described as: a system where men hold more power and dominate roles in society, family, or institutions

In 'An Inspector Calls', what word does Mrs Birling call Eva Smith, showing her prejudice toward the lower class?

Which of the following terms describes a societal structure in which people or things are ranked according to their importance or status?

Both women share the same social status and power.

 Both women have the same opportunities in a patriarchal society.

Eva Smith has more societal influence than Mrs Birling.

Mrs Birling is empowered by her class status; Eva is marginalised by class.

In 'An Inspector Calls', what is one difference between Mrs Birling and Eva Smith’s experiences of gender and class?

in note form and includes: methods, main and supporting quotations

summarises argument in each paragraph with a focus on writer’s purpose

Match the parts of a single paragraph outline to the correct description.

In "An Inspector Calls', what does the term 'internalised patriarchal views' refer to in Mrs Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith?

Mrs Birling is introduced as a confident, dismissive character.

We learn Eva Smith had approached her charity for help.

Mrs Birling rejects Eva’s request, believing her to be undeserving.

She denies responsibility, blaming Eva for her own downfall.

She is shocked to learn Eric was involved with Eva Smith.

After the Inspector leaves, Mrs Birling believes the whole event was a hoax.

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

Is the answer true or false? In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs Birling is described as "superior" and "cold"

She is happy that they have all learnt a lesson about social responsibility. 

It emphasises her unchanging attitude towards social responsibility.

It reveals Mr Birling’s role as a kind and compassionate member of society. 

In 'An Inspector Calls', at the end  of Act 3, Mrs Birling claims that everyone will be “amused”. Which answer is the best explanation of this?

Mrs Birling denies wrongdoing, despite the audience knowing she is responsible.

The Inspector reveals that Mrs Birling is lying about her involvement with Eva.

Mrs Birling heavily criticises and judges the father of Eva Smith's baby.

The audience is unaware of the Inspector's true motives.

In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony during the Inspector's interrogation of Mrs Birling?

He should take full responsibility and be punished.

He was misled by Eva and should not be blamed.

Mrs Birling does not care who the father is.

In 'An Inspector Calls', which of the following does Mrs Birling suggest about the father of Eva’s child?

Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses the metaphor of a “wall” to symbolise how the Birlings use their power to help others.

Starter Quiz