a personal preference or prejudice that skews judgment or interpretation of events

based on personal opinions, feelings, or experiences rather than objective facts

to control or influence others, typically in a deceptive or unfair way, to achieve a specific outcome

Narrative voice and subjective truth 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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Is this statement true or false? If truth is considered subjective, it is based on personal opinions, feelings, or experiences rather than objective facts.

Truth is the same for all characters, regardless of their perspective.

Truth is shaped by individual bias and experiences.

Truth is objective and can be proven through facts.

Which of the following best describes subjective truth in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

a narrator with a biased or deceptive account.

a narrator who tells the truth without bias.

a narrator influenced by feelings or motives.

a narrator who is always objective and accurate.

An unreliable narrator can be described as...

He presents objective truth and leaves no room for manipulation.

He presents a balanced and impartial view of the events.

He focuses solely on the Birlings' personal lives and avoids political comment.

His identity and existence are uncertain.

Which of the following statements best explains why The Inspector can be interpreted as an unreliable narrator in 'An Inspector Calls'?

In 'An Inspector Calls' Act 2, The Inspector becomes stern with Mr Birling and tells him not to...

The play uses a single narrator to present objective truth.

The play uses multiple unreliable narrators to present subjective truth.

The play uses no narrative voice, leaving the truth up to the audience.

The play uses an omniscient narrator who reveals everything about characters.

Which of the following best describes how Priestley uses narrative voice in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Throughout 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector uses emotive language to describe Eva Smith’s suicide. Which of the following words does he use?

In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling uses an adverb to describe how the working class should be treated. What is that word?

To tell the story from a specific perspective.

To create sound effects for the audience.

What could be considered the primary role of narrative voice in a play or text?

Is this statement true or false? 'An Inspector Calls' is too dramatic to be considered political theatre.

A narrator who tells the truth at all times.

A narrator whose account may be inaccurate or distorted.

A narrator who knows everything about the story.

A narrator who does not provide any details.

He is always honest and straightforward in his account of events.

He is not involved in any of the key events in the play.

He openly admits his mistakes and takes full responsibility for his actions.

He downplays the severity of his actions and omits details to protect himself.

Why might Eric be considered an unreliable narrator in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz