behaviour that reflects high moral standards

excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to arrogance and a disregard for others or consequences

opposing or actively resisting something, often in a hostile or combative manner

'An Inspector Calls' and the morality play tradition

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

allegorical characters representing virtue and vice

What is a key characteristic of a morality play?

Which character in 'An Inspector Calls' best represents virtue in the morality play tradition?

the representative of all humanity, facing moral choice

In a traditional morality play, what role does the 'everyman' character serve?

by using supernatural elements to influence characters

by presenting moral conflict through social class issues

by focusing on individual happiness over collective responsibility

How does Priestley arguably modernise the morality play in 'An Inspector Calls'?

They provide comic relief or exaggerated villainy.

They act as allies to the protagonist, helping them achieve their goals.

They represent virtues and guide the protagonist toward righteousness.

They lead the protagonist away from virtue, showing the consequences of sin.

What functions do vice characters serve in morality plays?

Match the character from 'An Inspector Calls' to their associated vice in the morality play tradition:

focuses on emotional experiences, often with exaggerated characters

depicts life realistically with true-to-life dialogue and settings

encourages critical thinking on social issues using alienation

promotes socialist ideals, showing heroic working-class figures

Match the style of theatre with its correct definition.

A style of performance passed down through generations, shaping plays.

A set of rules that all performances must follow to be successful.

The use of modern technology to enhance theatrical productions.

The personal acting style of an individual performer.

A theatrical tradition can be defined as:

The political climate during the time the text was written.

The genre of the text and which traditions it may align with.

The author's personal experiences influencing the text.

The historical events that shaped the setting of the story.

In his final speech in 'An Inspector Calls', which word does The Inspector **not** use?

'Alienation' is an important technique used in which style of politlcal theatre?

... he uses his knowledge to control the characters and reveal their guilt.

... he is an unreliable character whose actions are mostly impulsive.

... he acts as a secondary character, giving minimal moral guidance.

... he represents an outside perspective but does not challenge the characters.

Which answer best describes how The Inspector functions as a moral omniscient figure in 'An Inspector Calls'? Arguably...

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz