'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the role, presentation and significance of Mr. Birling.
Key learning points
- Priestley uses dramatic irony to establish the character of Mr. Birling as foolish.
- Priestley uses both monologues and dramatic irony to emphasise Mr. Birling’s arrogance.
- Priestley uses Mr. Birling to critique the upper class attitudes towards social responsibility, class and power.
- The end of the play emphasises the generational conflict between the younger and older Birlings.
Keywords
Dramatic irony - a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not
Monologue - a speech by one character, usually expressing thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play
Arrogance - thinking you are better or more important than others, often in a way that is overconfident or dismissive
Jovial - cheerful, friendly, and full of good humor
Common misconception
Isn't the fact that Mr. Birling wants to look after himself and his family a good thing?
It's understandable to think that Mr. Birling's focus on looking after himself and his family could be seen as positive. However, Priestley shows that Mr. Birling's attitude is self-serving and dismissive of wider societal responsibilities.
Teacher tip
You may wish to consider how you approach the reading of the text in this lesson - getting students to read the text aloud can be a great way to develop an understanding of characterisation.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.These plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' focus on the character of Mr. Birling. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.
Q2.In 'An Inspector Calls', why does Mr. Birling fire Eva Smith?
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls', what does Mr. Birling say about the Titanic?
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls' it is discovered that the character or Eva Smith goes by a different name. What is that name?
Q5.The stage directions in a play do not include...
Q6.Is the answer true or false? 'In An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling believes in the importance of social responsibility.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.At the end of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Mr. Birling react to the Inspector's visit?
Q2.Which dramatic technique can be described as: 'a speech by one character, usually expressing their thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play.'?
Q3.Which definition best describes dramatic irony?
Q4.Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' the stage directions describe Mr.Birling as "pretentious".
Q5.In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling uses a simile to describe a the concept of community and social responsibility. What animal does he use as the comparison?
Q6.In 'An Inspector Calls', how is capitalism portrayed?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.