The Inspector as a supernatural figure in 'An Inspector Calls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse the Inspector's supernatural qualities.
Key learning points
- The Inspector’s supernatural traits suggest he operates beyond conventional reality, elevating his role.
- His eerie knowledge and prophetic understanding hint at an otherworldly presence creating tension and unease.
- The Inspector's mysterious arrival and departure imply a figure beyond human law enforcement.
- His true identity remains unclear, leading the audience to question his divine or ghostly nature.
- Priestley uses the supernatural to elevate the moral and social themes including crime, punishment and justice.
Keywords
Supernatural - beyond the natural world, often linked to magic, ghosts, or divine forces that defy logical explanation
Transcends - to rise above or go beyond ordinary limits, surpassing human understanding
Omniscience - knowing and seeing everything, past, present, and future
Prophetic - foretelling the future with mystical insight, suggesting knowledge of events yet to come
Divine - relating to a god or supreme being, associated with ultimate moral authority or supernatural power
Common misconception
The Inspector is a ghost and his supernatural qualitites should be interpreted literally.
Whilst this is one interpretation, it must be considered alongside the symbolic value of the Inspector’s supernatural elements and Priestley’s purpose.
Teacher tip
The mind map activity at the start is to consolidate prior knowledge. You may wish to refer to your initial readings of the text to prompt the pupils and when giving feedback.
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.If something is considered supernatural it can be described as:
Q2.Match the character from 'An Inspector Calls' to the correct words used in the stage directions to describe them.
"portentous" "provincial"
"superior" "cold"
"pretty" "excited" "pleased"
"shy" "assertive"
"massiveness" "purposefulness"
"well-bred" "man-about-town"
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the significance of the Inspector’s name, “Goole”?
Q4.The initial stage directions of 'An Inspector Calls' state that when the Inspector arrives the lighting should be:
Q5.Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' the Inspector’s interrogation style reflects the maverick archetype.
Q6.Match the Inspector's key techniques from 'An Inspector Calls' to the effect on the characters or audience.
promotes collective responsibility
evokes guilt and sympathy
undermines the character's sense of authority
builds tension and suspense
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'In An Inspector Calls', the Inspector can be described as omniscient. Which answer best describes this?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'p' can be described as: foretelling the future with mystical insight, suggesting knowledge of events yet to come.
Q3.Match the characters from 'An Inspector calls' with how they react to the Inspector.
attempts to assert authority, dismissing the Inspector's power
feels guilt and realises the Inspector knows more than he should
becomes anxious and starts to confess earlier than expected
denies any responsibility and tries to manipulate the Inspector
Q4.Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', it can be argued that Priestley uses the supernatural elements of the Inspector as an effective dramatic device.
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use the Inspector to critique traditional ideas of crime and punishment?
Q6.In 'An Inspector Calls' Act 3, Mr Birling refers to "another" Inspector arriving. What does this suggest in relation to the supernatural and justice?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The Inspector as a supernatural figure in 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: The Inspector as a supernatural figure in 'An Inspector Calls', 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: perspectives on crime, justice and the role of the Inspector unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.