'An Inspector Calls' as Brechtian theatre and socialist realism
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how ‘An Inspector Calls’ could be considered as both Brechtian theatre and socialist realism.
Key learning points
- ‘An Inspector Calls’ uses Brechtian techniques, like alienation, to provoke critical thought.
- Brechtian techniques and epic theatre contrast with naturalism, urging intellectual engagement over emotional immersion.
- The play critiques class inequality, aligning with Brechtian and socialist realism themes of social justice.
- Priestley’s Inspector is a symbolic figure of moral authority, resembling socialist realism heroes.
- Priestley critiques both capitalism and the idealism of socialist realism, avoiding utopian solutions.
Keywords
Alienation - a technique to make the audience critically aware of the play's social or political issues
Catharsis - emotional release experienced by the audience, often through pity or fear
Fourth wall - the imaginary barrier between the actors and the audience in a performance
Episodic - a narrative structure where the story unfolds through a series of distinct episodes or scenes
Theatricality - the use of dramatic elements that highlight the artifice and performance in theatre
Common misconception
The play is definitely Brechtian or purely social realism.
The ideas behind Brechtian theatre and social realism were part of the cultural landscape when Priestley was writing. Instead of fitting it into one category, it’s better to consider how Priestley may have been influenced by these forms.
Teacher tip
To help with the completion of Task B you may wish to discuss or plan this response first with your pupils.
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
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the following plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in the correct chronological order.
Q2.Which of the following best describes naturalism in theatre?
Q3.Is this statement true or false? Stephen Daldry's staging for his production of 'An Inspector Calls' could be described as expressionist.
Q4.Match the character from 'An Inspector Calls' with the best description of their attitude towards social responsibility:
Believes the working class should take care of themselves.
Represents the idea of social responsibility and collective action.
Initially indifferent to the suffering of others but evolves.
Is indifferent and believes in personal success over social duty.
Q5.Match the dramatic method to its definition:
A long speech delivered by one character.
A technique that hints at events that will happen later.
The imagined barrier between the play and the audience is shattered.
When the audience knows more than the characters, creating tension.
A technique where the character speaks directly to the audience.
Q6.Is this statement true or false? 'An Inspector Calls' has only one setting throughout the whole play.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the genre of theatre that Brecht developed and used to apply his ideas about political theatre?
Q2.Is this statement true or false? The playwright Brecht was influenced by marxism and saw theatre as a way to educate the masses.
Q3.Which of the following would not be considered a Brechtian technique?
Q4.How does the play 'An Inspector Calls' align with the principles of socialist realism?
Q5.Why did the Soviet Union praise 'An Inspector Calls' during its debut in Russia?
Q6.Which of the following best describes the key convention of alienation (Verfremdungseffekt) in Brechtian theatre?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls' as Brechtian theatre and socialist realism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls' as Brechtian theatre and socialist realism, 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’: Priestley’s theatrical strategy; politics, genre, and form unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.