'An Inspector Calls' as Brechtian theatre and socialist realism
I can explain how ‘An Inspector Calls’ could be considered as both Brechtian theatre and socialist realism.
'An Inspector Calls' as Brechtian theatre and socialist realism
I can explain how ‘An Inspector Calls’ could be considered as both Brechtian theatre and socialist realism.
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Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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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.
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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.
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.