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Year 11
Edexcel

Exploring the presentation of crime 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how ‘An Inspector Calls’ explores ideas around crime, morality and class.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Exploring the presentation of crime 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how ‘An Inspector Calls’ explores ideas around crime, morality and class.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Priestley explores both legal and moral crimes.
  2. Characters face moral reckoning, not legal consequences, highlighting self-awareness as punishment.
  3. Eric’s character could suggest that moral accountability is more important than legal punishment for Priestley.
  4. The play reveals how class affects perceptions of crime.
  5. Priestley critiques the legal system and advocates for social justice over legal frameworks.

Keywords

  • Ethical - relating to what is morally right or wrong

  • Moral - adhering to accepted principles of right and wrong, often based on values like fairness, kindness, and respect

  • Foregrounding - highlighting important aspects to draw attention to them

  • Lenient - tolerant or permissive; being less strict or severe in judging or enforcing rules

  • Accountabilty - taking responsibility for one's actions and accepting the consequences

Common misconception

The Birlings are not guilty of any crimes in 'An Inspector Calls' because they do not face legal consequences.

While the Birlings do not face legal prosecution, Priestley uses their moral failings to argue that crime is not only a legal matter.


To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Exploring the presentation of crime 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You could ask students to consider whether perceptions and defitnions of crime have changed over time. This will offer another layer of contextual understanding.
Teacher tip

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 sexual violence

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They are all focused on the character of Eric.
1 - Eric acts nervously and awkwardly at the start of the evening.
2 - Eric challenges Mr Birling's views about the workers asking for higher wages.
3 - Eric comes from the front door looking "distressed" and "pale".
4 - Eric recalls meeting Eva at the "bar" of a variety theatre.
5 - He admits to assaulting Eva and causing a drunken "row".
6 - Eric confesses to stealing money from Mr Birling's business.
7 - After the Inspector leaves, Eric admits he feels frightened.
Q2.
In 'An Inspector Calls' which word does the Inspector repeat to emphasise the vast scale of social inequality?
many
hundreds
thousands
Correct answer: millions
Q3.
Which word beginning with 's' can be used to describe the political ideology of J.B. Priestley?
Correct Answer: socialism, socialist, Socialism
Q4.
Which answer best presents ideas linked to the concept of legal justice in 'An Inspector Calls'?
higher judgment, punishment after death
guilt, conscience, responsibility
Correct answer: law and courts, the Inspector as part of the police force
Q5.
Which word beginning with 'l' can be described as: 'being forgiving or more merciful, showing less strictness or severity in judgement or punishment.'?
Correct Answer: lenient, leniency, Lenient
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', how is capitalism portrayed?
as a system that benefits everyone equally
as a fair system that encourages social responsibility
Correct answer: as a system that promotes individual success at the expense of others
as a way to solve social problems

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Is this statement true or false? Eric is the only character that commits a legal crime.
Correct Answer: true, t, True
Q2.
In 'An Inspector Calls' which word does Gerald use to describe himself and the Birlings?
civilised
Correct answer: respectable
honest
responsible
Q3.
In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley present the Inspector’s attitude towards Eric’s actions?
harsh and unforgiving
Correct answer: supportive and lenient
dismissive and uninterested
admiring and sympathetic
Q4.
In 'An Inspector Calls' Act 3, the Inspector overrules Mr Birling. Which word is used to describe how the Inspector does this?
"harshly"
"loudly"
Correct answer: "firmly"
"arrogantly"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', what does Priestley perhaps suggest about class and crime through Mr Birling’s attitude towards the Inspector?
crime is a concern only for the upper class
Correct answer: social status provides protection from accountability
crime is irrelevant in capitalist society
the working class is morally superior
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', how could Sheila’s transformation reflect Priestley’s views on crime and responsibility?
Correct answer: she accepts moral responsibility despite not committing a legal crime
she criticises the working class for their moral failings
she becomes indifferent to both moral and legal crimes
she upholds legal justice above personal guilt