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Year 11
Edexcel

Narrative voice and subjective truth in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how Priestley uses narrative voice and a fragmented narrative to present subjective truth and bias.

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New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Narrative voice and subjective truth in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how Priestley uses narrative voice and a fragmented narrative to present subjective truth and bias.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Priestley uses multiple narrators to show how truth is subjective and shaped by bias.
  2. The fragmented narrative encourages the audience to question the reliability of each account.
  3. Arguably, Priestley uses this technique to critique class inequality and the lack of moral introspection.
  4. The Inspector could be interpreted as an unreliable narrator in how he controls the narrative.
  5. The use of multiple character narration and a fragmented narrative can be linked to political theatre traditions.

Keywords

  • Bias - a personal preference or prejudice that skews judgment or interpretation of events

  • Fragmented - broken into separate parts

  • Subjective - based on personal opinions, feelings, or experiences rather than objective facts

  • Narrative - a story or account of events

  • Manipulate - to control or influence others, typically in a deceptive or unfair way, to achieve a specific outcome

Common misconception

The Inspector can only be interpreted as representing absolute truth, as he always speaks with authority and moral certainty.

The Inspector may not represent absolute truth. He selectively reveals information and uses moral rhetoric, which could suggest he's guiding the audience toward a particular interpretation of events.


To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Narrative voice and subjective truth in 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to consider and share some examples of unreliable narrators from other literary texts, perhaps texts that the pupils have already studied.
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 discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

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.
Throughout 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector uses emotive language to describe Eva Smith’s suicide. Which of the following words does he use?
doomed
Correct answer: agony
ruined
deserved
Q2.
In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling uses an adverb to describe how the working class should be treated. What is that word?
"directly"
"respectfully"
Correct answer: "sharply"
"honestly"
Q3.
What could be considered the primary role of narrative voice in a play or text?
To describe the setting in detail.
Correct answer: To tell the story from a specific perspective.
To show characters' thoughts equally.
To create sound effects for the audience.
Q4.
Is this statement true or false? 'An Inspector Calls' is too dramatic to be considered political theatre.
Correct Answer: false, f, False, F
Q5.
What is an unreliable narrator?
A narrator who tells the truth at all times.
Correct answer: A narrator whose account may be inaccurate or distorted.
A narrator who knows everything about the story.
A narrator who does not provide any details.
Q6.
Why might Eric be considered an unreliable narrator in 'An Inspector Calls'?
He is always honest and straightforward in his account of events.
He is not involved in any of the key events in the play.
He openly admits his mistakes and takes full responsibility for his actions.
Correct answer: He downplays the severity of his actions and omits details to protect himself.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Is this statement true or false? If truth is considered subjective, it is based on personal opinions, feelings, or experiences rather than objective facts.
Correct Answer: true, t, True, t
Q2.
Which of the following best describes subjective truth in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Truth is the same for all characters, regardless of their perspective.
Correct answer: Truth is shaped by individual bias and experiences.
Truth is objective and can be proven through facts.
Q3.
An unreliable narrator can be described as...
Correct answer: a narrator with a biased or deceptive account.
a narrator who tells the truth without bias.
Correct answer: a narrator influenced by feelings or motives.
a narrator who is always objective and accurate.
Q4.
Which of the following statements best explains why The Inspector can be interpreted as an unreliable narrator in 'An Inspector Calls'?
He presents objective truth and leaves no room for manipulation.
He presents a balanced and impartial view of the events.
He focuses solely on the Birlings' personal lives and avoids political comment.
Correct answer: His identity and existence are uncertain.
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls' Act 2, The Inspector becomes stern with Mr Birling and tells him not to...
Correct answer: yammer
speak
Correct answer: stammer
shout
stutter
Q6.
Which of the following best describes how Priestley uses narrative voice in 'An Inspector Calls'?
The play uses a single narrator to present objective truth.
Correct answer: The play uses multiple unreliable narrators to present subjective truth.
The play uses no narrative voice, leaving the truth up to the audience.
The play uses an omniscient narrator who reveals everything about characters.