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Year 11
Edexcel

Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can analyse how Priestley uses conventions of naturalism and expressionism to support his political agenda.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can analyse how Priestley uses conventions of naturalism and expressionism to support his political agenda.

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. Naturalism presents realistic settings and characters to critique social and economic inequalities.
  2. Priestley uses naturalism to expose class disparities, making his political message convincing.
  3. Expressionism emphasises emotions, symbolism, and exaggerated elements to highlight societal flaws.
  4. Priestley’s use of expressionism critiques capitalism and class hierarchies, supporting his political agenda.
  5. Daldry's staging enhances expressionism, symbolising the Birlings' moral decay and societal consequences.

Keywords

  • Naturalism - a style of theatre that portrays life realistically

  • Expressionism - a style that emphasises emotion and individual perception, often distorting reality for effect

  • Heredity - the passing of traits from parents to offspring, influencing behaviour and characteristics

  • Symbolic - representing something beyond its literal meaning, often used to convey deeper or abstract concepts

  • Radical - relating to or advocating for significant change or transformation, often challenging traditional views

Common misconception

Naturalism and expressionism are too different and cannot be used together in the same play.

Arguably, Priestley blends both styles. Naturalism makes the setting realistic, while expressionism distorts reality to highlight emotional and symbolic themes, strengthening his political message.


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

You may wish to prepare some images or clips from Stephen Daldry's National Theatre production of the play to share with pupils.
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.
Where was 'An Inspector Calls' first performed?
London, England
New York, USA
Correct answer: Moscow, Russia
Paris, France
Q2.
How is the lighting initially described at the start of 'An Inspector Calls', before The Inspector arrives?
bright
Correct answer: pink
cold
harsh
Correct answer: intimate
Q3.
Is this statement true or false? Propaganda presents a strong argument, but encourages critical thinking and audience engagement.
Correct Answer: false, F, False
Q4.
Which words best describe Priestley's characterisation of the Birlings as villains in 'An Inspector Calls'?
compassionate, nuanced, sympathetic
Correct answer: grotesque, arrogant, selfish
honest, reflective, empathetic
complex, relatable, forgiving
Q5.
In the final speech of 'An Inspector Calls', The Inspector switches from "you" to we". Which answer best describes the effect of this?
Arguably, it makes the speech more personal to the Birlings only.
It arguably makes the speech less serious and more conversational.
Correct answer: Arguably, it shifts from blaming individuals to a wider social warning.
It arguably creates distance between the audience and characters.
Q6.
Is this statement true or false? Arguably the Birlings are constructed to embody the new political order of 1945.
Correct Answer: false, f, False

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the full name of the director who directed 'An Inspector Calls' at the National Theatre in 1992 and again in 2009?
Correct Answer: Stephen Daldry, Daldry
Q2.
What is the primary characteristic of naturalism in theatre?
The use of exaggerated emotions and symbolism.
Correct answer: The representation of life as it is, focusing on realism and social issues.
The use of fantasy elements to create an imaginative world.
The focus on abstract themes and minimal dialogue.
Q3.
Is this statement true or false? The Inspector in 'An Inspector Calls' could be considered an example of an expressionist character, as he is symbolic rather than a realistic figure.
Correct Answer: True, t, true, T
Q4.
What element of lighting in 'An Inspector Calls' can be considered an example of expressionism?
The soft, warm lighting at the beginning of the play.
Correct answer: The dramatic change from soft to hard lighting when the Inspector enters.
The even, steady lighting throughout the entire play.
The use of natural sunlight to create a sense of realism.
Q5.
Which word beginning with 'r' can be described as: relating to or advocating for significant change or transformation, often challenging traditional views.
Correct Answer: radical, Radical
Q6.
How might Daldry’s expressionist set choices symbolise the Birlings’ social world in 'An Inspector Calls'?
By presenting the house as large and luxurious, symbolising stability.
Correct answer: By making the house small and fragile, symbolising their unstable social world.
By using realistic furniture to highlight the characters' class.
By resembling a traditional family home, reinforcing their position.