Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how Priestley uses conventions of naturalism and expressionism to support his political agenda.
Key learning points
- Naturalism presents realistic settings and characters to critique social and economic inequalities.
- Priestley uses naturalism to expose class disparities, making his political message convincing.
- Expressionism emphasises emotions, symbolism, and exaggerated elements to highlight societal flaws.
- Priestley’s use of expressionism critiques capitalism and class hierarchies, supporting his political agenda.
- 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.
Teacher tip
You may wish to prepare some images or clips from Stephen Daldry's National Theatre production of the play to share with 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
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where was 'An Inspector Calls' first performed?
Q2.How is the lighting initially described at the start of 'An Inspector Calls', before The Inspector arrives?
Q3.Is this statement true or false? Propaganda presents a strong argument, but encourages critical thinking and audience engagement.
Q4.Which words best describe Priestley's characterisation of the Birlings as villains in 'An Inspector Calls'?
Q5.In the final speech of 'An Inspector Calls', The Inspector switches from "you" to we". Which answer best describes the effect of this?
Q6.Is this statement true or false? Arguably the Birlings are constructed to embody the new political order of 1945.
Assessment exit quiz
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?
Q2.What is the primary characteristic of naturalism in theatre?
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.
Q4.What element of lighting in 'An Inspector Calls' can be considered an example of expressionism?
Q5.Which word beginning with 'r' can be described as: relating to or advocating for significant change or transformation, often challenging traditional views.
Q6.How might Daldry’s expressionist set choices symbolise the Birlings’ social world in 'An Inspector Calls'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Naturalism and expressionism in 'An Inspector Calls', 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.