Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how characters in ‘An Inspector Calls’ conform to, or challenge, gender expectations.
Key learning points
- Arguably, the male characters conform to Edwardian ideals of masculinity, emphasising strength, control, and dominance.
- Authority is asserted by male characters, often over women and lower-class individuals, reflecting societal norms.
- Gender roles in the play highlight power imbalances and reinforce Priestley’s critique of Edwardian societal norms.
- Arguably, male characters struggle with societal expectations, revealing internal conflicts and complex motivations.
Keywords
Masculinity - qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys
Assert - behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner
Authority - power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour
Conform - to behave according to a group's usual standards and expectations
Critique - to examine something carefully and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses; (often) to express disapproval
Common misconception
The male characters fully embody societal expectations of masculinity.
Both Gerald and Eric's remorse reveal internal conflict, showing the struggles and complexities inherent in societal expectations.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to critically engage with characters' internal struggles by prompting them to explore how societal expectations shape their actions and decisions.
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 sexual violence
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.In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling uses a simile to describe the concept of community and social responsibility. What animal does he use as the comparison?
Q2.Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' the stage directions describe Mr Birling as "pretentious".
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Eric. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Eric?
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Eric in the stage directions of Act 1?
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls', why might Gerald Croft be considered a character foil to Eva Smith?
Q6.Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', Gerald acknowledges the power imbalance between himself and Eva.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which character in 'An Inspector Calls' could be described as one who both asserts authority and prioritises business over responsibility?
Q2.Which word is most associated with patriarchal societies?
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling dismisses social responsibility with which word beginning with 'n'?
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls', which answer best describes Priestley’s purpose in presenting Mr Birling as an unsympathetic character?
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony to critique traditional male authority?
Q6.In 'An Inspector Calls', Gerald and Eric could both be described as narrators.
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Exploring interpretations of masculinity 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: Exploring interpretations of masculinity 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’: societal expectations of gender and class unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.