J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls is one of the most commonly studied texts for GCSE English Literature, and its themes of responsibility and social class come up again and again in exam questions. This guide covers what to focus on when revising it, and pairs well with our guide on GCSE English essay structure for turning this analysis into a strong exam answer.
Quick Answer: What Is An Inspector Calls About?
An Inspector Calls follows the wealthy Birling family being questioned by a mysterious Inspector Goole about their individual roles in the death of a young working-class woman, Eva Smith. Set in 1912 but written in 1945, the play uses the family’s differing reactions to explore ideas about social responsibility, class, and generational change.
Key Themes to Revise
- Social responsibility: the play’s central argument, delivered through the Inspector, that individuals have a duty to look after one another, not just themselves.
- Class and privilege: how the Birlings’ wealth and status shape their treatment of Eva Smith and their reluctance to accept blame.
- Generational divide: older characters like Mr and Mrs Birling largely refuse to change their views, while younger characters Sheila and Eric show genuine remorse and development.
- Guilt and responsibility: each character’s differing reaction to their role in Eva’s death reveals their moral character.
Key Characters and What They Represent
- Inspector Goole: often read as a moral or almost supernatural device, voicing Priestley’s own views on social responsibility.
- Mr Birling: represents old capitalist values, self-interest, and a refusal to accept collective responsibility.
- Sheila Birling: shows the most significant character development, moving from naivety to genuine understanding and guilt.
- Eric Birling: represents hidden family shame and, like Sheila, shows capacity for change.
Exam Technique for An Inspector Calls
Most exam questions focus on a specific character, theme, or short extract. Always link your analysis back to Priestley’s central message about social responsibility, and support points with specific quotations rather than general plot summary. Considering the play’s historical context, written just after the Second World War but set before the First, is often key to strong answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Priestley set the play in 1912 but write it in 1945?
Setting the play in 1912, before both World Wars, allowed Priestley to use dramatic irony, since the audience in 1945 knew about events the characters could not predict, reinforcing his message about the dangers of ignoring social responsibility.
What is the significance of the Inspector’s final speech?
The Inspector’s final speech directly delivers Priestley’s central message about collective responsibility and the consequences of ignoring it, making it one of the most frequently quoted and analysed sections of the play.
Is An Inspector Calls a tragedy?
It is more commonly classified as a morality play or social drama than a traditional tragedy, since its main purpose is to teach a moral lesson about responsibility rather than follow the structure of classical tragedy. Studying another GCSE set text? See our guide to Life of Pi.
