Summary
An Inspector Calls Complete summary
Includes Key quotations for each character, Priestley's intentions, main events in each scene plus descriptions of each character and higher level techniques you need to include in your essay.
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An Inspector CallsThe unseen characters Edna and Eva
o Edna’s passive presence symbolises her objectification. She is a
status symbol for the Birlings - a thing they own because
they’re wealthy.
o Like Eva, she is exploited by the upper class but she doesn’t try
to fight it. She accepts it and is rewarded with security – she
just has to give up her independence.
o The different outcomes for them represent the choices available
for lower class women.
o The Birlings are reliant on her though, representing the nature
of the Capitalist system (Marx)
o It’s Edna who changes the lights from ‘pink and intimate’ to
‘brighter and harder’ when the inspector arrives
Key Quotes – Eva
‘young and fresh and charming’ (Gerald A2)
‘I became at once the most important person in her life’ (Gerald A2)
‘She knew it couldn’t last’ (Gerald A2)
‘a girl of that sort would never refuse money’ (Mr Birling A2)
‘because I was sorry for her’ (Gerald A2)
‘we did her in alright’ (Eric A3)
‘Destroying herself so horribly’ (Sheila A1)
‘Just used her for end of a stupid drunken evening’ (Eric A3)
Key Quotes – Edna
‘Giving us the port Edna? That’s right’ (Mr Birling)
‘Yes, Ma’am’ (Edna A1)
‘Please, Sir, an Inspector’s called’ (Edna A1)
‘Yes, Sir’ (Edna A1)
‘Show him in here. Give us some more light’ (Mr Birling A1)
, Essay – Choice of two (usually a them, a character)
35 Marks
45 Minutes
Must Have:
Quotations: no extract
Methods: adjectives/verbs/similes etc – BUT stage directions
and structural features (3 act structure with no
intermission/climax/lack of denouements (conclusion) /order of
characters’ interrogated etc) are methods and will be better to
explore for higher marks
Context: Start essay with it. It helps to explain Priestley’s
purpose and the audience response
Key Words:
• Naturalistic: Priestley makes this play as realistic as possible to
influence you.
• Microcosm: A smaller version of society is seen in the play, with
all classes & social ideas represented.
• Didactic: This play is trying to teach you to adapt your morals.
• Collectivist: The Inspector is a collectivist, meaning he believes
we are part of a group.
• Individualist: The Birlings are individualists, who believe we are
responsible for ourselves.
Act 1
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