### Study Guide for "An Inspector Calls"
This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls," tailored to AQA guidelines. It includes:
- **Context:** Background on the author, historical setting, and societal issues.
- **Plot Summary:** A concise ...
### Study Guide for "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley (AQA)
#### **1. Context**
**Author Background:**
- J.B. Priestley (1894-1984) was an English novelist, playwright, and broadcaster.
- Known for his interest in social issues and criticism of the class system.
**Historical Context:**
- Written in 1945, set in 1912.
- Pre-World War I setting is crucial for understanding the social dynamics and themes.
**Societal Context:**
- The play critiques Edwardian society and its rigid class structure.
- Reflects post-WWII attitudes towards social responsibility and change.
#### **2. Plot Summary**
**Act 1:**
- The Birling family celebrates Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft.
- Inspector Goole arrives, investigating the suicide of Eva Smith.
- Mr. Birling and Sheila are questioned, revealing their connections to Eva.
**Act 2:**
- Gerald admits to an affair with Eva (Daisy Renton).
- Mrs. Birling denies help to Eva when she sought charity.
**Act 3:**
- Eric's involvement with Eva is disclosed; he is the father of her unborn child.
- Inspector's message on social responsibility and unity.
- The family debates the Inspector's legitimacy.
- A phone call announces a real inspector is coming to investigate a girl's suicide.
#### **3. Characters**
**Arthur Birling:**
- Wealthy businessman, optimistic about the future, dismissive of social responsibility.
**Sybil Birling:**
- Cold, snobbish, and refuses to accept blame.
**Sheila Birling:**
- Young, initially naïve, grows morally aware throughout the play.
**Eric Birling:**
- Troubled, admits to drinking and an affair with Eva.
**Gerald Croft:**
- Engaged to Sheila, had an affair with Eva, struggles with guilt.
**Inspector Goole:**
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller divdiv. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.16. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
