Useful Vocab

Allegory Story with a double meaning: one primary (on

the surface) and one secondary.

Didactic Any text that instructs the reader or is obviously delivering a moral
message.
Describe the structure of an essay analysing a
character or theme?
1. Epigram

2. Introduction relating back to the epigram, with one supporting quote – seven deadly sins

3. Paragraph 1

4. Paragraph 2

5. Paragraph3

6. Use a main quote for the conclusion, evaluate the characters significance using Freytag's dramatic arc and answer the question
Describe Priestley's deliberate use of context
Priestley deliberately set his play in 1912 because the date represented
an era when all was very different from the time he was writing. In
1912, rigid class and gender boundaries seemed to ensure that nothing
would change. Yet by 1945, most of those class and gender divisions
had been breached. Priestley wanted to make the most of these
changes. Through this play, he encourages people to seize the
opportunity the end of the war had given them to build a better, more
caring society.
The Inspector
Give the Inspector’s Epigram and introduction
This quote could be interpreted in two different ways.
The Inspector is a central character who Firstly, in a literal fashion, in which Birling is simply
challenges the audience and their demanding more light, or, in a more metaphorical
perceptions of the family fashion implying that the inspector is going to bring
light to events.

“Give us some more light”

In the stage directions at the start of the play the lighting is

described as being ‘pink and intimate until the inspector
arrives’ suggesting that the Birling's, and also the audience,
see society through ‘rose tinted glasses’, and the Inspector
will change this.
 Give the Inspectors first paragraph quote?
The Inspector uses commanding language as he ‘massively takes
charge’ to show that he has the floor and will be maintain the
authority. He uses instructive language, to, for a change, deny
them something.

‘One person and one line of inquiry at a time’

The effect on the reader of the Inspectors systematic Shelia says the Inspector is giving the family ‘rope so we’ll hang
working is one of curiosity, it is not till the closure of ourselves’, and this is an important part in the overall structure of
the play that we realise that this is due to the the play. The Inspector uses Freytag's dramatic arc to evaluate
inspector enforcing the idea that he is a real ‘one person’ at any time and through this allows the person to
policeman and his ideas are not ‘a whole lot of solely reflect on their actions alone. The inspectors method
moonshine’. This allows the audience to reflect on provides the overall dynamic of the play
the attributes they share similar with each individual
character in question
The idea of Freytag’s dramatic arc ties in with the idea that each of the characters
questioned by the Inspector represent or uphold characteristics of the seven deadly
• Language
sins. Birling perhaps represents greed, Mrs Birling pride, Sheila envy and anger, both
• Structure
Gerald Croft and Eric represent lust, however Eric also has traits of greed and
• Effect on reader laziness. The inspector is attempting to rid each character of their deadly sin, and
• Themes and ideas therefore the theme of the play revolves around sin and responsibilities.
 Give the inspectors second paragraph quote?
The idea behind the inspector is that he represent
the people, and the people have the majority, or a
sense of ‘massiveness’. What he stands for has
‘solidity and purposefulness’ and will no longer go
unnoticed
Structure of the language is important, the words
appear long visually and also verbally, heightening
the idea that the Inspector is a huge power which
with only words will bring down a family.

‘The inspector need not be a big man but he creates at once

an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness’

The three adjectives are significant as they are

This stage direction directly draws attention and
focus to the inspector, and almost leaves the
audience in awe yet with a sense of curiosity, as a
• Language shift of domain between the Inspector and Mr
• Structure Birling occurs
• Effect on reader
used to describe the presence of the inspector and
demonstrate his disruption to the natural hierarchy
of the house. Each adjective, in a sense elevates
the inspector above Mr Birling

• Themes and ideas

 Give the Inspectors third paragraph quote?
He does this through use of cacophonic language
to intensify the brutality of Shelia's actions through
Perhaps the person the inspector has the using sounds such as ‘d’ ‘g’ and ‘p’ to convey the
most resounding impact on is Shelia who resounding effect of their actions
later goes on to echo his statement; ‘fire and He manipulates his words through using eloquent
blood and anguish’ language to probe Sheila to see her moral
responsibilities and the impact her, and her family's
actions can have
‘So you used the power you had as a daughter
of a good customer…. to punish the girl?’
The effect on the reader is the beginning of realization
that the Inspector is going to question every character, The structure of the question is important,
that every person has something to hide, yet through laying out clearly the consequences
everybody has the chance to reflect and reform on and the brutality of Shelia's actions she is
their actions. The audience has the opportunity to able to reflect
reflect on their actions and change. The beginning of a theme is emerging, the
• Language
Inspector acts as a catalyst for each person
• Structure
to undergo change, depending on whether
• Effect on reader
they choose to except their faults
• Themes and ideas
 Give the Inspectors conclusion quote?
The structure of the passage is important, it is one of the Inspectors longest
periods of dialogue and could be related to a sermon. These are his final words
and signify that he will have a resounding impact.
The language used by the inspector is riddled with collective pronouns such as
‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ showing that through his brusque language the Inspector is
attempting to inflict moral responsibilities and also offers a final warning for
those who choose not to accept their responsibility in the part of Eva’s death.

‘One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and
millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their
lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness,
all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do.
And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not
learn that lesson, when they will be taught it in fire and blood and
anguish.’
The discovery that the Inspector was in fact an ‘elaborate scare’ permits the
audience to explore different possibilities of who the inspector might represent: The Inspector sees society as more important than individual interests, unlike Mr
Is he a ghost? Goole reminds us of 'ghoul'. Birling who made it apparent at the beginning of the play that he believes ‘a man
Is he the voice of Priestley? has to make his own way’. The views the Inspectors maintains are like those of
Is he the voice of God? Priestley who was a socialist, showing that priestly uses the Inspector as a
Is he the voice of all our consciences? mouthpiece so perhaps voice his views on the social hierarchy of England,
No matter who the Inspector was, inevitably he brought about the change he perhaps he has the Russian Revolution in mind, in which communists came to
desired and asks the characters and audience to reflect and change. power, a peoples government.

• Language

• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

Mr Birling
 Which of the seven deadly sins does Mr
Birling represent?
Birling perhaps representing greed, notable through his constant relation in
conversational topic to huge militaristic powers and war. The engagement of
Gerald and Sheila is only ‘the happiest night of’ his life because the marriage
poses industrial gain between his company and Crofts Limited. At the end of
the play this trait has not been rid by the Inspector as he claims he will pay
‘yes thousands’ for the Inspector to prevent an inquest.
 Give the Mr Birling's Epigram and introduction
Mr Birling is a central character who takes
a capitalist view and challenges the
audience and their perceptions his
seemingly harmless views when the play
commences
This quote could be interpreted in two different ways.
Firstly, in a literal fashion, in which Birling is using
commanding language to simply demand more light,
or, in a more metaphorical fashion implying that the
inspector is going to bring light to events, and Mr
Birling’s ideas will be left in the shadows

“Give us some more light”

In the stage directions at the start of the play the lighting is

described as being ‘pink and intimate until the inspector
arrives’ suggesting that the Birling's, and also the audience,
see society through ‘rose tinted glasses’, and the Inspector
will change this. Mr Birling will undergo a sense of criticism
and be given the chance for reformation.
 Give Mr Birling's first paragraph quotes?
The stage directions used to depict Mr Birling are on verging on
the edge of distaste. The directions convey a great deal about
the ‘nouveau-riche’ family, indicating that whilst he may be a
man that has climbed the social ladder – perhaps also though
marrying his wife - he still lacks taste, or even that whilst they
have money they are still to an extent disregarded.
‘Arthur Birling is a heavy looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties
with fairly easy manners but provincial in speech’
‘Hard headed business man’ The effect on the reader of the depiction of Mr Birling and
As co founder of the socialist party it is evident that Mr
Birling represents that capitalist sentiments that Priestly
detests. The downfall of Mr Birling are perhaps a predicted,
or desired downfall of the capitalist end of the political
spectrum
• Language
• Structure
• Effect on reader
• Themes and ideas
The language used is alliteration to depict Mr Birling as a
‘heard headed business man’, language that itself sounds
verbally hard and also draws attention to itself, much as may
Mr Birling might wish too within society. The language,
critical of his features dismisses his importance but
emphasises his arrogance
also his long periods of self centred dialogue about how a
‘man has to look after himself’, causes immediate distaste
and loathing, perhaps because today in a modern society
these social divides have become less apparent, however in
Priestley's period when the play would have been shown,
these attitudes would have been more accepted and
excepted.
 Give Mr Birling’s paragraph two quote?
The play was written in 1945, after the war when
the divides between social classes had been Rhetorical question, to exert his authority, in fact
breached, over 70 years later class boundaries answered by the Inspector to demonstrate his
barely exist with the growing acceptance on the defiance of convention. Rambling, furious
world. An audience then would have recognized demeaning language towards the inspector, used
when viewing this play the attitudes and be to treating the lower class with this disrespect
thankful for their dwindling intervention, now the
concept of a man like Mr Birling seems absurd

‘I can't accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for

everything that happened to everybody we’d had anything to
do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?’

Eva Smith dies because nobody takes

Enforces capitalistic views, shows that Mr Birling
responsibilities for their actions against her. This
refuses to take part in the blame for Eva’s death,
is the exact message the Inspector is attempting
at this point the situation is something smaller
to enforce by the end of the play, to someone as
• which will escalate in front of him, he thinks he is
Language
polarized and naïve as Mr Birling.
• Context powerful enough, and elevated enough above
• Effect on reader the lower class and the middle class like the
• Themes and ideas inspector that he can avoid an ‘inquest’
 Give Mr Birling's paragraph three quotes?
Transition from covering ‘this up’ to having a ‘good Mr Birling’s use of punctuation and exclamation marks
laugh’ is quick. The structure shows Mr Birling's shows have ecstatic he is to have gotten of from an
haste and desire for constant change and progress inquest. The Inspectors words have shaken him, not to
to allow him to advance ad benefit. Rushes from realise his social responsibilities but to instead fear for his
laughing into marriage, shows thoughts and reputation and wealth. His joy demonstrated shows how
actions revolve around himself and do not take he once again believes he is untouchable.
into account other people.
‘I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can’

'Nonsense! You’ll have a good laugh over it yet! Look,

you’d better ask Gerald for that ring you gave back to him,
hadn’t you? Then you’ll feel better'

Again, straight back to business, attempting to re-

The effect on the reader is immense. Mr Birling's
build relationship between his daughter and ex-
word choice and actions makes them realise that
fiancé, simply for his financial gain. He doesn’t
they do not want to be perceived in the same way
realise the reason in the first place why Sheila gave
•
as him and so reflect on their actions to change.
Language the ring back, or appreciate that she is a human
• Structure
who has emotions and feelings and shouldn’t be
• Effect on reader
forced into marriage.
• Themes and ideas
 Give Mr Birling's conclusion quotes?
Through the final moments, and cliff-hanger, the effect on the Previously mocking the ‘famous younger generation’,
viewer is that Priestley is warning them of the dangers of not now it is his turn to be mocked at an inquest, where
learning the lesson of social responsibility themselves, and how is will most possibly the working class judging his
eventually they will have to adapt to the changing expectations actions and making him look a fool, and this time, it
and moral responsibilities within society. won’t be ‘a joke’.
‘The famous younger generation who know it all. And they
can’t even take a joke.’

‘That was the police. A girl has just died – on her way to
the infirmary.’
Effect on audience is that Mr Birling cannot
change his ways, but they can, they saw the In the context of Freytag’s dramatic arc it could be said that Mr Birling,
response from not doing so and in leaving the almost doesn’t have a denouement, as his moral standing is not resolved,
theatre have the possibility to reflect on their will he learn his lesson from the next real police inspector that’s on their
actions way to the house? Or will it be the inquest for Eva Smiths death? The
Denouement, is meant to bring together all strands of the story and
conclude the story, however there is still a realm of possibility after the
• Language
conclusion of the play for Mr Birling to exploit reformation and realise the
• Context
consequences of his actions. However, on the other hand, it could be said
• Effect on reader that Mr Birling will stand firm in his viewpoint on social standing and not
• Themes and ideas change.
Sheila Birling
 Which of the seven deadly sins does Sheila
represent?
Sheila perhaps represents two of the seven deadly sins; envy and anger. The
concept that she represents envy is evident in her questioning by the
Inspector as she claims she wouldn’t have had her fired ‘if she’d been come
plain little creature’. Showing how she bases her perceptions on exterior
features, therefore showing her concept of worth, this also relates to how she
represents anger, as she quickly flies into a rage and became ‘absolutely
furious’ simply from seeing the ‘girl smiling at Miss Francis’. However Sheila's
previous representation of these concepts is reduced by the end of the play as
she realises the consequences of her actions
 Give Sheila's Epigram and Introduction
Sheila is the prominent character in the play that under
The Inspector is a catalyst designed to remain unchanged
go’s this sense of development evident simply in her tone
whilst provoking a reaction, and in this case a sense of
of speech and actions when compared. Her use of
reformation. It can also be read that the Inspector is
constant personal pronouns in the play has diminished to
ridding each member of the Birling family of the ‘seven
make use of the Inspectors personal pronouns such as
deadly sin’ that they represent, and in Sheila's case this is
‘we’ and ‘our’.
envy and anger’.
‘If she’d been some plain miserable little creature, I don’t
suppose I’d have done it’
Face value

The concept that she represents envy is evident in her questioning by the Inspector as
she claims she wouldn’t have had her fired ‘if she’d been come plain little creature’.
Showing how she bases her perceptions on exterior features, therefore showing her
concept of worth, this also relates to how she represents anger, as she quickly flies into a
rage and became ‘absolutely furious’ simply from seeing the ‘girl smiling at Miss Francis’.
• Language

• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

 Give Sheila's first paragraph quote and analysis
Causes reader to perhaps feel an element of distain Language is fragmented and broken up, perhaps showing the gesture was
towards Sheila as she thinks only about money and unexpected as ‘all last summer’ Gerald never ‘came near’ Sheila.
worth of objects, she asks her mother for approval of Fragments show level of excitement and inability to express her gratitude.
the ring and makes a childlike scene, perhaps The language is ‘childish’, showing that she is easily brought and money
hindering the audience’s perception of her. Enforces has power
the concept that women are possessions that can
easily be brought
‘Oh – it’s wonderful! Look – Mummy –
isn’t it a beauty? Oh – darling – [She
kisses Gerald hastily]…. Now I really feel
engaged’ Structure is significant, she turns to her mother first to
show her the ring, signifying the greater female empathy
and ability of comprehend the significance of the exterior
Previously, only has verbal promise of engagement to features of the ring, then turns back to Gerald, he is an
Gerald, however this means little to her, she requires afterthought.
material proof to physically identify their love,
• Language showing that she upholds the same selfish and
• Structure
materialistic views and capitalist attributes of her
• Effect on reader
father.
• Themes and ideas
 Give the Sheila's second paragraph quote?
Perhaps the person the inspector has the most
resounding impact on is Shelia who later goes Inspector manipulates his words through using eloquent language to probe
on to echo his statement; ‘fire and blood and Sheila to see her moral responsibilities and the impact her, and her family's
anguish’. Very early in the play Shelia is made actions can have. Sheila's language is hesitant yet also indicates that she now
to realise her mistakes and she also begins to realises what she did was ‘very terrible’
understand the motive and method of the
inspector
‘So you used the power you had as a daughter of a good
customer…. to punish the girl?’
‘Yes, but it didn’t seem to be anything very terrible at the time’

The structure of the question is important, through

The effect on the reader is the beginning of realization
laying out clearly the consequences and the
that the Inspector is going to question every character,
brutality of Shelia's actions. She is able to reflect
in his questioning of Sheila she begins to take a step
yet still feels the need to justify her actions, yet
back and evaluate the actions of her family and the
through using the phrase ‘at the time’ it has
people around her, the Inspector begins to work as a
become evident she repents
catalyst
• Language
The beginning of a theme is emerging, the Inspector acts as a catalyst for
• Structure
each person to undergo change, this complies with the theory of Freytag's
• Effect on reader
Dramatic arc, yet each character has their own climax and fall. It is Shelia's
• Themes and ideas
realisation at the end of act two that acts as her climax.
 Give Sheila's quote for her third paragraph?
'(slowly, carefully now) You
mustn’t try to build up a kind of
wall between us and that girl. If
you do, then the Inspector will
just break it down. And it’ll be all
the worse when he does.'
She speaks slowly, and carefully, showing the Inspector has taught her to
watch what she says, thinks and does because everything has consequences.
The use of ‘you mustn’t’ shows her language has changed from being one of
accepting her father’s reprimands to telling her parents what to do. Language
towards ‘the ‘girl’ is still flippant but it is evident through her language which
uses imagery that she is beginning to understand what the inspector
represents’
The effect on the reader is this profound concept that the Inspector is more
that just a usual police inspector, he has the ability to break down the barriers
between the people and the upper class and Sheila is the one that is
attempting to prevent her family from building ‘ a kind of wall’ as she begins
to realise that inevitably the people have the masses, and so the people can
break the wall down again and again.

Sheila begins to echo the Inspectors dialogue and attempts to translate it into a language that
• Language her family will understand, however she is dismissed as hysterical. She begins to adopt the
• Structure Inspectors structure of speech. Initially, when questioning her he laid out what she did and then
• Effect on reader the consequences, now here, Sheila is demonstrating what the family and doing and then the
• Themes and ideas possible amplified consequences of their actions.
 Give Sheila's Conclusion quote and analysis?
Sheila is a character that develops Like the Inspector has begun to use harsh imagery to depict that Mrs Birling
throughout the play from out who uses ‘hardened her heart and gave her the final push’. Even though the Inspector
childish language and displays similar has gone his message still lives on within Sheila's voice, demonstrating how
behaviour to a more grown up and the working lower class will always be there, constantly persisting until the
astute version of herself upper class fall. Perhaps relating to the Russian revolution, which Priestly as a
socialist could desire as an occurrence
'Don’t you see, if all that’s come out tonight is true, then it doesn’t matter
who it was who made us confess. And it was true, wasn’t it? You turned the
girl out of one job, and I had her turned out of another. Gerald kept her – at a
time when he was supposed to be too busy to see me. Eric – well, we know
what Eric did. And mother hardened her heart and gave her the final push
that finished her. That’s what’s important – and not whether the man is a
police inspector or not.’
The effect on the audience of Sheila's reformation is that almost anybody can change and see
what they have done wrong and try to fix it. Sheila, being directly related to the family may be This is Sheila's longest continuous
able to persist them to reflect on their actions to a greater extent to the Inspector as he is an dialogue. This structure is
outsider, and so the Birling's, and Gerald Croft, are automatically weary of him. This is important as it demonstrates how
demonstrated in Sheila's speech yet with no avail. Whilst the audience can see Sheila has the voice of the workers has been
changed she still believes that, like her father, her way of thinking and mind-set are correct and suppressed until now, when it
is intent on forcing it upon others. finally has a chance to make its
• Language
point and hopefully can change
• Structure
the attitudes of the rich before it
• Effect on reader
is too late.
• Themes and ideas
 Gerald Croft

Croft lust
 Give Gerald Crofts Epigram and Introduction
Describe as the ‘easy well-bred man about town’ Gerald is
Gerald Croft is an ‘attractive man about
Mr Birling’s idealistic son, simply because of the financial
thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy’,
gain the possibility of merging their companies opens.
who is son of Lord and Lady Croft, and
Perhaps this is Gerald's motive for ‘this engagement’,
presumably the sole inheritor of the
showing that like Mr Birling, Gerald represents the seventh
Crofts Limited.
deadly sin of greed.

"You're just the kind of son in law I always wanted" -Mr. Birling

Yet later within the play in ‘more light’ is brought

to how Gerald could also represent lust and desire,
also unfavourable traits, yet his actions give him
the opportunity to repent and separate from
marinating the capitalist stance that Mr Birling
does.
 Give Gerald's first paragraph quote
The language used by Gerald as the beginning of the play is
adherent to Mr Birling’s as he references the demise of a
The effect on the reader is that the start to acquire the girl, depicted to him by the inspector as a brutal death that
inclination that each character has there own part to play in ‘burnt her inside out’, as ‘business’. As long as it doesn’t
the death of the girl, they are not so absent from her as they effect him he believes that, like Mr Birling, it is not his
were at the beginning of the play, and their perspective will problem. The language is flippant of the situation, showing
be brought to light his animosity towards the lower class.
‘I don’t come into this suicide business.’

The shortness of the claim by Gerald shows again how he

Gerald's language indicates that he wishes not to be brought disregards anything that seemingly doesn’t directly concern
into ‘this suicide business’ for reasons damaging to his him, and how through the short structure is demonstrating
reputation and financial gain. Later he is deceitful as he tries that he has voiced his involvement and nothing else will be
to deny his involvement even though he knows he has said on the matter, there is almost an instructive undertone.
played a role in her death, and had already proclaimed his
involvement from his reaction to the proclamation of the
name ‘Daisy Renton’
• Language

• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

 Give Gerald's second paragraph quotes?
‘Women of the town’ are prostitutes, maybe Language is relatively conserved in his It is evident that Gerald has so
Gerald's intentions for being at ‘the bar for a depiction of ‘women of the town’ yet has far attempted to conceal the
drink’ were different to the outcome of made clear his intentions. 'Haunt’ truth from them, yet here the
keeping ‘a girl last summer’. His motives were something frequently visited, Gerald might pause between the two sections
sexually driven, again showing his role as ‘lust’ have also been there more than once, of the sentence suggests that he
as a seven deadly sin. turning into the next generation has contemplated the
Aldermand Meggarty. consequences of telling yet
another lie.
Effect on the reader makes
them believe that Gerald is
"I went down into the bar for a drink. It's a favourite haunt of women of the town“
perhaps genuine and did have
affections for the girl, evoking
"She was young and pretty and warm-hearted - and intensely grateful."
a sense of sympathy as truly
he was trying to help her
Yet Gerald finds Daisy, who's Immense use of adjectives helps demonstrate
Words such as ‘young’ and depiction voiced by Gerald his admiration for someone of the lower class,
‘pretty’ are the first to come contrasts his original a contrasting image to at the beginning of the
to his mind to describe her. cacophonic depiction of the play. The structure, adding on the final
Like Sheila he values exterior bar for a more euphonic and adjective describes how he cannot sum her up
• Language
features before emotive loving tone to describe her, in words, to him she was something foreign
• Structure

• Effect on reader and her personality and new that offered a wealth of opportunity
• Themes and ideas but in his mind he knew was not viably possible
 Give Gerald's third paragraph quotes?
Effect on the reader is that they are Phrase is fragmented and broken up
almost backing or with the inspector, indicating his emotion. Is it all just a
when he shows a sense of appreciation show? Has to verbally communicate
for Gerald's actions the audience this in his language as it might not be
believes that he will reform, and begin evident in his reaction
to feel less tolerant towards him
‘I’m rather more – upset – by this business than I probably
appear to be –’
The inspectors language is
‘Had some affection for her and made her happy for a time.’ almost lenient towards Gerald's
actions, he truly believes his
feelings for her and his actions
Demonstrates to the rest of the family an Gerald did ‘love her’ yet his blatant disregard
were done out of good intention
act of good heart, how this example is an for Sheila's feelings and the concept that he
idea of how the others should appreciate was going to utilise a ‘women of the night’
the lower class, charity is something the suggests that he was going to abuse the power
Inspector wants he had as a rich upper class man over the poor
women, selling their bodies to gain enough
• Language money to put food on the table. He will love
• Structure when it suits him, showing his lack of sensitivity
• Effect on reader and his capitalist sentiments.
• Themes and ideas
 Give Gerald's conclusion quote
Like Mr Birling, Gerald thinks that
simply because the inspector was a
‘hoax’ he can revolve back to acting
how he was before. The structure of
Gerald's attitude and process of
reformation through the play is critical.
Following the structure of Freytag's
Dramatic arc, each character has its
own individual climax, Gerald's falling
action, is perhaps the most prominent
with a moment of final suspense and
doubt at if he is going to accept his
actions and side with ‘the famous
younger generation’ or stick to the
capitalist sentiments of his new
business partner.
Like Mr Birling Gerald wants everything to turn back to normal
and return to being ‘the son in law’ Mr Birling always wanted.
He does this through offering Sheila back the ring, however she
declines. In a way she is declining to accept the way the lower
class are being treated and instead takes a ‘revolution’ with the
Inspector
‘Every things alright now Sheila’
For Sheila to accept him he needs to not be the ‘son in law’ her
father always wanted and adapt his attitude and responsibilities
to see that the way he acted, whilst was possibly the best out of
all the characters, was still not acceptable. However he does not
accept his morale responsibilities, which he will eventually learn
in ‘fire and blood and anguish’
 Mrs Birling
Mrs Birling pride,
 Give Mrs Birling Epigram and Introduction
Mrs Birling is an insular character who’s
haughty nature demonstrates her
arrogance and lack of acceptance towards
the lower class and refusal of reformation
Use of personal pronouns such as ‘I’ drives home the
concept that Mrs Birling is self centred and ties in with the
idea that Mr Birling's capitalist sentimentalities are notable
in Mrs Birling's actions as she also believes that Eva Smith
must make her ‘own way’.

“But I think she had only herself to blame”

The inspector will give Mrs Birling ‘more light’ and attempt
to remove her from the rose tinted view she has on the
world, evident in the stage directions when the play
commences
 Give Mrs Birling paragraph 1 quotes
Sheila demands Mrs Birling to ‘stop these silly
pretences’ she has upheld from the beginning of Language is flippant towards the phrases ‘that girls pick up these
the play’. She desires to embody the upper class days’ demonstrating her disregard of the lower class who do use
stereotype and maintain the façade of the perfect these phrases and their ability to infiltrate her perfect conception
family that doesn't….. of her family, Language is critical towards her daughter,
demonstrating her desire to be meticulous with information and
act like a puppet upper class family

Her family doesn’t “say such things” “that girls pick up these days”
Mrs Birling’s dialogue at the beginning of the play features short
interjectory comments that have no real structure other to criticise or
maintain pretences, she has little significance in the family just like
‘being her husbands social superior’ makes no difference to her
stature or alters the typical hierarchy simply because she was born
into money and he made it.
• Introduction The fact that Sheila has used this language ‘on an occasion’ like
• Language her engagement where it is not appropriate to ‘talk business’
• Structure shows that Sheila and the rest of her family almost acquiesce to
• Effect on reader her desire for a respected image. Mrs Birling attempts to be
• Themes and ideas almost a role model for her family to admire.
 Give Mrs Birling’s second paragraph quotes
Mrs Birling, is absent from the time the Inspector
arrives till partially through act 2, to emphasis, when
she does converse with the Inspector, her different
tone, and different way of handling him to Gerald and
Sheila, this immediately reminds the audience of Mr
Birling’s mannerisms and allow them to see the
inherent attributes that prevent them from reforming.
Great deal of emphasis on the ‘deserving cases’
signifying that Eva Smith was not one of them, simply
because of the name she picked and lies she told.
Demonstrates that if Mrs birling thought Eva’s case was
not deserving, what would be? And shows her
incapability to feel remorse, sorrow or pity and put
herself in the place of those less fortunate.

We’ve done a great deal of useful work in helping

deserving cases.'

The board is Mrs Birling’s seemingly (or only

mentioned) contribution to charity work, showing how
she does the bare minimum to maintain the face and
‘pretences’ that she is a considerate person. All of this
‘useful work’ has only been done to boost her, and her
• Introduction family’s image and hide, behind this façade, her
• Language intolerance of the lower class and desire to separate
• Structure herself and her family from them.
• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

 Give Mrs Birling third Paragraph quotes
This is before Mrs Birling realises that the ‘young man’
in question is Eric. She has become so wrapped up in
her ‘pretences’ that she did not notice the ‘squiffy’ Eric
would had been stealing money and going out at night.
A mother is typically close to their son and notices the
slightest difference in their character, yet she lacks
motherly qualities.
Mrs Birling knows that she, and the rest of the family have all
done something wrong (with except, so far, for Eric) and she tries
to command the inspector using didactic and controlling
language through cacophonic words to demonstrate how she
blames ‘the father of the child’ and therefore ‘he should be
made an example of’. She tries to offset the blame to save their
image and save her husbands chances of ‘a knighthood’

'I blame the young man who was the father of the child she was going to have.
If, as she said, he didn't belong to her class, and was some drunken young idler,
then that's all the more reason why he shouldn't escape. He should be made
an example of. If the girl's death is due to anybody, then it's due to him.'

There is some show of emotion when she realises that she could
have possibly killed her first grandchild because she refused to
be charitable due to class, and there is a glimmer of hope for her
reformation, however the cold and snobbish exterior returns
• Introduction

• Language
once they find out the inspector was ‘a hoax’
• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

 Give Mrs Birling’s conclusion quotes?
Like in act one Mrs Birling has returned to talking about the Use of personal pronouns to enforce her arrogance, for
values of speech. Now she almost reprimands the inspector, example 'I’ and ‘us’ used to demonstrate that she believes
he should ‘say such’ accusations, he has no right to as a man that she is the definition of upper class even though she
in his social standing. Reinforces the concept that Mrs Birling maintains ‘silly pretences’, it is this deliberate denial that the
has not reformed, she is still treating ‘a real police inspector’ people have no place to talk to her that is why ‘an inspector
as lower class simply because he is a working man calls’ again.
‘Didn’t I tell you? Didn't I say I couldn't imagine a real police inspector
talking like that to us?’

Enforces her upper class ‘snobbish’ attitude and shows that
she hasn’t reformed, she will face the ‘fire and blood and
anguish’ the Inspector has prescribed for her. Mrs Birling,
upholds the capitalist sentiments of her husband, and it will
not be long before a change is required.
Mrs Birling, requires the desire to always be right, she controls
the family, and attempts to revert the broken back to its
original settlement, with Sheila engaged to Gerald, and to put
up the pretences and pretend nothing has happened.

• Introduction

• Language

• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

Eric Birling
Give Eric Birling’s Epigram and introduction?

‘It’s about time you learnt to face new responsibilities’

Eric, much like the other members of his family and also Gerald Croft could be said
to represent both the ignorance of the upper class and also the seven deadly sins.
Eric, would clearly represent greed and most importantly laziness. Whilst this is
described as one of the deadly sins, this is the feature that saves Eric from the ‘fire
and blood and anguish’ that the Inspector prescribes for his mother, father and
Gerald as he has no desire to make his own way in the world as he was born into
money and therefore has no capitalist sentiments to prevent him from seeing the
consequences of his actions. It was a ‘public-school-and-Varsity life’ that has
prevented Eric from learning the morals and work ethic his father want him to
have, but also have allowed him to be almost indoctrinated by the Inspector as he
is this blank canvas for him to shape.
 Give Eric's first paragraph quote
During act 1 Eric is a character on the outset of the
scene. He is mostly hanging back and has few lines
throughout the first act suggesting that something
about him is ‘a bit fishy’.
‘Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’.
From the beginning it is implied that Eric is
drunk, heightening the inclination that Eric is
irresponsible and incapable of reformation. It is
also apparent that Sheila knows of a drinking
habit that the adults don’t recognise as a
problem. This is enforced by his actions when he
‘suddenly guffaws’ for no reason.
• Language
• Structure
• Effect on reader
• Themes and ideas
Perhaps this is evident in the language in the beginning of the
play which shows Eric to lack complexity in only being ‘half shy,
half assertive’. The juxtaposition between the use of the word
‘assertive’ and ‘shy’ allows the reader to believe that perhaps
there is an underlying element of Eric that we, and possibly his
family, don’t quite understand
‘You’re squiffy’
‘suddenly guffaws’
‘Unless Erics been up to something'
The structure of the sentence is important, it is dramatically
broken up into sections through the use of comers, maybe
attempting to enforce the state Eric’s ‘squiffy’ mind is in, or to
emphasise the fact that he dose not feel ‘quite at ease’ with his
family, and he is having to be careful with his word choice to
prevent giving away information about Eva. The slowness, and
lack, of his dialogue emphasised by the punctuation to change
the structure allows him to ‘check himself’ before he says
anything to make anyone suspect him of wrong doing.
 Give Eric's Second paragraph quote
Whilst Eric’s is siding with Eva Smith, it is still evident from his use of pronouns that he regards
her as something separate to his family. There is a distinct difference between the use of ‘they’ to
describe the lower class and ‘we’ to describe the business, he distances himself from her and still
does not associate himself with the class, only believes that they, as people should have rights
that allow them to have a voice and that he values her labour simply because ‘she was a good
worker’, showing a more selfish and business like approach to whether letting her stay or not way
as good idea
‘well I think it’s a dam’ shame… Why shouldn’t
they try for higher wages? We try for the highest
possible prices… You said yourself she was a good
worker. I’d have let her stay’

This is Eric's longest piece of dialogue so

far, and this more knowledgeable and
First piece of genuine sympathy for less conservative image of him differs
Eva, starts to show the audience is from the more ‘squiffy’ Eric we saw
an allegory; a story with a double earlier. This is one of the underlying
meaning. On the surface it is about layers of Eric coming out and
the death of a worker that they have campaigning for what he believes his
• Language
all been connected too, but moral, the inspector is a catalyst that has
• Structure
underneath it is about the allowed Eric to have the ‘activation
• Effect on reader
realisation of moral responsibilities. energy’ to contradict his father.
• Themes and ideas
 Give Eric’s third paragraph quote
Demeaning language shows the hypocrisy of the men in the play and the lack of respect
they have for women. Whereas before Gerald and Eric used subdued language and
euphemisms to refer to the ‘women of the town’, or abstain from using the word ‘sex’ by
instead saying ‘that when it happened’. Again, like Gerald Eric describes her as being
‘pretty’ demonstrating the desire for beautiful exterior features instead of ‘fat old tarts’,
this is worth more to Eric than the women's social class.

‘she was pretty and a good sport… and I hate these fat old tarts around the
town – the ones I see some of your respectable friends with’
By Eric describing her as ‘a
The effect on the reader is one that allows them to good sport’ he means that
perhaps question Eric’s moral judgement, due to his she didn’t file him for charges
actions and depiction of Eva, yet also his dialogue when he ‘was in state when a
shows that he doesn’t care for the airs that makes him chap easily turns nasty’ and
seem ‘respectable’ even if that means marrying an forced himself onto her. This
upper class ‘fat old tart’. It was evident at the shows Eric represents lust and
beginning of the play that Eric lacked motivation believes he can abuse his
because he was born into privilege, however this position of an upper class
• Language shows that he also has expectations when it comes to man to force a young women,
• Effect on reader women, and endeavours to not marry for something who even still treated him as
• Themes and ideas other than love. if he were ‘a kid’, to have sex
with him.
 Give Eric’s conclusion quotes
Repetition of the word ‘did’. Shows how the Inspector, and Priestly, can
Breaking up of the sentence
except past actions have occurred and you cannot change them now.
and the structure shows that
However it is these actions that they ‘did’ that will allow them to reflect and
first and foremost, Eric takes
change their moral viewpoint. The world is changing, what people ‘did’
complete responsibilities for
believe in before the war has adapted, and whilst what they ‘did’ was wrong
his actions, and his mother, and
it could be excusable as originally these were the excepted actions and
the rest should too.
attributes of the upper class.
‘He was our police inspector all right’
‘I did what I did. And mother did what she did.
And the rest of you did what you did to her.’

The effect on the reader

Eric actions were naïve but the Inspector has acted almost as a
challenges them to reflect
fatherly figure to impose the moral obligations and views onto him
on their past actions and
that Mr Birling should have done when Eric was a young child.
how they can improve in
However, Eric shows that there is a chance of hope and
the future
reformation for everybody. He, like Sheila attempts to impose the
socialist views that Priestly, as the co founder of the socialist party,
• Language
gives the Inspector, Sheila and Eric are almost a secondary mouth
• Structure
piece for Priestly to voice that things shouldn’t change in Britain
• Effect on reader after 1945, and the sense of communion between the people
• Themes and ideas shouldn’t revert back to its original stance.
Gender

‘Clothes mean something quite different to a woman. Not

just something to wear and not only something to make
'em look prettier, but a sort of sign or token of their
self respect.’
 Give Mrs Birling paragraph 1 quotes
Sheila demands Mrs Birling to ‘stop these silly
pretences’ she has upheld from the beginning of
the play’. She desires to embody the upper class
stereotype and maintain the façade of the perfect
family that doesn't….. Such as the lower class
people, not worthy of their acknowledgement
Language is flippant towards the phrases ‘that girls pick up these
days’ demonstrating her disregard of the lower class who do use
these phrases and their ability to infiltrate her perfect conception
of her family, Language is critical towards her daughter,
demonstrating her desire to be meticulous with information and
act like a puppet upper class family

Her family doesn’t “say such things” “that girls pick up these days”
Mrs Birling’s dialogue at the beginning of the play features short
interjectory comments that have no real structure other to criticise or
maintain pretences, she has little significance in the family just like
‘being her husbands social superior’ makes no difference to her
stature or alters the typical hierarchy simply because she was born
into money and he made it.
• Introduction The fact that Sheila has used this language ‘on an occasion’ like her engagement where it is not appropriate to
• Language ‘talk business’ shows that Sheila and the rest of her family almost acquiesce to her desire for a respected image.
• Structure Mrs Birling attempts to be almost a role model for her family to admire. This shows that girls in a family like
• Effect on reader theirs are expected to act controversially to the girls that Mrs Birling looks down on. Girls are also expected not
• Themes and ideas to use such language as it is regarded as disrespectful and not the correct embodiment of their stereotype
 Give Sheila's first paragraph quote and analysis
Causes reader to perhaps feel an element of distain Language is fragmented and broken up, perhaps showing the gesture was
towards Sheila as she thinks only about money and unexpected as ‘all last summer’ Gerald never ‘came near’ Sheila.
worth of objects, she asks her mother for approval of Fragments show level of excitement and inability to express her gratitude.
the ring and makes a childlike scene, perhaps The language is ‘childish’, showing that she is easily brought and money
hindering the audience’s perception of her. Enforces has power
the concept that women are possessions that can
easily be brought
‘Oh – it’s wonderful! Look – Mummy –
isn’t it a beauty? Oh – darling – [She
kisses Gerald hastily]…. Now I really feel
engaged’ Structure is significant, she turns to her mother first to
show her the ring, signifying the greater female empathy
and ability of comprehend the significance of the exterior
Previously, only has verbal promise of engagement to features of the ring, then turns back to Gerald, he is an
Gerald, however this means little to her, she requires afterthought.
material proof to physically identify their love,
• Language showing that she upholds the same selfish and
• Structure
materialistic views and capitalist attributes of her
• Effect on reader
father.
• Themes and ideas
 Give Gerald's second paragraph quotes?
‘Women of the town’ are prostitutes, maybe Language is relatively conserved in his
Gerald's intentions for being at ‘the bar for a depiction of ‘women of the town’ yet has
drink’ were different to the outcome of made clear his intentions. 'Haunt’
keeping ‘a girl last summer’. His motives were something frequently visited, Gerald might
sexually driven, again showing his role as ‘lust’ have also been there more than once,
as a seven deadly sin. turning into the next generation
Aldermand Meggarty.

"I went down into the bar for a drink. It's a

favourite haunt of women of the town“

• Language

• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas

 Give Eric’s third paragraph quote
Demeaning language shows the hypocrisy of the men in the play and the lack of respect
they have for women. Whereas before Gerald and Eric used subdued language and
euphemisms to refer to the ‘women of the town’, or abstain from using the word ‘sex’ by
instead saying ‘that when it happened’. Again, like Gerald Eric describes her as being
‘pretty’ demonstrating the desire for beautiful exterior features instead of ‘fat old tarts’,
this is worth more to Eric than the women's social class.

‘she was pretty and a good sport… and I hate these fat old tarts around the
town – the ones I see some of your respectable friends with’
By Eric describing her as ‘a
The effect on the reader is one that allows them to good sport’ he means that
perhaps question Eric’s moral judgement, due to his she didn’t file him for charges
actions and depiction of Eva, yet also his dialogue when he ‘was in state when a
shows that he doesn’t care for the airs that makes him chap easily turns nasty’ and
seem ‘respectable’ even if that means marrying an forced himself onto her. This
upper class ‘fat old tart’. It was evident at the shows Eric represents lust and
beginning of the play that Eric lacked motivation believes he can abuse his
because he was born into privilege, however this position of an upper class
• Language shows that he also has expectations when it comes to man to force a young women,
• Effect on reader women, and endeavours to not marry for something who even still treated him as
• Themes and ideas other than love. if he were ‘a kid’, to have sex
with him.
Responsibility
 Give the Inspectors conclusion quote?
The structure of the passage is important, it is one of the Inspectors longest
periods of dialogue and could be related to a sermon. These are his final words
and signify that he will have a resounding impact.
The language used by the inspector is riddled with collective pronouns such as
‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ showing that through his brusque language the Inspector is
attempting to inflict moral responsibilities and also offers a final warning for
those who choose not to accept their responsibility in the part of Eva’s death.

‘One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and
millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their
lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness,
all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do.
And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not
learn that lesson, when they will be taught it in fire and blood and
anguish.’
The discovery that the Inspector was in fact an ‘elaborate scare’ permits the
audience to explore different possibilities of who the inspector might represent: The Inspector sees society as more important than individual interests, unlike Mr
Is he a ghost? Goole reminds us of 'ghoul'. Birling who made it apparent at the beginning of the play that he believes ‘a man
Is he the voice of Priestley? has to make his own way’. The views the Inspectors maintains are like those of
Is he the voice of God? Priestley who was a socialist, showing that priestly uses the Inspector as a
Is he the voice of all our consciences? mouthpiece so perhaps voice his views on the social hierarchy of England,
No matter who the Inspector was, inevitably he brought about the change he perhaps he has the Russian Revolution in mind, in which communists came to
desired and asks the characters and audience to reflect and change. power, a peoples government.

• Language

• Structure

• Effect on reader

• Themes and ideas