An Inspector Calls Gcse Revision ✦ Free & Tested

Revision Guide: An Inspector Calls J.B. Priestley’s 1945 play, set in 1912, is a staple of the GCSE English Literature curriculum. It functions as a "modern morality play," using a "whodunnit" structure to expose the social flaws of Edwardian England. 1. Key Themes for Your Essay

"I think it does [matter] if you don't help." (Sheila Birling)

"If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish." 3. Dramatic Devices & Context (AO2 & AO3) an inspector calls gcse revision

Grade 9 Analysis: Birling is not evil; he is a product of his time. Priestley uses him to show that capitalists are not just greedy – they are dangerously foolish. He cannot understand that private profits (his factory) have public costs (Eva’s poverty). His refusal to accept responsibility at the end is a warning: these people will cause another war.

1. Context: The Backbone of Your Argument

To achieve a high grade, you must demonstrate how Priestley uses the play as a vehicle for his political views. You need to understand the two time periods involved: Revision Guide: An Inspector Calls J

For further practice, you can find a variety of past paper questions and revision guides on sites like Physics & Maths Tutor [14, 25]. "I think it does [matter] if you don't help

Minutes 0-10: Re-read the Inspector’s final speech aloud. Underline every command ("We are responsible...").
Minutes 10-20: Draw a "chain of events" for Eva’s death (Birling → Sheila → Gerald → Mrs. Birling → Eric).
Minutes 20-30: Write down three quotations for: Responsibility, Class, and Gender.
Minutes 30-40: Practice a single paragraph on the prompt: "How does Priestley present Mrs. Birling?"
Minutes 40-50: Learn the phrase "dramatic irony" (the audience knows Birling is wrong about the Titanic/war) – you can use it in almost every essay.
Minutes 50-60: Relax. You have done the work.

Quotations & How to Use Them (short list)

Inspector: “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” — use for social responsibility.
Birling: “A man has to make his own way — has to look after himself.” — use for capitalism/individualism.
Sheila: “But these girls aren’t cheap labour — they’re people.” — humanises Eva; use for empathy/growth.
Sybil: “I’d give thousands — yes, thousands.” (ironically) or refusal line when denying Eva help — use for hypocrisy.
Eric: “The fact remains that I did what I did.” — use for guilt/confession.
Inspector: “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.” — use for power & duty.

1912 vs. 1945: The play is set in 1912 (pre-WWI, rigid class system) but written in 1945 (post-WWII, start of the Welfare State) [23, 29].