Subjects

Subjects

More

An Inspector Calls: Characters, Quotes, and Themes

View

An Inspector Calls: Characters, Quotes, and Themes
user profile picture

Ella Shorter

@ellashorter

·

31 Followers

Follow

An Inspector Calls: Act 1-3 Summary and Character Analysis

This comprehensive guide explores J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls," focusing on plot developments, character analysis, and key themes.

  • Act 1 introduces the Birling family celebrating Sheila and Gerald's engagement
  • Inspector Goole arrives to investigate Eva Smith's suicide
  • Each character's connection to Eva Smith is revealed
  • Act 2 delves deeper into Gerald's affair and Mrs. Birling's involvement
  • Act 3 exposes Eric's role and concludes with a twist regarding Inspector Goole's identity
  • The play explores themes of social responsibility, class divide, and moral accountability

2/25/2023

325

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Act 2 Summary

Act 2 of "An Inspector Calls" delves deeper into the characters' connections to Eva Smith/Daisy Renton. Gerald Croft admits to having an affair with Daisy Renton for six months the previous year, causing distress to Sheila.

Highlight: The revelation of Gerald's affair adds a new layer of complexity to the relationships within the play and further implicates the characters in Eva's fate.

Mrs. Birling attempts to assert control over the situation but is forced to confront her own involvement. It is revealed that Eva Smith, pregnant at the time, had approached Mrs. Birling's charity for help and was refused.

Quote: "Now she had to try something else" (Inspector, p.25)

The act ends with the suspicion that Eric may be the father of Eva's unborn child, setting the stage for further revelations in Act 3.

Definition: Mistress - A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship, especially with a married man.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Act 3 Summary

Act 3 of "An Inspector Calls" brings the investigation to its climax and introduces a surprising twist. Eric confesses to getting Eva Smith pregnant and stealing money from his father's firm to support her. This revelation leads to intense family conflict, with Eric blaming his mother for Eva's death.

Highlight: Eric's confession marks the final piece of the puzzle, implicating all family members in Eva's tragic fate.

After Inspector Goole leaves, having proven everyone's involvement in Eva's life, Gerald and Mr. Birling begin to question the inspector's identity. They discover that there is no Inspector Goole on the police force and that no recent suicide has been reported.

Example: The family's relief at potentially avoiding scandal demonstrates their continued focus on self-preservation rather than moral responsibility.

The play concludes with a shocking phone call revealing that a young woman has just died on her way to the infirmary, and a real inspector is on his way to investigate. This ending leaves the audience questioning the nature of Inspector Goole and the true meaning of the events that have unfolded.

Quote: "He never seemed like an ordinary police inspector" (p.59)

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Character Analysis: Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Eva Smith, also known as Daisy Renton, is the central figure in "An Inspector Calls," despite never appearing on stage. Her character serves as a catalyst for the play's events and themes.

Eva's journey is marked by a series of unfortunate encounters with the Birling family and Gerald Croft:

  1. Sacked by Mr. Birling from his factory for leading a strike for better pay
  2. Dismissed from a dress shop after Sheila's unjust complaint
  3. Became Gerald Croft's mistress under the name Daisy Renton
  4. Made pregnant by Eric Birling
  5. Refused help by Mrs. Birling's charity
  6. Ultimately committed suicide by swallowing disinfectant

Quote: "A lively looking girl - country bred" and a "good worker too" (Mr. Birling, p.14)

Eva Smith represents the working class and serves as a symbol of the consequences of social inequality and lack of responsibility. Her character highlights the themes of social justice and the interconnectedness of society.

Analysis: Eva Smith's changing names (from Eva to Daisy) can be seen as a metaphor for the different facets of her identity and how she is perceived by different characters in the play.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Character Analysis: Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is a mysterious and pivotal character in "An Inspector Calls." His arrival disrupts the Birling family celebration and sets the events of the play in motion.

Key characteristics of Inspector Goole:

  1. Interrupts the celebratory dinner with news of Eva Smith's suicide
  2. Questions each character methodically, revealing their connections to Eva
  3. Shows little regard for social class or status
  4. Concerned with honesty and justice
  5. Gradually takes control of the situation
  6. Delivers a powerful speech about social responsibility

Quote: "One person and one line of enquiry at a time. Otherwise, there's a muddle" (p. 12)

Inspector Goole's true identity remains ambiguous, adding to the play's mysterious and supernatural elements. His character serves as a moral compass and a catalyst for the other characters' self-examination.

Highlight: The question "Is Inspector Goole a ghost?" is a common point of discussion among readers and critics, adding to the play's interpretative depth.

Analysis: Inspector Goole can be seen as a representation of social conscience or even as a divine figure, forcing the characters to confront their moral failings.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Character Analysis: Mr. Birling

Mr. Arthur Birling is the patriarch of the Birling family and a prominent businessman in "An Inspector Calls." His character embodies the capitalist mindset and the older generation's resistance to social change.

Key aspects of Mr. Birling's character:

  1. Hosts the celebratory dinner for Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft
  2. Keen on uniting the Birling and Croft families in business and marriage
  3. Aspires to receive a knighthood
  4. Believes a man's responsibility is only to himself and his family
  5. Dismissed Eva Smith from his factory for leading a strike
  6. Tries to maintain control when Inspector Goole arrives but fails
  7. Fears scandal and attempts to protect his family's reputation

Quote: "I'm a hard-headed practical man of business" (p. 6)

Mr. Birling's character represents the older generation's outdated views and the capitalist mindset that prioritizes profit over people. His inability to learn from the events of the play highlights the theme of generational conflict.

Analysis: Mr. Birling's predictions about the future (such as the "unsinkable" Titanic) serve to undermine his credibility and highlight his shortsightedness.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Character Analysis: Mrs. Birling

Sybil Birling, the matriarch of the Birling family, represents the upper-class conservative values and social prejudices of her time. Her character plays a crucial role in the events surrounding Eva Smith's death.

Key aspects of Mrs. Birling's character:

  1. Adopts a superior tone with Inspector Goole
  2. Disgusted by Gerald's affair with Daisy Renton but quickly forgets when scandal seems avoided
  3. Uses her influence to prevent Eva Smith from receiving help from the charity
  4. Blames Eva Smith and the father of her unborn child for her death
  5. Claims to be the only one who stood up to the Inspector's questioning
  6. Struggles to accept her son Eric's involvement in Eva's fate

Quote: "That's something this public school- and - Varsity life you've had doesn't seem to teach you" (p.16)

Mrs. Birling's character highlights the theme of social responsibility and the consequences of prejudice. Her refusal to help Eva Smith, despite her position on the charity committee, demonstrates the hypocrisy of her social class.

Analysis: Mrs. Birling's inability to recognize her son's alcoholism ("you don't get drunk") shows her willful blindness to uncomfortable truths, a trait that extends to her social views.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

View

Act 1 Summary

Act 1 of "An Inspector Calls" sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold throughout the play. The Birling family is celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft when they are interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. The inspector brings news of a young woman named Eva Smith who has committed suicide.

Highlight: The arrival of Inspector Goole marks a turning point in the play, disrupting the celebratory atmosphere and introducing the central mystery.

As the inspector begins his questioning, it becomes clear that each family member has a connection to Eva Smith. Mr. Birling admits to firing her from his factory for leading a strike for better pay. Sheila confesses to having Eva dismissed from her job at a dress shop out of jealousy.

Quote: "She'd had a lot to say - far too much - so she had to go" (Mr. Birling, p.15)

The act ends with the revelation that Gerald knew Eva Smith under a different name, Daisy Renton, hinting at a deeper involvement yet to be revealed.

Vocabulary: Strike - A refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

15 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

An Inspector Calls: Characters, Quotes, and Themes

user profile picture

Ella Shorter

@ellashorter

·

31 Followers

Follow

An Inspector Calls: Act 1-3 Summary and Character Analysis

This comprehensive guide explores J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls," focusing on plot developments, character analysis, and key themes.

  • Act 1 introduces the Birling family celebrating Sheila and Gerald's engagement
  • Inspector Goole arrives to investigate Eva Smith's suicide
  • Each character's connection to Eva Smith is revealed
  • Act 2 delves deeper into Gerald's affair and Mrs. Birling's involvement
  • Act 3 exposes Eric's role and concludes with a twist regarding Inspector Goole's identity
  • The play explores themes of social responsibility, class divide, and moral accountability

2/25/2023

325

 

11

 

English Literature

12

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Act 2 Summary

Act 2 of "An Inspector Calls" delves deeper into the characters' connections to Eva Smith/Daisy Renton. Gerald Croft admits to having an affair with Daisy Renton for six months the previous year, causing distress to Sheila.

Highlight: The revelation of Gerald's affair adds a new layer of complexity to the relationships within the play and further implicates the characters in Eva's fate.

Mrs. Birling attempts to assert control over the situation but is forced to confront her own involvement. It is revealed that Eva Smith, pregnant at the time, had approached Mrs. Birling's charity for help and was refused.

Quote: "Now she had to try something else" (Inspector, p.25)

The act ends with the suspicion that Eric may be the father of Eva's unborn child, setting the stage for further revelations in Act 3.

Definition: Mistress - A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship, especially with a married man.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Act 3 Summary

Act 3 of "An Inspector Calls" brings the investigation to its climax and introduces a surprising twist. Eric confesses to getting Eva Smith pregnant and stealing money from his father's firm to support her. This revelation leads to intense family conflict, with Eric blaming his mother for Eva's death.

Highlight: Eric's confession marks the final piece of the puzzle, implicating all family members in Eva's tragic fate.

After Inspector Goole leaves, having proven everyone's involvement in Eva's life, Gerald and Mr. Birling begin to question the inspector's identity. They discover that there is no Inspector Goole on the police force and that no recent suicide has been reported.

Example: The family's relief at potentially avoiding scandal demonstrates their continued focus on self-preservation rather than moral responsibility.

The play concludes with a shocking phone call revealing that a young woman has just died on her way to the infirmary, and a real inspector is on his way to investigate. This ending leaves the audience questioning the nature of Inspector Goole and the true meaning of the events that have unfolded.

Quote: "He never seemed like an ordinary police inspector" (p.59)

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Character Analysis: Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Eva Smith, also known as Daisy Renton, is the central figure in "An Inspector Calls," despite never appearing on stage. Her character serves as a catalyst for the play's events and themes.

Eva's journey is marked by a series of unfortunate encounters with the Birling family and Gerald Croft:

  1. Sacked by Mr. Birling from his factory for leading a strike for better pay
  2. Dismissed from a dress shop after Sheila's unjust complaint
  3. Became Gerald Croft's mistress under the name Daisy Renton
  4. Made pregnant by Eric Birling
  5. Refused help by Mrs. Birling's charity
  6. Ultimately committed suicide by swallowing disinfectant

Quote: "A lively looking girl - country bred" and a "good worker too" (Mr. Birling, p.14)

Eva Smith represents the working class and serves as a symbol of the consequences of social inequality and lack of responsibility. Her character highlights the themes of social justice and the interconnectedness of society.

Analysis: Eva Smith's changing names (from Eva to Daisy) can be seen as a metaphor for the different facets of her identity and how she is perceived by different characters in the play.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Character Analysis: Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is a mysterious and pivotal character in "An Inspector Calls." His arrival disrupts the Birling family celebration and sets the events of the play in motion.

Key characteristics of Inspector Goole:

  1. Interrupts the celebratory dinner with news of Eva Smith's suicide
  2. Questions each character methodically, revealing their connections to Eva
  3. Shows little regard for social class or status
  4. Concerned with honesty and justice
  5. Gradually takes control of the situation
  6. Delivers a powerful speech about social responsibility

Quote: "One person and one line of enquiry at a time. Otherwise, there's a muddle" (p. 12)

Inspector Goole's true identity remains ambiguous, adding to the play's mysterious and supernatural elements. His character serves as a moral compass and a catalyst for the other characters' self-examination.

Highlight: The question "Is Inspector Goole a ghost?" is a common point of discussion among readers and critics, adding to the play's interpretative depth.

Analysis: Inspector Goole can be seen as a representation of social conscience or even as a divine figure, forcing the characters to confront their moral failings.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Character Analysis: Mr. Birling

Mr. Arthur Birling is the patriarch of the Birling family and a prominent businessman in "An Inspector Calls." His character embodies the capitalist mindset and the older generation's resistance to social change.

Key aspects of Mr. Birling's character:

  1. Hosts the celebratory dinner for Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft
  2. Keen on uniting the Birling and Croft families in business and marriage
  3. Aspires to receive a knighthood
  4. Believes a man's responsibility is only to himself and his family
  5. Dismissed Eva Smith from his factory for leading a strike
  6. Tries to maintain control when Inspector Goole arrives but fails
  7. Fears scandal and attempts to protect his family's reputation

Quote: "I'm a hard-headed practical man of business" (p. 6)

Mr. Birling's character represents the older generation's outdated views and the capitalist mindset that prioritizes profit over people. His inability to learn from the events of the play highlights the theme of generational conflict.

Analysis: Mr. Birling's predictions about the future (such as the "unsinkable" Titanic) serve to undermine his credibility and highlight his shortsightedness.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Character Analysis: Mrs. Birling

Sybil Birling, the matriarch of the Birling family, represents the upper-class conservative values and social prejudices of her time. Her character plays a crucial role in the events surrounding Eva Smith's death.

Key aspects of Mrs. Birling's character:

  1. Adopts a superior tone with Inspector Goole
  2. Disgusted by Gerald's affair with Daisy Renton but quickly forgets when scandal seems avoided
  3. Uses her influence to prevent Eva Smith from receiving help from the charity
  4. Blames Eva Smith and the father of her unborn child for her death
  5. Claims to be the only one who stood up to the Inspector's questioning
  6. Struggles to accept her son Eric's involvement in Eva's fate

Quote: "That's something this public school- and - Varsity life you've had doesn't seem to teach you" (p.16)

Mrs. Birling's character highlights the theme of social responsibility and the consequences of prejudice. Her refusal to help Eva Smith, despite her position on the charity committee, demonstrates the hypocrisy of her social class.

Analysis: Mrs. Birling's inability to recognize her son's alcoholism ("you don't get drunk") shows her willful blindness to uncomfortable truths, a trait that extends to her social views.

an inspector calls
Act 1
Celebrating shella + Gerald's engagement
Inspector Gode arrives says Eva Smith commite
Ster Suicide
Mr Bining sees

Act 1 Summary

Act 1 of "An Inspector Calls" sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold throughout the play. The Birling family is celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft when they are interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. The inspector brings news of a young woman named Eva Smith who has committed suicide.

Highlight: The arrival of Inspector Goole marks a turning point in the play, disrupting the celebratory atmosphere and introducing the central mystery.

As the inspector begins his questioning, it becomes clear that each family member has a connection to Eva Smith. Mr. Birling admits to firing her from his factory for leading a strike for better pay. Sheila confesses to having Eva dismissed from her job at a dress shop out of jealousy.

Quote: "She'd had a lot to say - far too much - so she had to go" (Mr. Birling, p.15)

The act ends with the revelation that Gerald knew Eva Smith under a different name, Daisy Renton, hinting at a deeper involvement yet to be revealed.

Vocabulary: Strike - A refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

15 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying