Year 10 Knowledge Organiser - An Inspector Calls
This comprehensive study guide provides essential information for Year 10 students studying J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" for their GCSE English Text examination. The document covers crucial aspects of the play, including historical context, plot structure, character analysis, and key quotes.
Context
The guide begins by outlining J.B. Priestley's life and career, highlighting significant events that influenced his writing:
Highlight: Priestley's experiences during World War I and his subsequent education at Cambridge shaped his political and social views, which are reflected in the play.
The historical context is presented in two parts:
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1912 England: The setting of the play, characterized by work strikes, workers' rights issues, the suffragette movement, and a rigid class system.
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1945 England: The time when the play was written, marked by post-war social changes, including improved workers' rights, the establishment of trade unions, and the creation of the National Health Service.
Example: The contrast between these two periods is symbolized by images of suffragettes and the NHS logo, illustrating the social progress made between 1912 and 1945.
Plot Structure
The plot is divided into three acts, providing a clear overview of the story's progression:
Act One introduces the Birling family and their celebration of Sheila's engagement, which is interrupted by Inspector Goole's arrival.
Act Two focuses on the questioning of Gerald and Mrs. Birling, revealing their connections to Eva Smith/Daisy Renton.
Act Three concludes with Eric's confession, the Inspector's powerful speech, and the family's realization that the Inspector may not have been real.
Quote: "The Inspector makes a dramatic speech about the consequences of selfish behaviour and social irresponsibility."
Characterisation
The guide offers detailed character profiles for all main characters, including:
- Mr. Arthur Birling: Described as a capitalist, arrogant, and stubborn industrialist
- Mrs. Sybil Birling: Portrayed as judgmental, traditional, and controlling
- Sheila Birling: Characterized as intelligent, emotional, and transformative
- Eric Birling: Depicted as irresponsible, spoilt, and reckless
- Gerald Croft: Presented as aristocratic, secretive, and privileged
- Eva Smith: Described as working-class, determined, and vulnerable
- Inspector Goole: Portrayed as Priestley's mouthpiece, impressive, and commanding
Vocabulary: Allegorical - A character or story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Key Quotes
The document concludes with a selection of important quotes for each character, providing students with valuable material for textual analysis and essay writing.
Definition: Key quotes are significant lines from the play that reveal character traits, themes, or important plot points.
This An Inspector Calls study guide for year 10 serves as an excellent resource for students preparing for their GCSE English Text examination, offering a comprehensive overview of the play's most important elements.
