The document provides 13 discussion questions about the play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley. The questions cover the plot, characters, themes, context, and how to prepare for an assessment on the play. Some of the key questions ask how the author creates sympathy for Eva Smith and shapes impressions of different characters, the role of social class in Eva's story, and Priestley's message about responsibility and socialism.
The document provides 13 discussion questions about the play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley. The questions cover the plot, characters, themes, context, and how to prepare for an assessment on the play. Some of the key questions ask how the author creates sympathy for Eva Smith and shapes impressions of different characters, the role of social class in Eva's story, and Priestley's message about responsibility and socialism.
The document provides 13 discussion questions about the play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley. The questions cover the plot, characters, themes, context, and how to prepare for an assessment on the play. Some of the key questions ask how the author creates sympathy for Eva Smith and shapes impressions of different characters, the role of social class in Eva's story, and Priestley's message about responsibility and socialism.
1 Plot Overview • How does the first act and scene position the audience to like or dis- like the Birling family? • What do we learn about the characters as we meet them? • How does the play’s structure engage the audience? 2-3 Arthur and Sybil Birling • How does the author create such a negative impression of Arthur, even before we know of his role in Eva Smith’s death? • Why does the author choose to give Sybil Birling a role in a charity? How does this contrast with her treatment of Eva Smith? • How does Sybil’s treatment of her children create problems for Eva Smith? 4 Sheila Birling • What does Sheila do to contribute to Eva’s death? • How is Sheila’s behaviour different to that of her family? • How does Sheila respond to her brother and to Gerald? 5-6 Eric Birling and Gerald • How do Eric and Gerald react to the Inspector? Croft • Does either character take responsibility for their role in Eva’s death? Explain. • Do what extent does either character change? 7 Eva Smith • Was Eva Smith wise or unwise to stand up to Mr Birling? Explain. • Could Eva Smith have escaped her fate? • How does the author create sympathy for Eva Smith? 8 Inspector Goole • How does Mr Birling react to the Inspector’s presence? Why? • How does the author make Inspector Goole seem threatening, myste- rious or oppressive? 9 Themes and Ideas • What’s the role of social class in the events of An Inspector Calls? • What moral argument do you think the author is making and why? To what extent do you agree with this argument? 10 Socialism and • How would the story of Eva Smith have been different in a socialist Responsibility system? • Who should have been responsible for Eva Smith when she was in Mr Birling’s factory? When she lost her job at the department store? When she was pregnant and penniless? Why? 11 Context of An Inspector • How does the author distinguish between the younger and older peo- Calls ple in the play, and their reaction to the story of Eva Smith? • Does the play leave us hopeful for a better future, or hopeless? 12 JB Priestley: the man and • How did Priestley’s own life experiences shape the play? the message • Priestley set the play in 1912 but published it in 1946. Why do you think this is? How had social values changed during this period? 13 Assessment • What is the examiner looking for? • How to I distinguish myself from other students? • What have I learned from my last assessment, to do better this time? • What sorts of mistakes are common, and how can I avoid them?