An Inspector Calls - Structuring a response

Hi,

For Section A of Lit Paper 2, you have to answer one essay question on An Inspector Calls. 

Here are the question focused covered in the sample papers provided by AQA:

• how and why does Sheila change
• responsibility
• contrasts between young and old
• the ending

So what could come up in your exam? The answer is... almost anything. You need to be prepared for a range of questions.

However, it's likely that your question will either be something that has not been covered in the bullet points above - perhaps a question focused on one of the characters. Mr or Mrs Birling? Eric? Gerald? Eva? The Inspector? I also like the 'contrasts' question: think young/old, rich/poor, capitalist/socialist, realism/the unreal ending. Dichotomies.

The rest of this post is lifted from an old blog of mine on Mr Birling. I think a question on Inspector Goole (or Eric,or even Gerald) is more likely (as Mr Birling did come up in the year I wrote this post!) - and I'll try to blog on this subject too.

So, what might a question on Mr B look like?

• How does Priestley undermine Mr Birling in An Inspector Calls?
• Mr Birling is a static character and is nothing more than a personification of capitalism. How does Priestley use Mr Birling to criticise capitalism?

Here's some thoughts about how to structure an answer to one of these questions:


Intro - first impressions:
stage directions and early dialogue - 'provincial speech' and manner hints at modest roots, but he's very quickly forgotten where he came from. Selfish and business obsessed - even at daughter's engagement: 'lower costs and higher prices' - Priestley hinting at his attitude towards his workers. Desperate to impress Gerald and possibly insecure. Hints that he's not as 'comfortable' as he tries to make out. Worries about the Crofts not being there and whether the celebration is lavish enough.

Dramatic irony:
Titanic - obvious reference which makes him sound buffoon-like. Repetition and categorical assertions ('unsinkable... absolutely unsinkable) highlight his over-confidence. War - more emotive. The references to 1940, Russia and H.G Wells/G.B Shaw would resonate with a 1940s audience in particular, and highlight the capitalist/socialist dichotomy.

Interrogation:
His attempts to intimidate Goole show that he's self-important and feels like he should be above the law. He is set up for a fall. Defensive quotes: 'If everyone was responsible...awkward.' etc. Euphemisms: 'horrid business'.

Comments on the interrogation of others:
Initially seems glad to not be the only one involved. Criticises others. Defends Gerald's adultery etc.

Realisation:
'Inspector, I'd give thousands' etc.

Ending:
Ends up laughing at the 'famous younger generation'. Circular structure mirrors his return to complacency. Somewhat lighthearted, silly language shows his growing excitement at getting away with it. 'By jingo, a fake.'

Conclusion:
Birling = capitalism. Static character intended to personify all the faults and complacency of Edwardian England - which led us, in Priestley's view, to war. Characterisation is not subtle - we are meant to see him as a buffoon from the very start. Whatever he says after the Titanic reference is not to be trusted - neither are his capitalist views. Titanic as metaphor for Birlings with their confidence, wealth and ultimately, their downfall.


A simple plan to try for any question is:

1) Early impressions of ___________ (theme or character)
2) Development
3) Endings (the character or theme's eventual destination)
4) Conclusion - interpret (Priestley message + the big picture)



In addition, I've found this helpful revision powerpoint. Take a look.

I'll try to do a similar plan 

   

Keep revising - and let me know if you need anything.



Mr M