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An Inspector Calls Flashcards
Free GCSE English Literature Revision Cards
From the Birling family dynamics to Priestley's socialist message, these free English Literature flashcards cover the key themes, characters and quotations in An Inspector Calls.
Question
Who wrote An Inspector Calls and when was it written/set?
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Answer
J.B. Priestley. Written in 1945, set in 1912 — the contrast between the date of writing and the setting is deliberate and significant.
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Question
What is the central message of the play?
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Answer
We are all responsible for one another — social responsibility. Priestley critiques capitalism, class privilege, and the selfishness of the upper classes, arguing for a more compassionate, socialist society.
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Question
Who is Inspector Goole and what does he represent?
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Answer
A mysterious police inspector who reveals the Birling family's role in Eva Smith's death. He may be a ghost, a time-traveller, or a moral symbol — he represents conscience, social responsibility, and socialist values.
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Question
What is the significance of the Inspector's final speech?
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Answer
"We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." He warns that if people don't learn this lesson voluntarily, they will be taught it in "fire and blood and anguish" — a reference to WWI and WWII.
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Question
How is Arthur Birling presented?
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Answer
Arrogant, self-made capitalist who believes individuals owe nothing to society. His confident predictions (dismissing risk of war, calling the Titanic unsinkable) are ironic — undermining his authority and worldview.
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Question
How does Sheila Birling change during the play?
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Answer
She begins self-absorbed and vain but is transformed by guilt about Eva Smith. By the end she accepts responsibility, refuses to forget the lesson, and rejects her parents' attempt to cover up the incident.
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Question
How does Eric Birling develop?
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Answer
Revealed as a thief and the man who got Eva Smith pregnant. Like Sheila, he accepts guilt and responsibility — he cannot return to the comfortable denial of his parents.
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Question
How is Mrs Birling presented?
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Answer
Cold, snobbish, and proud. Chairs a charity but used her influence to refuse help to Eva Smith. She refuses to accept any responsibility and blames the father of Eva's child — not realising it is her own son, Eric.
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Question
What is the role of Gerald Croft?
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Answer
He had a relationship with Eva Smith (calling herself Daisy Renton). He was kind to her but ultimately let her go when convenient. He represents the privileged man who uses women without consequence and ultimately does not change.
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Question
What is the significance of Eva Smith?
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Answer
She is never seen on stage — she exists only through others' accounts. Her name is symbolic: "Eva" (Eve — everywoman) and "Smith" (the common person). She represents all working-class people exploited by the privileged.
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