Preparation for writing your final piece of coursework!

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 M Mulligan FPHSM Mulligan FPHS 11

Preparation for writing Preparation for writing your final piece of your final piece of

coursework! coursework! Please make your own notes during this Please make your own notes during this

presentation. There is space next to each presentation. There is space next to each slide on your page. slide on your page.

WARNING!!! If you do not make notes WARNING!!! If you do not make notes now, you will not have a clue what to now, you will not have a clue what to

write in your coursework!write in your coursework!

M Mulligan FPHSM Mulligan FPHS 22April 20, 2023April 20, 2023

An Inspector CallsAn Inspector Calls

Explore the dramatic significance of Explore the dramatic significance of anyany three three entrancesentrances or or exitsexits in the play. in the play.

You might refer to:You might refer to:

Inspector Goole’s Inspector Goole’s arrivalarrivalSheila’s Sheila’s exitexit upon seeing the upon seeing the photographphotograph

Inspector Goole’s Inspector Goole’s exitexit You can refer to any others if you feel confident enough!You can refer to any others if you feel confident enough!


IntroductionIntroductionWhoWho wrote the play? wrote the play?

• J.B PriestleyJ.B Priestley• Born in Bradford he was brought up in his Born in Bradford he was brought up in his

father’s socialist circle of friends.father’s socialist circle of friends.• Priestley wanted to get across this idea of Priestley wanted to get across this idea of

socialism and community responsibility, socialism and community responsibility, especially when you think about when the play especially when you think about when the play was written, look at the historical and social was written, look at the historical and social context sheet to help you if you’ve forgotten.context sheet to help you if you’ve forgotten.

• Why is the play set in 1912 even though the Why is the play set in 1912 even though the audience would be watching it in 1945?audience would be watching it in 1945?


Hindsight and Dramatic IronyHindsight and Dramatic IronyHindsight is when the audience have Hindsight is when the audience have

more knowledge about the characters. more knowledge about the characters. Dramatic Irony is very similar. One Dramatic Irony is very similar. One

example is when Birling is making a example is when Birling is making a speech about how the Titanic will never speech about how the Titanic will never sink, we know he is an idiot with his sink, we know he is an idiot with his own head stuck up his backside as the own head stuck up his backside as the audience are watching the play after audience are watching the play after the Titanic has sank. the Titanic has sank.

Can you think of any more examples?Can you think of any more examples?

The impossibility of war… the audience

are watching this play just after two

massive world wars!


whenwhen and and wherewhere the play is set the play is set• Look at your Historical and Social Look at your Historical and Social

Context sheet for extra information Context sheet for extra information about when and where the play is about when and where the play is set.set.

• Why is the play set in Brumley? (An Why is the play set in Brumley? (An industrial town like Bradford)industrial town like Bradford)

• Why is the play set in the lavish and Why is the play set in the lavish and expensive dining room of the expensive dining room of the Birlings?Birlings?

• What about the props? How do they What about the props? How do they create the characters?create the characters?


Refer to the lighting of the room, how Refer to the lighting of the room, how it sets the tone of the play. What it sets the tone of the play. What does the description rose-tinted does the description rose-tinted mean to you?mean to you?

whywhy Inspector Goole visits Inspector Goole visitsOne or two sentences about Gerald’s One or two sentences about Gerald’s

discovery of the Inspector discovery of the Inspector laterlater in the in the play play

This is a Morality Play:This is a Morality Play:Instruct audiences about how man Instruct audiences about how man

should choose to be good over the should choose to be good over the temptations of evil.temptations of evil.


Mr Birling’s remarks before the Mr Birling’s remarks before the Inspector enters the scene p9 & Inspector enters the scene p9 &

1010““a man has to make his own way- has to a man has to make his own way- has to

look after himself and his family too, of look after himself and his family too, of course… and so long as he does that he course… and so long as he does that he won’t come to much harm.”won’t come to much harm.”

What has Mr Birling said before this point What has Mr Birling said before this point to suggest that he is probably very to suggest that he is probably very wrong in his statement? (In other words, wrong in his statement? (In other words, why is this comment a load of twaddle?)why is this comment a load of twaddle?)


Yes! You guessed it!Yes! You guessed it!Priestley has already prepared his audience Priestley has already prepared his audience

for what is to come next, we know that he for what is to come next, we know that he will not be safe from ‘much harm’ as we will not be safe from ‘much harm’ as we

cannot believe anything he says. The cannot believe anything he says. The audience have the use of audience have the use of hindsighthindsight when when

they hear him boasting about how the they hear him boasting about how the Titanic will definitely not sink. The Titanic will definitely not sink. The

audience are ready for a audience are ready for a tragedytragedy or his or his downfall. There is a lot of downfall. There is a lot of tensiontension after after

these comments. Priestley uses hindsight these comments. Priestley uses hindsight as a dramatic device in order to create as a dramatic device in order to create

tension.tension.


““community and all that community and all that nonsense”nonsense”

Think about the state of the country Think about the state of the country just after the war, when they are just after the war, when they are

watching the play, knowing that they watching the play, knowing that they have just had to pull together in have just had to pull together in

order to survive the war. The order to survive the war. The audience take an immediate dislike audience take an immediate dislike

towards Birling as he is clearly a towards Birling as he is clearly a selfish man. selfish man.


The doorbell as a dramatic device The doorbell as a dramatic device p11p11

““a man has to mind his own business and look a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own- and-”after himself and his own- and-”

We hear the sharp ring of a doorbellWe hear the sharp ring of a doorbell

““That’ll stop me giving you good advice… That’ll stop me giving you good advice… feeling contented, for once, I wanted you to feeling contented, for once, I wanted you to have the benefit of my experience.”have the benefit of my experience.”

The doorbell stops Birling’s pompous speech; it The doorbell stops Birling’s pompous speech; it is almost a signal for the audience, indicating is almost a signal for the audience, indicating that there is going to be a sudden end to his that there is going to be a sudden end to his selfish ways.selfish ways.


““unless Eric’s been up to something…”unless Eric’s been up to something…”

This little comment creates tension, the title of This little comment creates tension, the title of the play and Eric’s reaction to these words the play and Eric’s reaction to these words suggest that there has been some sort of crime suggest that there has been some sort of crime committed.committed.

““Give us some more light” p11Give us some more light” p11

The word light can be taken metaphorically or The word light can be taken metaphorically or literally; light as in turning on a lamp or light as literally; light as in turning on a lamp or light as in finding out the truth. Compare this comment in finding out the truth. Compare this comment to the ‘pink’ lighting on page 1. Have you ever to the ‘pink’ lighting on page 1. Have you ever heard the saying ‘rose-tinted glasses’?heard the saying ‘rose-tinted glasses’?


Inspector Goole’s arrivalInspector Goole’s arrival““Creates an impression of massiveness, Creates an impression of massiveness,

solidity and purposefulness… plain darkish solidity and purposefulness… plain darkish suit.” p11suit.” p11

His description creates a serious character, His description creates a serious character, the word ‘purposefulness’ suggests that the word ‘purposefulness’ suggests that he has a job to do and he will get it done. he has a job to do and he will get it done. The audience expect this character to The audience expect this character to create some action in the play. The create some action in the play. The inspector is a catalyst (creates movement, inspector is a catalyst (creates movement, action) for the events in the play. action) for the events in the play.


The name Goole is also a homophone (a The name Goole is also a homophone (a word that sounds the same as another) word that sounds the same as another) for the word ghoul. How do his actions for the word ghoul. How do his actions and description live up to this idea that and description live up to this idea that he is almost ghost-like? What impression he is almost ghost-like? What impression does he give the audience?does he give the audience?

““(Cutting through massively)” p12(Cutting through massively)” p12

Again, he interrupts bumbling Birling, Again, he interrupts bumbling Birling, reminding us of the doorbell and the reminding us of the doorbell and the powerful presence he has in the room.powerful presence he has in the room.


Mr Birling’s attempts to Mr Birling’s attempts to intimidate the Inspectorintimidate the Inspector

““Perhaps I ought to warn you that he’s an old Perhaps I ought to warn you that he’s an old friend of mine… we play golf together…” p16friend of mine… we play golf together…” p16

This comment shows how pretentious Birling This comment shows how pretentious Birling is. He thinks that his position in society gives is. He thinks that his position in society gives him power, even over the law. him power, even over the law.

Also, the fact that the inspector doesn’t “see Also, the fact that the inspector doesn’t “see much” of Chief Constable Colonel Roberts much” of Chief Constable Colonel Roberts and the emphasis on his name (the inspector and the emphasis on his name (the inspector even spells it out), are little hints that even spells it out), are little hints that suggest he may have a ghost like quality suggest he may have a ghost like quality about him. The audience feel the sense of about him. The audience feel the sense of mystery about him.mystery about him.


The photograph(s)?The photograph(s)?““Inspector: interposes himself between them Inspector: interposes himself between them

(Eric and Gerald) and the photograph” p12(Eric and Gerald) and the photograph” p12““one person at a time, that’s the way I like to do one person at a time, that’s the way I like to do

things.” p12things.” p12Shows he is very thorough and in control. He is Shows he is very thorough and in control. He is

also showing his authority to the Birling’s; they also showing his authority to the Birling’s; they are used to being in charge, look at Birling’s are used to being in charge, look at Birling’s threats earlier. Imagine you are sat in the threats earlier. Imagine you are sat in the audience, someone whispers to their friend audience, someone whispers to their friend next to them; ‘what if there is more than one next to them; ‘what if there is more than one photo?’ What is the reaction of the audience? photo?’ What is the reaction of the audience?

Also, think about what happens when each Also, think about what happens when each person is shown a photo. The audience begin person is shown a photo. The audience begin to associate this prop with bad news.to associate this prop with bad news.


Sheila’s exit P21 Sheila’s exit P21 ““Sheila: (staring at him agitated) when was this?Sheila: (staring at him agitated) when was this?Inspector: (impressively) At the end of January- Inspector: (impressively) At the end of January-

last year”last year”

Actions are a major part of a play, they add Actions are a major part of a play, they add tension to a scene. Sheila’s reaction tension to a scene. Sheila’s reaction immediately tells the audience that she had immediately tells the audience that she had some part in Eva’s sacking, it also shows her some part in Eva’s sacking, it also shows her upset and worry at being involved in a young upset and worry at being involved in a young girl’s death.girl’s death.

Look at the inspector’s actions, what does the Look at the inspector’s actions, what does the word impressively mean?word impressively mean?


p21p21Inspector: …I’ll show youInspector: …I’ll show youHe moves nearer a light… she crosses to him… He moves nearer a light… she crosses to him… These stage directions or actions create a slight These stage directions or actions create a slight

pause before the photo is shown to Sheila. The pause before the photo is shown to Sheila. The audience are waiting with anticipation, they audience are waiting with anticipation, they are expecting a reaction or some sort of are expecting a reaction or some sort of acknowledgement from Sheila. Again, the use acknowledgement from Sheila. Again, the use of light refers to the truth coming about.of light refers to the truth coming about.

..she looks closely, recognises it with a little cry, ..she looks closely, recognises it with a little cry, gives a half-stifled sob, and then runs outgives a half-stifled sob, and then runs out

Sheila’s reaction is very different to Birling’s. Sheila’s reaction is very different to Birling’s. Why do you think this is? The movement on Why do you think this is? The movement on such a composed and still stage adds more such a composed and still stage adds more drama and excitement to the scene. drama and excitement to the scene.


Then everyone leaves apart from Then everyone leaves apart from Gerald and EricGerald and Eric

P21 Gerald: I’d like to have a look at that photo P21 Gerald: I’d like to have a look at that photo now…now…

Inspector: all in good timeInspector: all in good time

p22 Inspector to Eric:p22 Inspector to Eric:If you turn in, you might have to turn out again If you turn in, you might have to turn out again

soonsoon

The contrast of the dramatic exit of Sheila, followed The contrast of the dramatic exit of Sheila, followed by her father, and the uncomfortable and calm by her father, and the uncomfortable and calm moment after he has left creates a lot of tension. moment after he has left creates a lot of tension. The words exchanged between Eric, Gerald and The words exchanged between Eric, Gerald and the inspector ‘hook’ the audience in, they are the inspector ‘hook’ the audience in, they are now waiting or expecting to see how Eric and now waiting or expecting to see how Eric and Gerald are implicated in Eva Smith’s death.Gerald are implicated in Eva Smith’s death.


Inspector’s final commentary Inspector’s final commentary and his final exit P55 and his final exit P55

““Inspector: Inspector: (taking charge, masterfully)(taking charge, masterfully) Stop!” Stop!”This sudden outburst from such a calm and This sudden outburst from such a calm and

controlled character grabs the attention of the controlled character grabs the attention of the Birlings and the audience. The contrasting Birlings and the audience. The contrasting quietness after the squabbling of the family quietness after the squabbling of the family creates an ideal atmosphere for the purposeful creates an ideal atmosphere for the purposeful speech from the inspector.speech from the inspector.

As he speaks to them one by one, you can imagine As he speaks to them one by one, you can imagine them lined up like a police inspection, this is a them lined up like a police inspection, this is a reminder for the audience, how each of them reminder for the audience, how each of them were involved in the death of a young woman were involved in the death of a young woman before we are expected to make a final decision before we are expected to make a final decision as to who is guilty. Who killed Eva Smith?as to who is guilty. Who killed Eva Smith?


““Just remember this…there are millions and Just remember this…there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us…We are members of Smiths still left with us…We are members of one body… If men will not learn that lesson one body… If men will not learn that lesson then they will be taught it in fire, and blood then they will be taught it in fire, and blood and anguish.”and anguish.”

There is a message for the Birlings as well as There is a message for the Birlings as well as the audience. What does the inspector mean the audience. What does the inspector mean by fire, blood and anguish? Who or what is by fire, blood and anguish? Who or what is the inspector? How does this speech contrast the inspector? How does this speech contrast with Birling’s first speech on pages 9&10? with Birling’s first speech on pages 9&10?

Have the Birling’s learned their lesson? Have the Birling’s learned their lesson?


What are the Birling’s thoughts and What are the Birling’s thoughts and feelings towards their actions?feelings towards their actions?Have they learned their lesson?Have they learned their lesson?

1.1. Find two quotes to show each of the Find two quotes to show each of the family’s reactions. One when the family’s reactions. One when the inspector is in the room and another inspector is in the room and another when he has left. Are their reactions when he has left. Are their reactions sincere (do they really feel bad about sincere (do they really feel bad about what has happened)?what has happened)?

2.2. Why do the younger members of the Why do the younger members of the family seem to have more sympathy family seem to have more sympathy and understanding than Sybil and and understanding than Sybil and Birling? (Think about the historical and Birling? (Think about the historical and social context.)social context.)


You are now going to learn how You are now going to learn how to PEE with Ali Gto PEE with Ali G

Me is ere to help you Me is ere to help you get a wicked grade for get a wicked grade for your writin’.your writin’.

I is not wantin’ you to I is not wantin’ you to PEE yourselves man… PEE yourselves man… don’t be so mingin’.don’t be so mingin’.

PointPointEvidenceEvidenceExplanationExplanation


Every time you make a Every time you make a pointpoint, use some , use some evidenceevidence (quote) to back it up. Then (quote) to back it up. Then explainexplain

why you have used that piece of evidence.why you have used that piece of evidence.

P:P: That Birling man is a muppet, he is not a That Birling man is a muppet, he is not a smooth talker like meself with me Julie, he smooth talker like meself with me Julie, he hasn’t a clue wot ‘e is sayin’.hasn’t a clue wot ‘e is sayin’.

E:E: “…absolutely unsinkable.” “…absolutely unsinkable.”E:E: This guy is so fik that he don’t even know da This guy is so fik that he don’t even know da

Titanic sank ages ago. How can da people Titanic sank ages ago. How can da people respec’ da man if he’s full of it? Where’s dis guy respec’ da man if he’s full of it? Where’s dis guy been? Ain’t he seen da film? been? Ain’t he seen da film?

Make sure you always PEE!

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Preparation for writing your final piece of coursework!