Grade 9 An Inspector Calls Essays (AQA English
Literature Paper 2)
Essay Questions:
1. How does Priestley present the character of Sheila in An Inspector
Calls?
2. How is the theme of responsibility presented in the play?
3. How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector?
4. How is the generation gap presented in the play?
5. How does Priestley present the theme of social class?
Essay 1: How does Priestley present the character of Sheila in An
Inspector Calls?
Sheila Birling undergoes the most significant character development in
Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. Initially portrayed as naive and playful, she
evolves into a voice of conscience and social awareness, embodying
Priestley’s message of change and responsibility.
At the beginning, Sheila is described as "very pleased with life and rather
excited." This stage direction suggests youthfulness and privilege,
reflecting her sheltered upper-middle-class upbringing. She is initially
unaware of the realities outside her social bubble.
However, Sheila’s reaction to the Inspector’s revelations is immediate and
sincere. When she hears of Eva Smith’s suicide, she responds emotionally:
"But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people." This shift in tone
shows growing empathy and moral awareness. Priestley uses Sheila to
challenge capitalist attitudes, especially her father’s.
Sheila’s guilt over her role in Eva’s downfall is genuine. She admits, "I
know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry." Unlike her parents, she
accepts responsibility. Priestley uses this contrast to highlight the
potential for change in the younger generation.
As the play progresses, Sheila becomes more assertive. She challenges
Gerald, saying, "You were the wonderful Fairy Prince. You must have
adored it, Gerald." Her sarcasm and independence signal a departure
from the submissive daughter trope. By Act Three, she openly criticises
, her parents’ lack of remorse: "You’re just beginning to pretend all over
again."
Through Sheila, Priestley suggests that hope for a better, more socially
responsible future lies with the younger generation.
Essay 2: How is the theme of responsibility presented in the play?
Responsibility is the central theme of An Inspector Calls. Priestley explores
it through the characters’ reactions to Eva Smith’s death, contrasting
those who accept blame with those who deflect it.
Mr Birling represents a lack of social responsibility. His capitalist views are
summed up in: "A man has to mind his own business and look after
himself." Priestley undermines this philosophy through dramatic irony and
the consequences of his actions, showing its moral failure.
In contrast, the Inspector acts as Priestley’s moral voice. He asserts, "We
are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." This
collective responsibility challenges the individualism of characters like Mr
Birling and supports socialist ideals.
Sheila and Eric embody personal accountability. Sheila says, "I know I’m
to blame," and Eric admits, "We did her in all right." Their willingness to
change highlights Priestley’s hope in the younger generation’s moral
growth.
Gerald, Mr, and Mrs Birling refuse to learn from the experience. Gerald
says, "Everything’s all right now, Sheila," and Mr Birling celebrates the
Inspector being a fake. Priestley uses their lack of development to critique
complacency in the upper classes.
Through the play, Priestley argues that social responsibility is essential to
a just society. The Inspector’s final warning — "fire and blood and
anguish" — serves as a caution to audiences about the dangers of
ignoring this duty.
Essay 3: How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector?
The Inspector is a crucial figure in An Inspector Calls, serving as Priestley’s
mouthpiece, moral conscience, and dramatic catalyst. His mysterious
Literature Paper 2)
Essay Questions:
1. How does Priestley present the character of Sheila in An Inspector
Calls?
2. How is the theme of responsibility presented in the play?
3. How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector?
4. How is the generation gap presented in the play?
5. How does Priestley present the theme of social class?
Essay 1: How does Priestley present the character of Sheila in An
Inspector Calls?
Sheila Birling undergoes the most significant character development in
Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. Initially portrayed as naive and playful, she
evolves into a voice of conscience and social awareness, embodying
Priestley’s message of change and responsibility.
At the beginning, Sheila is described as "very pleased with life and rather
excited." This stage direction suggests youthfulness and privilege,
reflecting her sheltered upper-middle-class upbringing. She is initially
unaware of the realities outside her social bubble.
However, Sheila’s reaction to the Inspector’s revelations is immediate and
sincere. When she hears of Eva Smith’s suicide, she responds emotionally:
"But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people." This shift in tone
shows growing empathy and moral awareness. Priestley uses Sheila to
challenge capitalist attitudes, especially her father’s.
Sheila’s guilt over her role in Eva’s downfall is genuine. She admits, "I
know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry." Unlike her parents, she
accepts responsibility. Priestley uses this contrast to highlight the
potential for change in the younger generation.
As the play progresses, Sheila becomes more assertive. She challenges
Gerald, saying, "You were the wonderful Fairy Prince. You must have
adored it, Gerald." Her sarcasm and independence signal a departure
from the submissive daughter trope. By Act Three, she openly criticises
, her parents’ lack of remorse: "You’re just beginning to pretend all over
again."
Through Sheila, Priestley suggests that hope for a better, more socially
responsible future lies with the younger generation.
Essay 2: How is the theme of responsibility presented in the play?
Responsibility is the central theme of An Inspector Calls. Priestley explores
it through the characters’ reactions to Eva Smith’s death, contrasting
those who accept blame with those who deflect it.
Mr Birling represents a lack of social responsibility. His capitalist views are
summed up in: "A man has to mind his own business and look after
himself." Priestley undermines this philosophy through dramatic irony and
the consequences of his actions, showing its moral failure.
In contrast, the Inspector acts as Priestley’s moral voice. He asserts, "We
are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." This
collective responsibility challenges the individualism of characters like Mr
Birling and supports socialist ideals.
Sheila and Eric embody personal accountability. Sheila says, "I know I’m
to blame," and Eric admits, "We did her in all right." Their willingness to
change highlights Priestley’s hope in the younger generation’s moral
growth.
Gerald, Mr, and Mrs Birling refuse to learn from the experience. Gerald
says, "Everything’s all right now, Sheila," and Mr Birling celebrates the
Inspector being a fake. Priestley uses their lack of development to critique
complacency in the upper classes.
Through the play, Priestley argues that social responsibility is essential to
a just society. The Inspector’s final warning — "fire and blood and
anguish" — serves as a caution to audiences about the dangers of
ignoring this duty.
Essay 3: How does Priestley use the character of the Inspector?
The Inspector is a crucial figure in An Inspector Calls, serving as Priestley’s
mouthpiece, moral conscience, and dramatic catalyst. His mysterious
