Vocab to use: superficial (true only on the surface), portentous (overly solemn trying to impress),
solemn (formal), sermon (talk on religious/moral subject), biblical, advocating, deflective,
euphonism (less harsh way of saying something), sensibilities (sensitivity), provincial (regions
outside a capital, narrow-minded), pompous (formal, self-important), impertinence (lack of
respect), etiquette, vain (excessively proud of one’s appearance), vindicative/spiteful (wish for
revenge/harm), provision (providing/supplying something), tactful (skill in dealing with difficult
situations), prosperity/prosperous (material successful), pessimistic (expecting the worst),
scrutiny, remorse, prejudice (preconceived opinion not based on fact), callous (cruel disregard
for others), petulant (childishly sulky), pretence (make something not the case seem true),
hypocrisy, exploitation, whims (sudden desire or change of mind), gallant (brave/heroic),
conventional, introspection (examination/observation of one’s mental and emotional processes),
gravitas (seriousness), infantilize (treat someone as a child), reproach (disapproval of
something), reminiscent (reminding one of something), colloquial (casual), snob (high socially,
looks down on lower classes), ambivalent (uncertain), genial (friendly and cheerful), martyr (kill
because of their beliefs), didactic (to teach on morals), subservient (obey others unquestioned),
woefully (sorrow/misery)
Categorise into ACT and THEME:
Useful Info -
à 3 acts. Classical Greek drama structure. 3 unities of time, place and action.
à Division between upper and lower classes shows misuse of power and vulnerability.
à Teaches the audience a lesson.
à Set in 1912 before the war, written after WW2.
à Brumley with Lord Mayor and Chief Constable, impoverished town.
à Milwards caters for the needs of the richer families.
à Birling family’s life is materialistic and focused on money rather than family.
à Stage setting realistic (setting, storyline, language) and natural. Sense of reality and familiarity
contrasts unreal elements such as identity of inspector and mysterious ending. Very precise
stage directions, actors portray these characteristics.
à Begins: “they are pleased with themselves”
à Opens and closes with selfishness of the Birlings. Return to the beginning suggests social
responsibility will not easily be brushed aside.
à Priestley utilises dramatic pauses to build tension. The Inspector uses them to make
characters feel uncomfortable and control the pace.
Mr Birling -
à Distaste for social responsibility, only for own family. Feels inferior to Gerald’s family, tries to
raise status (knighthood). Sees the engagement as a useful point of contact for business
relations.
à Keen to avoid scandal. Driven chiefly by money and status, little care for live of those affected
by him.
à “I’m talking as a hard-headed practical man of business”
à “community and all that nonsense”
à “the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke”.
à “a heavy looking, rather portentous man” – Overly solemn (formal) trying to impress. Certain
gravitas. Well fed à well off. Takes himself a little too seriously.
,à “unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” – Dramatic irony where audience knows it sinks. Other
incorrect predictions such as war not breaking out with Germany and further strikes being
unlikely, undermining our faith in his opinions with society. Discredits him. Says talk of way is
“silly pessimistic talk”.
à “The way some of these cranks talk and write now” – Insulting term for those who have
unusual ideas. Theme of responsibility, play challenges Birling’s ideas. “If you don’t come down
sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the Earth”.
à “ a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own” Summarises his
capital sentiment whilst instilling masculine values about being selfish. Sharply interrupted by
Inspector’s arrival who will challenge his attitude.
à “I don’t like your tone” Tries to intimidate the inspector by belittling and infantilizing him, almost
telling him off. Inspector doesn’t react to this however, and Arthur is not impressed.
à “You’re the one I blame for this” Blames Eric instead of taking responsibility, incapable of
doing so.
à “But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours list”. Short sentence
made it seem like he cared temporarily, but unsurprisingly only cares about himself and his
opportunities. Claims he was “certain” despite it only being proposed, and will likely blame the
scandal should he not get the recognition he feels he deserved.
à Appearance of respectability matters to him, he wants his importance to be recognised.
Believes his duty of to keep labour costs down and not consider the needs of workers.
à Tries to intimidate the Inspector by mentioning past roles such as “Alderman” and “Lord
Mayor” but this is unsuccessful.
à His primary concern is to avoid scandal, motivated by material things and not his duty to
mankind.
à His own son seeing him as unapproachable adds to the unsympathetic view.
à Character hasn’t developed by the end of the play, remains selfish throughout.
à His language becomes more colloquial, showing how his authority is breaking down. He uses
euphemisms when referring to taboo subjects.
Mrs Birling -
à Absent in early conversations “cold”.
à She is shocked by her children’s use of informal language such as ‘squiffy’. Difference of
language between the generations show how things are changing.
à Very aware of her position in society. Sees lower classes as different in wealth and power, and
in emotion and morals. Believes she is above question and reproach.
à Regards the Inspector’s questions as a form of ‘impertinence’.
à “A rather cold women and her husband’s social superior”. Her husband tells her “Good dinner
[…] tell cook from me” and she tells him his behaviour is not appropriate. Her knowledge of
etiquette is superior to her husband.
à Her attention to small things shows she has little awareness about what is important, as well
as her objection to Sheila’s use of the word “squiffy”. When Gerald mentions “the women of the
town” (referring to prostitutes) she says it would be much better if Shiela didn’t listen to the story.
à She refers to Eva as a “girl of that sort” indicating a lack of understanding of the nature of
people, attempting to justify her refusal of Eva to the committee. She objects to Eva’s “ridiculous
airs” and claiming “fine feelings”, she doesn’t believe she’s capable of feelings.
, à She blames the child of the father for Eva’s death and believes he “ought to be dealt with very
very severely”. When Eric is revealed as the father this is the only time she feeling distraught
until the Inspector leaves, quickly recovering her arrogance.
à She questions the authority of the Inspector and learns nothing by the end of the play.
à When asked if she should carry on as before she replies “Well, why shouldn’t we?”. For her it
is not important to act in a compassionate or just manner, it is the appearance of respectability
that counts.
à “I’ve done nothing wrong – and you know it”.
à Stage directions of her actions change as pretence is revealed “grandly”, “triumphantly”,
becomes “distressed”, “staggered”, “alarmed”.
à Her language is quite abrupt and dismissive. She is a snob.
à Uses imperatives (urgent language) to command the Inspector conveying superiority,
confidence and self-assurance.
Eric -
à “in his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive.”
à “Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices” “I’d have let
her stay”
à “I was in that state where a chap easily turns nasty”
à “I wasn’t in love with her or anything – but I liked her – she was pretty and a good sport”.
à “She didn’t want me to marry her. Said I didn’t love her”
à “You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble”
à “You killed her […] your own grandchild”
à “(shouting) And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her”
à “I’m not likely to forget” “It’s still the same rotten story”.
à From the beginning he is out of place, laughing for no reason (“suddenly guffaws”). Shiela
describes him as “squiffy”, meaning slightly drunk. He has hidden his alcohol addiction from his
mother, this not being very hard as she pays little attention.
à He comments on the importance women attach to clothing whilst the men chat but breaks off
suddenly suggesting he is hiding something.
à He is compassionate, has great shock and is quick to condemn the behaviour of his father
and sister. “It’s a bit thick” thinks she is extremely arrogant.
à Steals from his father’s office in an attempt to make some provision for getting Eva pregnant.
Mr Birling cares more about covering this up to prevent a scandal than Eva’s actual death.
à Very poor relationship with his mother and father, Arthur is critical of him and believes he has
learnt little and is spoilt. Acts as a dramatic irritant to his father challenging his ideology –
contradicting and interrupting him.
à Euphonism for sexual assault “that’s when it happened”.
à Language is fragmented as he becomes emotional / hysterical.
à “That’s the hellish thing. Oh – my god!” Semantic field of heaven and hell describing what he
did to Eva.
à Despite his immaturity and drinking problems he still learns the lessons taught by the
Inspector. By the end he wants to change. Recognises the necessity to accept responsibility.
Gerald -
à Met Daisy Renton at Palace Variety Bar where local politician paying her unwanted attention.
à Protects sensibilities of women with a euphemism (“ladies of the night”).
solemn (formal), sermon (talk on religious/moral subject), biblical, advocating, deflective,
euphonism (less harsh way of saying something), sensibilities (sensitivity), provincial (regions
outside a capital, narrow-minded), pompous (formal, self-important), impertinence (lack of
respect), etiquette, vain (excessively proud of one’s appearance), vindicative/spiteful (wish for
revenge/harm), provision (providing/supplying something), tactful (skill in dealing with difficult
situations), prosperity/prosperous (material successful), pessimistic (expecting the worst),
scrutiny, remorse, prejudice (preconceived opinion not based on fact), callous (cruel disregard
for others), petulant (childishly sulky), pretence (make something not the case seem true),
hypocrisy, exploitation, whims (sudden desire or change of mind), gallant (brave/heroic),
conventional, introspection (examination/observation of one’s mental and emotional processes),
gravitas (seriousness), infantilize (treat someone as a child), reproach (disapproval of
something), reminiscent (reminding one of something), colloquial (casual), snob (high socially,
looks down on lower classes), ambivalent (uncertain), genial (friendly and cheerful), martyr (kill
because of their beliefs), didactic (to teach on morals), subservient (obey others unquestioned),
woefully (sorrow/misery)
Categorise into ACT and THEME:
Useful Info -
à 3 acts. Classical Greek drama structure. 3 unities of time, place and action.
à Division between upper and lower classes shows misuse of power and vulnerability.
à Teaches the audience a lesson.
à Set in 1912 before the war, written after WW2.
à Brumley with Lord Mayor and Chief Constable, impoverished town.
à Milwards caters for the needs of the richer families.
à Birling family’s life is materialistic and focused on money rather than family.
à Stage setting realistic (setting, storyline, language) and natural. Sense of reality and familiarity
contrasts unreal elements such as identity of inspector and mysterious ending. Very precise
stage directions, actors portray these characteristics.
à Begins: “they are pleased with themselves”
à Opens and closes with selfishness of the Birlings. Return to the beginning suggests social
responsibility will not easily be brushed aside.
à Priestley utilises dramatic pauses to build tension. The Inspector uses them to make
characters feel uncomfortable and control the pace.
Mr Birling -
à Distaste for social responsibility, only for own family. Feels inferior to Gerald’s family, tries to
raise status (knighthood). Sees the engagement as a useful point of contact for business
relations.
à Keen to avoid scandal. Driven chiefly by money and status, little care for live of those affected
by him.
à “I’m talking as a hard-headed practical man of business”
à “community and all that nonsense”
à “the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke”.
à “a heavy looking, rather portentous man” – Overly solemn (formal) trying to impress. Certain
gravitas. Well fed à well off. Takes himself a little too seriously.
,à “unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” – Dramatic irony where audience knows it sinks. Other
incorrect predictions such as war not breaking out with Germany and further strikes being
unlikely, undermining our faith in his opinions with society. Discredits him. Says talk of way is
“silly pessimistic talk”.
à “The way some of these cranks talk and write now” – Insulting term for those who have
unusual ideas. Theme of responsibility, play challenges Birling’s ideas. “If you don’t come down
sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the Earth”.
à “ a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own” Summarises his
capital sentiment whilst instilling masculine values about being selfish. Sharply interrupted by
Inspector’s arrival who will challenge his attitude.
à “I don’t like your tone” Tries to intimidate the inspector by belittling and infantilizing him, almost
telling him off. Inspector doesn’t react to this however, and Arthur is not impressed.
à “You’re the one I blame for this” Blames Eric instead of taking responsibility, incapable of
doing so.
à “But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours list”. Short sentence
made it seem like he cared temporarily, but unsurprisingly only cares about himself and his
opportunities. Claims he was “certain” despite it only being proposed, and will likely blame the
scandal should he not get the recognition he feels he deserved.
à Appearance of respectability matters to him, he wants his importance to be recognised.
Believes his duty of to keep labour costs down and not consider the needs of workers.
à Tries to intimidate the Inspector by mentioning past roles such as “Alderman” and “Lord
Mayor” but this is unsuccessful.
à His primary concern is to avoid scandal, motivated by material things and not his duty to
mankind.
à His own son seeing him as unapproachable adds to the unsympathetic view.
à Character hasn’t developed by the end of the play, remains selfish throughout.
à His language becomes more colloquial, showing how his authority is breaking down. He uses
euphemisms when referring to taboo subjects.
Mrs Birling -
à Absent in early conversations “cold”.
à She is shocked by her children’s use of informal language such as ‘squiffy’. Difference of
language between the generations show how things are changing.
à Very aware of her position in society. Sees lower classes as different in wealth and power, and
in emotion and morals. Believes she is above question and reproach.
à Regards the Inspector’s questions as a form of ‘impertinence’.
à “A rather cold women and her husband’s social superior”. Her husband tells her “Good dinner
[…] tell cook from me” and she tells him his behaviour is not appropriate. Her knowledge of
etiquette is superior to her husband.
à Her attention to small things shows she has little awareness about what is important, as well
as her objection to Sheila’s use of the word “squiffy”. When Gerald mentions “the women of the
town” (referring to prostitutes) she says it would be much better if Shiela didn’t listen to the story.
à She refers to Eva as a “girl of that sort” indicating a lack of understanding of the nature of
people, attempting to justify her refusal of Eva to the committee. She objects to Eva’s “ridiculous
airs” and claiming “fine feelings”, she doesn’t believe she’s capable of feelings.
, à She blames the child of the father for Eva’s death and believes he “ought to be dealt with very
very severely”. When Eric is revealed as the father this is the only time she feeling distraught
until the Inspector leaves, quickly recovering her arrogance.
à She questions the authority of the Inspector and learns nothing by the end of the play.
à When asked if she should carry on as before she replies “Well, why shouldn’t we?”. For her it
is not important to act in a compassionate or just manner, it is the appearance of respectability
that counts.
à “I’ve done nothing wrong – and you know it”.
à Stage directions of her actions change as pretence is revealed “grandly”, “triumphantly”,
becomes “distressed”, “staggered”, “alarmed”.
à Her language is quite abrupt and dismissive. She is a snob.
à Uses imperatives (urgent language) to command the Inspector conveying superiority,
confidence and self-assurance.
Eric -
à “in his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive.”
à “Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices” “I’d have let
her stay”
à “I was in that state where a chap easily turns nasty”
à “I wasn’t in love with her or anything – but I liked her – she was pretty and a good sport”.
à “She didn’t want me to marry her. Said I didn’t love her”
à “You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble”
à “You killed her […] your own grandchild”
à “(shouting) And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her”
à “I’m not likely to forget” “It’s still the same rotten story”.
à From the beginning he is out of place, laughing for no reason (“suddenly guffaws”). Shiela
describes him as “squiffy”, meaning slightly drunk. He has hidden his alcohol addiction from his
mother, this not being very hard as she pays little attention.
à He comments on the importance women attach to clothing whilst the men chat but breaks off
suddenly suggesting he is hiding something.
à He is compassionate, has great shock and is quick to condemn the behaviour of his father
and sister. “It’s a bit thick” thinks she is extremely arrogant.
à Steals from his father’s office in an attempt to make some provision for getting Eva pregnant.
Mr Birling cares more about covering this up to prevent a scandal than Eva’s actual death.
à Very poor relationship with his mother and father, Arthur is critical of him and believes he has
learnt little and is spoilt. Acts as a dramatic irritant to his father challenging his ideology –
contradicting and interrupting him.
à Euphonism for sexual assault “that’s when it happened”.
à Language is fragmented as he becomes emotional / hysterical.
à “That’s the hellish thing. Oh – my god!” Semantic field of heaven and hell describing what he
did to Eva.
à Despite his immaturity and drinking problems he still learns the lessons taught by the
Inspector. By the end he wants to change. Recognises the necessity to accept responsibility.
Gerald -
à Met Daisy Renton at Palace Variety Bar where local politician paying her unwanted attention.
à Protects sensibilities of women with a euphemism (“ladies of the night”).
