Year 10 - English
'An Inspector Calls': exploring class and power through Gerald and Eva
An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to understand and explain the significance of the characters Gerald Croft and Eva Smith while considering them as character foils.
Key Notes
- Gerald is established as an "attractive" and "well-bred" man, emphasising his social status.
- Gerald presents himself as the hero of his narrative, but this can be challenged.
- Priestley uses the character of Eva Smith to represent the working classes as a whole.
- Priestley's choice of name reflects the importance of Eva's character.
- Eva and Gerald could be seen as foils to each other to represent the stark differences in their experiences.
Vocabulary To Learn
- foreshadow: to hint or suggest something that will happen later in a story
- superficial: something that is only concerned with, or looks at, the outward appearance, not deep or meaningful
- motive: the reason or intention behind a person's actions or behavior
- foil: a character who contrasts with another character
- comparative conjunction: words used to show how two things are similar or different
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Gerald's actions are based entirely on kindess and he did a good thing in supporting Eva.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Gerald is established as an "attractive" and "well-bred" man, emphasising his social status. Gerald presents himself as the hero of his narrative, but this can be challenged.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'foreshadow'
to hint or suggest something that will happen later in a story.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Gerald's actions are based entirely on kindess and he did a good thing in supporting Eva. Correction: Gerald's actions may seem kind, but they are driven by self-interest and privilege. He offers Eva financial support, but it is not out of pure kindness—he uses his power to control her, ultimately exploiting her for his own benefit.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring class and power in a model essay Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring Priestley's use of structure Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Eric Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mrs. Birling Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': the importance of setting and stage directions Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': understanding and exploring key themes Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': understanding context and Priestley's influences Study Guide
- Planning and writing an essay on 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Using context effectively in writing about 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Writing analytically about Priestley's presentation of the older generation Study Guide
- Writing introductions and conclusions for an 'An Inspector Calls' essay Study Guide
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