Year 10 - English
'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling
An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility
Study Hub
Study Guides
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 the role, presentation and significance of Mr. Birling.
Key Notes
- Priestley uses dramatic irony to establish the character of Mr. Birling as foolish.
- Priestley uses both monologues and dramatic irony to emphasise Mr. Birling's arrogance.
- Priestley uses Mr. Birling to critique the upper class attitudes towards social responsibility, class and power.
- The end of the play emphasises the generational conflict between the younger and older Birlings.
Vocabulary To Learn
- dramatic irony: a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not
- monologue: a speech by one character, usually expressing thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play
- arrogance: thinking you are better or more important than others, often in a way that is overconfident or dismissive
- jovial: cheerful, friendly, and full of good humor
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Isn't the fact that Mr. Birling wants to look after himself and his family a good thing?
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Priestley uses dramatic irony to establish the character of Mr. Birling as foolish. Priestley uses both monologues and dramatic irony to emphasise Mr. Birling's arrogance.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'dramatic irony'
a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Isn't the fact that Mr. Birling wants to look after himself and his family a good thing? Correction: It's understandable to think that Mr. Birling's focus on looking after himself and his family could be seen as positive. However, Priestley shows that Mr. Birling's attitude is self-serving and dismissive of wider societal responsibilities.
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 class and power through Gerald and Eva 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 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
Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.