Year 10 - English
'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mrs. Birling
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 presentation and significance of Mrs. Birling.
Key Notes
- Mrs. Birling could reflect stereotypical attitudes of upper class Edwardian society.
- Priestley uses the older generation of Birlings to critique Edwardian attitudes.
- Mrs Birling's interrogation reveals her attitude towards the working class and social responsibility.
- When writing about a character it can be useful to consider how they are presented throughout the play.
Vocabulary To Learn
- stereotypical: a widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people or things
- empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person
- moral: related to principles of right and wrong behavior
- impertinent: rude or showing a lack of respect
- superior: acting in a way that shows you think you are better or more important than others
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Mrs. Birling's interrogation shows her changing attitude towards responsibility.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Mrs. Birling could reflect stereotypical attitudes of upper class Edwardian society. Priestley uses the older generation of Birlings to critique Edwardian attitudes.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'stereotypical'
a widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people or things.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Mrs. Birling's interrogation shows her changing attitude towards responsibility. Correction: Although Mrs. Birling has some revelations about her family towards the end of Act 2, her attitude remains unchanged at the end of the play. She stubbornly refuses to accept any responsibility, reinforcing her commitment to class prejudices.
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 Mr. 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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