Year 10 - English
'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector
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 the role, presentation and significance of the Inspector.
Key Notes
- Priestley establishes the Inspector as an ominous and imposing presence in Act 1.
- Priestley reveals that the Inspector is not intimidated by class or societal power.
- The Inspector's interrogation style could be considered unorthodox.
- The Inspector uses emotive and shocking language to provoke strong emotional reactions from the characters and audience.
- There are multiple interpretations to explain the role of the Inspector.
Vocabulary To Learn
- ominous: suggesting that something bad or threatening is going to happen
- imposing: having a large, impressive, or intimidating appearance
- manipulative: the controlling or influencing of others
- unorthodox: different from what is usual or traditional
- emotive: causing strong emotions or feelings
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- There is always one clear and deifnite interpretation of a charcater.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Priestley establishes the Inspector as an ominous and imposing presence in Act 1. Priestley reveals that the Inspector is not intimidated by class or societal power.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'ominous'
suggesting that something bad or threatening is going to happen.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: There is always one clear and deifnite interpretation of a charcater. Correction: Characters can have multiple interpretations based on context, perspective, and evidence in the text. Writers like Priestley create complex characters to provoke debate and reflection.
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 Mrs. Birling Study Guide
- 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila 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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