Year 11 - English
Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'
'An Inspector Calls': societal expectations of gender and class
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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 learn about how Priestly questions societal expectations of gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls'. They look at three female characters, Sheila, Mrs Birling and Eva, and also explore how masculinity is presented. They finally plan and write an essay on the topic.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how characters in 'An Inspector Calls' conform to, or challenge, gender expectations.
Key Notes
- Arguably, the male characters conform to Edwardian ideals of masculinity, emphasising strength, control, and dominance.
- Authority is asserted by male characters, often over women and lower-class individuals, reflecting societal norms.
- Gender roles in the play highlight power imbalances and reinforce Priestley's critique of Edwardian societal norms.
- Arguably, male characters struggle with societal expectations, revealing internal conflicts and complex motivations.
Vocabulary To Learn
- masculinity: qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys
- assert: behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner
- authority: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour
- conform: to behave according to a group's usual standards and expectations
- critique: to examine something carefully and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses; (often) to express disapproval
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The male characters fully embody societal expectations of masculinity.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Arguably, the male characters conform to Edwardian ideals of masculinity, emphasising strength, control, and dominance. Authority is asserted by male characters, often over women and lower-class individuals, reflecting societal norms.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'masculinity'
qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: The male characters fully embody societal expectations of masculinity. Correction: Both Gerald and Eric's remorse reveal internal conflict, showing the struggles and complexities inherent in societal expectations.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Contextualising gender expectations in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism Study Guide
- Planning an essay on societal expectations in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Sheila and changing attitudes toward gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Understanding gender and class through Mrs Birling in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Using quotations and context effectively in an 'An Inspector Calls' essay Study Guide
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