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Year 11 - English

Understanding gender and class through Mrs Birling in 'An Inspector Calls'

'An Inspector Calls': societal expectations of gender and class

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 analyse how Priestley uses Mrs Birling's character to explore the impact of gender and class expectations.

Key Notes

  • Arguably, Priestley uses the characters to critique the flaws of gender and class structures in Edwardian societies.
  • Mrs Birling embodies traditional Edwardian norms of gender and class, reinforcing societal hierarchies.
  • It could be suggested that Mrs Birling's response reflects her internalised patriarchal views.
  • Mrs Birling's treatment of Eva Smith could show the prejudice of the upper class against working-class women.
  • Single paragraph outlines are a useful planning tool for analytical writing.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • patriarchy: a system where men hold more power and dominate roles in society, family, or institutions
  • hierarchy: a system in which people or things are ranked according to their importance or status
  • societal norms: perceived informal, mostly unwritten, rules that define acceptable and appropriate actions
  • marginalise: to treat someone or something as if they are not important
  • prejudice: an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual often due to a characteristic e.g class, gender

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Mrs Birling is a woman and therefore she automatically shares the same struggles as Eva Smith.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Arguably, Priestley uses the characters to critique the flaws of gender and class structures in Edwardian societies. Mrs Birling embodies traditional Edwardian norms of gender and class, reinforcing societal hierarchies.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'patriarchy'

a system where men hold more power and dominate roles in society, family, or institutions.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Mrs Birling is a woman and therefore she automatically shares the same struggles as Eva Smith. Correction: While both are women, Mrs Birling's high class gives her power to uphold societal norms, whereas Eva, from a lower class, is oppressed by them.

More Lessons In This Unit

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