Year 11 - English
Exploring the presentation of crime 'An Inspector Calls'
An Inspector Calls: perspectives on crime, justice and the role of the Inspector
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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 explore how Priestly presents the Inspector and crime and punishment in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at different ways of interpreting the Inspector, before then thinking about what messages about crime and punishment Priestly is communicating.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how 'An Inspector Calls' explores ideas around crime, morality and class.
Key Notes
- Priestley explores both legal and moral crimes.
- Characters face moral reckoning, not legal consequences, highlighting self-awareness as punishment.
- Eric's character could suggest that moral accountability is more important than legal punishment for Priestley.
- The play reveals how class affects perceptions of crime.
- Priestley critiques the legal system and advocates for social justice over legal frameworks.
Vocabulary To Learn
- ethical: relating to what is morally right or wrong
- moral: adhering to accepted principles of right and wrong, often based on values like fairness, kindness, and respect
- foregrounding: highlighting important aspects to draw attention to them
- lenient: tolerant or permissive; being less strict or severe in judging or enforcing rules
- accountabilty: taking responsibility for one's actions and accepting the consequences
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The Birlings are not guilty of any crimes in 'An Inspector Calls' because they do not face legal consequences.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Priestley explores both legal and moral crimes. Characters face moral reckoning, not legal consequences, highlighting self-awareness as punishment.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'ethical'
relating to what is morally right or wrong.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: The Birlings are not guilty of any crimes in 'An Inspector Calls' because they do not face legal consequences. Correction: While the Birlings do not face legal prosecution, Priestley uses their moral failings to argue that crime is not only a legal matter.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'An Inspector Calls': writing an essay on punishment, justice and The Inspector Study Guide
- Developing nuanced analysis of 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Exploring how Priestley portrays punishment and justice in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Exploring the Inspector as an archetype in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- Religion: sin, morality and punishment in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
- The Inspector as a supernatural figure in 'An Inspector Calls' Study Guide
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