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Year 11 - English

Religion: sin, morality and punishment in 'An Inspector Calls'

An Inspector Calls: perspectives on crime, justice and the role of the Inspector

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' could be interpreted as a religious allegory.

Key Notes

  • 'An Inspector Calls' could be interpreted as a religious allegory.
  • The seven deadly sins are reflected in the characters' actions and their moral failings.
  • The themes of purgatory and judgment are explored through the characters' unresolved guilt.
  • The Inspector embodies biblical justice, revealing truth, prompting confessions, and warning of consequences.
  • Priestley critiques the law, suggesting moral accountability is more important than legal justice.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • allegory: a work with a hidden meaning, often moral or political, where characters and events symbolise abstract ideas
  • repentance: feeling regret for wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness, accompanied by a commitment to change
  • redemption: the act of being saved from sin or error, often involving atonement
  • purgatory: a temporary state where souls are purified before entering heaven, according to some Christian beliefs
  • biblical: relating to the Bible, its teachings, stories, and principles

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The play is definitely a religious allegory, and all interpretations align with this view.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'An Inspector Calls' could be interpreted as a religious allegory. The seven deadly sins are reflected in the characters' actions and their moral failings.

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

a work with a hidden meaning, often moral or political, where characters and events symbolise abstract ideas.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The play is definitely a religious allegory, and all interpretations align with this view. Correction: While the religious allegory is a valid interpretation, it's important to consider it as one lens. Focussing on one interpretation may limit a deeper analysis of the text's complexity.

More Lessons In This Unit

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