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Year 11 - English

Considering 'An Inspector Calls' as a political text

'An Inspector Calls': Priestley's theatrical strategy; politics, genre, and form

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils look at how Priestly uses dramatic forms to present his ideas. They look at naturalism and expressionism, before thinking about how the play fits with Brechtian theatre and the morality play tradition. They finally write about how Priestly uses form to present his ideas.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how 'An Inspector Calls' can be interpreted as a political text.

Key Notes

  • 'An Inspector Calls' can be interpreted as a political manifesto, propaganda and a persuasive drama.
  • The Inspector's language is both didactic, teaching morals, and persuasive, urging reflection on social responsibility.
  • Arguably, Priestley's exaggerated portrayal of the Birlings reinforces his socialist message.
  • The Birlings' lack of nuance may alienate audiences with opposing views, limiting more complex reflection.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • manifesto: a public declaration of policies or beliefs, typically political
  • didactic: intended to teach or instruct, often in a way that is overly focused on moral lessons or guidance
  • propaganda: information, often biased, used to promote or influence public opinion
  • characterisation: the way a writer develops and presents a character's traits and personality
  • grotesque: a distorted or exaggerated portrayal of characters to create discomfort or highlight flaws

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Priestley wrote 'An Inspector Calls' solely to change the views of his audience.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

'An Inspector Calls' can be interpreted as a political manifesto, propaganda and a persuasive drama. The Inspector's language is both didactic, teaching morals, and persuasive, urging reflection on social responsibility.

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

a public declaration of policies or beliefs, typically political.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Priestley wrote 'An Inspector Calls' solely to change the views of his audience. Correction: While it may seem that Priestley wrote 'An Inspector Calls' solely to change the views of his audience, it could also be argued that a 1945 audience would lean towards socialist ideals and therefore his play aimed to solidify these views.

More Lessons In This Unit

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