Everything on the GCSE English Literature An Inspector Calls poster is written out below, section by section. Use it to search the sheet, copy parts into your own notes, or check a fact quickly.
The plot - act by act
Act 1: The Engagement
- The Birlings celebrate Sheila and Gerald's engagement.
- Mr Birling makes speeches on self-interest and "unsinkable" ships.
- Inspector Goole arrives to investigate the suicide of Eva Smith.
Act 1: The Inspector Arrives
- Mr Birling reveals he fired Eva for leading a strike for higher wages.
- Sheila admits she had Eva fired from Milwards out of jealousy.
- Sheila feels deep guilt; her father refuses any responsibility.
Act 2: Gerald and Daisy
- Gerald admits to an affair with Eva (under the name Daisy Renton).
- Gerald set her up as his mistress, then ended the affair.
- Sheila returns the engagement ring but admires his honesty.
Act 3: Mrs Birling and Eric
- Mrs Birling refused Eva help from her charity, blaming the girl.
- Eric reveals he is the father; he stole money from his dad's office for Eva.
- Mrs Birling has unwittingly condemned her own grandchild.
Act 3: The Twist
- The Inspector leaves after a powerful speech on social responsibility.
- Gerald discovers no Inspector "Goole" exists at the local police force.
- A girl has just died at the infirmary, and a real inspector is on his way.
Priestley's message
Written in 1945, set in 1912 - Priestley uses the past to criticise Edwardian inequality and selfishness.
The Inspector - He acts as Priestley's moral voice, warning society must learn responsibility.
Dramatic irony - Birling's comments about the Titanic and war make him seem foolish and unreliable.
The ending - The final phone call suggests the family are being given another chance to learn.
Key themes
Social responsibility - Priestley argues society is "one body" and we must care for one another.
Class - The Birlings exploit those below them; Eva represents vulnerable working-class people.
Age - Sheila and Eric accept blame; the older Birlings refuse to change.
Gender - Eva is exploited by men and dismissed by women with power.
Capitalism vs socialism - Birling's individualism is challenged by the Inspector's ethics.
Guilt - Sheila and Eric feel guilt; the parents just fear scandal.
Key characters
- Inspector Goole - Priestley's mouthpiece; mysterious and morally forceful.
- Mr Birling - Pompous, capitalist, refuses all responsibility.
- Mrs Birling - Cold and snobbish; the last to accept blame.
- Eric Birling - Troubled and guilty; stole money and fathered Eva's child.
- Sheila Birling - Grows throughout the play; accepts responsibility and changes.
- Gerald Croft - From a higher class than the Birlings; pragmatic rather than truly remorseful.
- Eva Smith / Daisy Renton - Never appears on stage; represents the exploited working class.