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Class 11 Alternative English Chapter 12 An Inspector Calls (Drama)
–J B Priestley
About the Author
J. B. Priestley (John Boynton Priestley) was born on 13 September 1894 in Bradford, England. He came from a middle-class background, and his early life was shaped by both education and hardship. His mother died when he was young, and he was raised by his father, a schoolmaster. Priestley left school early and worked as a clerk before serving in the British Army during the First World War, an experience that deeply influenced his later writing.
After the war, he studied at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and began his literary career as an essayist and novelist. He gained wide recognition with his novel The Good Companions (1929), which established him as a major literary figure. However, he became especially famous as a dramatist, writing socially conscious plays such as An Inspector Calls, in which he explored themes of responsibility and social justice.
Priestley was also a broadcaster and social commentator. During the Second World War, his radio talks were highly popular and helped boost public morale. Politically, he believed in social equality and advocated for a more just and compassionate society.
He continued writing novels, plays, and essays throughout his life and remained an influential public intellectual. J. B. Priestley died on 14 August 1984, leaving behind a rich legacy in
English literature and drama.
Notes
Here are concise word notes on An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley*, focusing on key terms, concepts, and characters:
Birling Family
A wealthy upper-middle-class family representing capitalist values, social pride, and moral blindness, especially in the older generation.
Arthur Birling
A self-made businessman; symbolizes capitalism, arrogance, and denial of social responsibility.
Sybil Birling
Arthur’s wife; represents social snobbery, hypocrisy, and rigid class prejudice.
Sheila Birling
Their daughter; symbolizes moral awakening, empathy, and the progressive younger generation.
Eric Birling
Their son; represents guilt, irresponsibility, but also capacity for change and remorse.
Gerald Croft
Sheila’s fiancé; stands between generations—partly sympathetic but ultimately self-preserving.
Inspector Goole
A mysterious figure; acts as a moral voice or conscience, representing social justice and collective responsibility.
Eva Smith / Daisy Renton
A working-class woman; symbolizes the exploited poor and the suffering caused by social inequality.
Capitalism
An economic system focused on profit and individual success; criticized in the play for neglecting human welfare.
Socialism
An ideology advocating equality and collective responsibility; reflected in the Inspector’s message.
Responsibility
A central theme; emphasizes that individuals must care for the welfare of others in society.
Class Division
The separation between upper and working classes; shown as unjust and harmful.
Generational Conflict
A contrast between the older generation’s denial and the younger generation’s acceptance of guilt.
Dramatic Irony
Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters (e.g., Birling’s false predictions about history).
Structure (Three Acts)
The play unfolds in a single setting and time, maintaining unity and intensity.
Setting (1912 vs 1945)
Set before World War I but written after World War II, highlighting Priestley’s critique of prewar attitudes.
Morality Play
The play functions like a moral lesson where characters are judged for their actions.
Cyclical Ending
The final phone call suggests events may repeat, reinforcing the inevitability of moral consequences.
Theme of Guilt
Each character shares responsibility for Eva’s death, stressing collective guilt.
Hypocrisy
Characters pretend to be respectable but act selfishly and unjustly.
Symbolism of the Inspector
May represent conscience, time, or even a supernatural force ensuring justice.
These notes are useful for quick revision, especially for exams. If you want, I can convert these into short-answer exam notes or expand them into detailed explanations.
Summary of the Play
An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley is a tightly structured social drama that unfolds over a single evening and exposes the moral failures of a prosperous family.
The play is set in 1912 in the dining room of the wealthy Birling family. Arthur Birling, a self-satisfied industrialist, is celebrating the engagement of his daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft, the son of a rival businessman. The atmosphere is initially cheerful and complacent. Birling delivers pompous speeches about individual success, dismisses the idea of social responsibility, and confidently predicts that there will be no war and that the Titanic is unsinkable—statements that create dramatic irony for the audience.
The celebratory mood is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who announces that a young woman named Eva Smith has died by suicide after drinking disinfectant. The Inspector methodically questions each member of the family, revealing that they are all connected to her tragic life. Birling is the first to be implicated: he had Eva dismissed from his factory for leading a strike for higher wages. He shows no remorse, insisting he was justified as a businessman.
Sheila is next. She had Eva fired from her job at a department store out of jealousy over a trivial matter. Unlike her father, Sheila immediately feels guilty and begins to recognize her moral responsibility. Her character marks the beginning of a generational divide in the play. Gerald then admits that he had an affair with Eva, whom he knew as Daisy Renton. Though he helped her for a time, he ultimately abandoned her, contributing to her instability. He shows some regret but also attempts to justify his actions.
The Inspector then turns to Mrs. Birling, who had refused Eva assistance from a charitable organization. Ironically, Eva had approached the charity under the name “Mrs. Birling,” which
provoked Mrs. Birling’s hostility. She condemns the unknown father of Eva’s unborn child and insists he should be held responsible, not realizing she is implicating her own son.
Finally, Eric Birling confesses that he had a relationship with Eva, made her pregnant, and attempted to support her by stealing money from his father’s business. His actions, though
misguided, reveal both moral weakness and a sense of responsibility absent in his parents.
As the interrogation concludes, the Inspector delivers a powerful moral message: that all people are interconnected and share responsibility for one another. He warns that if society ignores this duty, it will face “fire and blood and anguish,” a prophetic reference to the world wars.
After the Inspector leaves, the older Birlings and Gerald attempt to dismiss the whole episode. They discover that there may be no real Inspector Goole and that no suicide has been reported, leading them to believe they have been deceived. They feel relieved and try to return to normal, showing their refusal to change. In contrast, Sheila and Eric remain deeply affected and continue to accept their guilt.
The play ends with a dramatic twist: the telephone rings, and Birling is informed that a real inspector is on his way to investigate the suicide of a young woman. This cyclical ending
reinforces the inevitability of moral reckoning and leaves the audience questioning the nature of truth, responsibility, and justice.
Overall, the play is a critique of social inequality and moral complacency. Through the figure of Inspector Goole, Priestley presents a compelling argument for collective responsibility, exposing the dangers of selfishness and the illusion of respectability in Edwardian society.
Textual Questions & Answers
I. Answer the Following Questions in One of Two Words
1. Where does the investigation take place?
Ans: The investigation takes place in the dining room of the Birling family’s house in Brumley.
2. What is the name of Sheila Birling’s mother?
Ans: The name of Sheila Birling’s mother is Sybil Birling, who is also known as Mrs. Birling.
3. What is the name of the Inspector?
Ans: The name of the Inspector is Goole.
4. Who is Edna?
Ans: Edna is the maid of the Birling family. She performs household duties such as serving food, pouring drinks, and announcing guests, but has a minor role in the play.
5. Who had taken the name Daisy Renton?
Ans: Eva Smith had taken the name Daisy Renton.
Note: It is incorrect to say that Inspector Goole used this name.
6. Who said, “I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her”?
Ans: Eric Birling said this line, expressing guilt and anger.
II. Answer the Following Questions in a Few Words
1. What is the initial reaction of Mr. Birling to the Inspector’s questioning?
Ans: Mr. Birling initially reacts with irritation and a sense of superiority. He tries to assert his social status and influence by mentioning his familiarity with the local police and the Chief
Constable. He appears offended by the Inspector’s manner and questions, showing his belief that he is above such interrogation.
2. How does the Inspector react to the responses during the first stage of questioning?
Ans: The Inspector remains calm, firm, and methodical. He introduces the case of Eva Smith’s suicide and gradually reveals details, such as her use of different names. He controls the
direction of the conversation and ensures that each person is questioned carefully, maintaining authority throughout.
3. Why does the Inspector not show the photograph to all the people at the same time?
Ans: The Inspector shows the photograph to one person at a time to avoid confusion and to control the flow of information. This method also increases suspense and adds to the mystery surrounding both the girl and the Inspector.
4. Can Eva Smith be seen as a victim of personal and professional exploitation?
Ans: Yes, Eva Smith can be seen as a victim of both personal and professional exploitation. She is dismissed from her job for demanding fair wages and later suffers due to the actions of several individuals. She represents the struggles of the working class and becomes a symbol of social injustice.
5. What was the size of the photograph of Eva Smith and what was its purpose?
Ans: The photograph shown by the Inspector was of postcard size. Its purpose was to present evidence privately to each individual and to create suspense, as no one could confirm whether others had seen the same photograph.
III. Answer the Following Questions Briefly in Your Own Words
1. What was the nature of the relationship between Eva Smith and Mrs. Birling?
Ans: Eva Smith approached Mrs. Birling’s charity organization for help, but Mrs. Birling refused her assistance. She showed no sympathy and judged Eva harshly, especially because of
her pregnancy, considering her morally unworthy of support.
2. How did Mr. Birling deal with the demand for a pay rise by his workers?
Ans: Mr. Birling refused the workers’ demand for higher wages and dismissed Eva Smith for leading the strike. He believed he was paying fair wages and prioritized business interests over workers’ welfare.
3. How did Eric respond when his relationship with Eva Smith was examined by the Inspector?
Ans: Eric Birling, the son of the Birling family, is portrayed as a young man lacking confidence, described as “half shy, half assertive.” During the Inspector’s questioning, he becomes
increasingly distressed and emotional. It is revealed that he had a relationship with Eva Smith and that she became pregnant with his child. He had also stolen money from his father’s business to support her. By the final act, Eric openly criticizes his parents and their values, showing moral awareness and a stronger, more assertive attitude.
4. What is Mr. Birling’s reaction at the end of the play when he receives the telephone call?
Ans: At the end of the play, Mr. Birling answers the telephone and learns that a young woman has died and that a real inspector is on the way to investigate. Before this call, he feels
triumphant on discovering that the earlier Inspector may have been a fraud and mocks others for being misled. However, the telephone call shocks him and reintroduces tension, suggesting that the consequences of their actions cannot be avoided.
5. Why does Sheila feel that she has been let down by her family?
Ans: Sheila feels disappointed and let down by her family because they refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. While she quickly recognizes her role in Eva Smith’s dismissal
and shows genuine remorse, her parents attempt to dismiss the seriousness of the situation. Sheila believes that her family’s lack of moral understanding and unwillingness to change is
deeply troubling, and she is distressed by their failure to learn from the experience.
IV. Give Suitable Answers to the Following Questions
1. Comment on the significance of the title of the play. Does it refer only to the Inspector and his identity?
Ans: The title An Inspector Calls is highly significant as it marks the turning point of the play. The arrival of the Inspector disrupts the comfortable life of the Birling family and initiates the process of revealing truth and guilt. The word “Calls” suggests both a visit and a moral summons. The title does not refer only to the Inspector as a character but also to his symbolic role as a representative of conscience, justice, and social responsibility. His presence forces each character to confront their actions, making the title deeply meaningful beyond its literal sense.
2. Provide an assessment of the conduct of the major characters in the play ‘An Inspector Calls.’
Ans: In An Inspector Calls, J. B. Priestley presents each major character through their conduct to highlight moral responsibility and social attitudes.
Arthur Birling behaves as a self-centered and capitalist-minded man. His conduct shows arrogance and a lack of social concern, as he refuses to take responsibility for Eva Smith’s
suffering. He represents the complacent upper class.
Sybil Birling is cold, proud, and hypocritical. As a member of a charity organization, she should be compassionate, yet she denies help to Eva Smith. Her conduct reflects rigid class prejudice and moral blindness.
Sheila Birling undergoes significant change. Initially careless, she later shows genuine remorse and accepts responsibility for her actions. Her conduct represents moral awakening and hope for change.
Eric Birling is irresponsible at first, shown through his drinking and exploitation of Eva. However, like Sheila, he feels guilt and admits his wrongdoing. His conduct reflects both moral
failure and the possibility of redemption.
Inspector Goole acts as a moral guide. His conduct is calm, firm, and purposeful. He exposes the truth and emphasizes collective responsibility, representing the voice of social conscience. Overall, the conduct of the characters moves from denial to acceptance, highlighting the play’s central message that everyone is responsible for others in society.
3. Comment on the way in which women and men are viewed in the play ‘An Inspector Calls.’
Ans: In An Inspector Calls, J. B. Priestley presents a clear contrast between the roles and treatment of men and women in early 20th-century society.
Women are shown as having limited power and being judged by strict social expectations. Eva Smith and Daisy Renton represent vulnerable working-class women who suffer due to the
actions of powerful men. Their lives depend on the decisions of others, especially men. Sheila Birling, though from a higher class, is initially treated as childish and dependent.
However, she becomes more perceptive and morally aware than the male characters, challenging traditional gender roles. Sybil Birling represents the older generation of women who uphold social norms and class divisions. Despite her position, she reinforces the same system that oppresses other women.
Men, on the other hand, are shown as dominant and authoritative. Arthur Birling and Gerald Croft exercise economic and social power, often without considering the consequences of their actions. Eric Birling misuses his privilege, reflecting how male dominance can lead to exploitation.
Through this contrast, Priestley criticizes a patriarchal society where men hold power and women suffer, while also suggesting that change is possible through greater awareness and responsibility.
18. How do the different relationships with Eva Smith reflect the characters involved?
Ans: Each character’s relationship with Eva Smith reveals their moral weaknesses and social attitudes. Mr. Birling dismisses her for economic reasons, showing his lack of concern for
workers. Sheila has her removed from a shop out of jealousy, reflecting immaturity. Gerald forms a relationship with her and later abandons her, showing both sympathy and
irresponsibility. Eric exploits her and contributes to her suffering. Mrs. Birling refuses her help, displaying prejudice and lack of compassion. Through these relationships, Priestley shows how selfish actions collectively lead to tragedy, and Eva Smith becomes a symbol of the exploited working class. 0 0 0
Additional Questions & Answers
I. Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 Mark each)
1. Who wrote An Inspector Calls?
Ans: J. B. Priestley.
2. In which year is the play set?
Ans: 1912.
3. What is the name of the Inspector?
Ans: Inspector Goole.
4. Who is engaged to Sheila Birling?
Ans: Gerald Croft.
5. What is Mr. Birling’s profession?
Ans: A businessman.
6. What was Eva Smith’s first job?
Ans: Factory worker.
7. Why did Mr. Birling dismiss Eva Smith?
Ans: For demanding higher wages.
8. What alias does Eva Smith use later?
Ans: Daisy Renton.
9. Who got Eva dismissed from the shop?
Ans: Sheila Birling.
10. Who had an affair with Daisy Renton?
Ans: Gerald Croft.
11. Which organization did Mrs. Birling represent?
Ans: A charity organization.
12. Why did Mrs. Birling refuse Eva help?
Ans: Due to prejudice.
13. Who is the father of Eva’s unborn child?
Ans: Eric Birling.
14. What did Eva use to end her life?
Ans: Disinfectant.
15. What happens at the end of the play?
Ans: A real inspector is announced by a phone call.
II. Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks each)
1. What is the significance of the setting of the play?
Ans: The play is set in 1912 but written in 1945, which creates dramatic irony and allows criticism of pre-war society.
2. How does Priestley present Mr. Birling?
Ans: He is shown as arrogant and materialistic, representing capitalist values and a lack of social responsibility.
3. What role does Inspector Goole play in the drama?
Ans: He acts as a moral voice who reveals each character’s guilt and stresses collective responsibility.
4. How does Sheila change during the play?
Ans: She becomes more mature and socially aware, accepting her role in Eva’s suffering.
5. What is Gerald Croft’s involvement with Eva Smith?
Ans: He had a relationship with her, helped her for a time, but later abandoned her.
6. Why is Mrs. Birling’s role considered ironic?
Ans: She blames the father of the child without knowing that it is her own son, Eric.
7. How does Eric contribute to Eva’s tragedy?
Ans: He makes her pregnant and fails to support her responsibly.
8. What is the central theme of the play?
Ans: The theme of social responsibility and care for others.
9. How is dramatic irony used in the play?
Ans: Through Mr. Birling’s false predictions about events like the war and the Titanic.
10. What does the Inspector’s final speech convey?
Ans: It warns that ignoring responsibility will lead to suffering and destruction.
11. What is the importance of Eva Smith’s character?
Ans: She represents the suffering working class and victims of injustice.
12. How is the younger generation different from the older one?
Ans: The younger generation accepts guilt and learns, while the older generation denies responsibility.
13. Why is the ending described as cyclical?
Ans: The final phone call suggests the events may repeat again.
14. What does the play suggest about class divisions?
Ans: It criticizes inequality and exploitation of the poor by the rich.
15. Is Inspector Goole a real or symbolic character?
Ans: He can be interpreted as both real and symbolic of conscience or justice.
III. Essay-type Questions (Each 5 Marks)
1. Discuss the role of Inspector Goole in the play.
Ans: Inspector Goole plays a central role as the moral force of the play. He systematically questions each member of the Birling family and reveals their connection to Eva Smith’s tragic
death. His method of interrogation is calm yet firm, and he controls the pace of the drama. More than a policeman, he acts as a voice of conscience, emphasizing that all individuals are
responsible for one another. His final speech highlights Priestley’s message of social responsibility. The mysterious nature of his identity further strengthens his symbolic role as a
representative of justice and morality.
2. How does Priestley present the theme of social responsibility?
Ans: Priestley presents social responsibility as the central theme of the play. Through the Inspector’s investigation, he shows that each character contributes to Eva Smith’s suffering. The
older generation, like Mr. and Mrs. Birling, refuse to accept responsibility, while the younger generation, Sheila and Eric, acknowledge their guilt. The Inspector’s final message clearly states that humans are “members of one body,” stressing collective responsibility. Priestley uses this theme to criticize selfishness and promote a more caring and equal society.
3. Contrast the attitudes of the older and younger generations in the play.
Ans: The older generation, represented by Mr. and Mrs. Birling, are rigid, proud, and unwilling to accept blame. They are more concerned with their reputation than with moral responsibility. In contrast, the younger generation, Sheila and Eric, are more sensitive and open-minded. They accept their mistakes and show genuine remorse. This contrast highlights Priestley’s belief that social change depends on the younger generation, who are more capable of learning and improving.
4. Examine the significance of Eva Smith in the play.
Ans: Eva Smith is the central figure around whom the entire plot revolves, although she never appears on stage. She represents the working class and symbolizes all those who suffer due to social injustice. Each character’s actions contribute to her downfall, making her a symbol of collective suffering. Her different names, such as Daisy Renton, suggest that she could be any working-class woman. Priestley uses her character to evoke sympathy and to highlight the harsh realities faced by the poor.
5. Discuss the use of dramatic irony in the play.
Ans: Dramatic irony is effectively used in the play, especially through Mr. Birling’s speeches. He confidently makes predictions such as the impossibility of war and the unsinkability of the Titanic, which the audience knows are false. This irony undermines his credibility and exposes his ignorance. It also highlights the foolishness of his capitalist views. Priestley uses dramatic irony to create humor as well as to criticize the arrogance of the upper class.
6. Analyze the character of Sheila Birling.
Ans: Sheila Birling undergoes significant development throughout the play. At the beginning, she is portrayed as a naive and playful young woman. However, after learning about her role in Eva Smith’s dismissal, she becomes deeply remorseful. She accepts responsibility and criticizes her parents for their lack of concern. Sheila represents the younger generation’s potential for change and moral growth. By the end, she emerges as one of the most morally aware characters.
7. What is the significance of the setting of the play?
Ans: The play is set in 1912, just before the First World War, but was written in 1945 after the Second World War. This allows Priestley to use dramatic irony and to criticize the attitudes of the pre-war upper class. The single setting of the dining room creates a sense of unity and intensifies the dramatic effect. It also symbolizes the enclosed world of the Birlings, which is gradually exposed by the Inspector.
8. Discuss the character of Mr. Birling as a representative of capitalism.
Ans: Mr. Birling is portrayed as a confident and self-centered businessman who believes strongly in capitalism. He values profit over people and dismisses the idea of social
responsibility. His decision to fire Eva Smith for demanding higher wages reflects his lack of compassion. His speeches reveal his arrogance and ignorance. Through his character, Priestley criticizes capitalist attitudes and highlights their negative impact on society.
9. How does Priestley create tension in the play?
Ans: Priestley creates tension through the Inspector’s methodical questioning and the gradual revelation of each character’s involvement. The use of pauses, stage directions, and changes in lighting adds to the dramatic effect. Each confession increases the emotional intensity, especially as the focus shifts from one character to another. The uncertainty about the Inspector’s identity and the final telephone call further heighten the tension and suspense.
10. Explain the significance of the ending of the play.
Ans: The ending of the play is highly dramatic and significant. After the Inspector leaves, the family discovers that there may be no real Inspector Goole, and they begin to relax. However, the final telephone call announcing the arrival of a real inspector creates a shocking twist. This cyclical ending suggests that the characters cannot escape the consequences of their actions. It reinforces Priestley’s message that moral responsibility is unavoidable and that lessons must be learned.
