An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature)

He is too preoccupied with his potential knighthood and social status to care about Eva’s death.

He fears legal repercussions and is acting on the advice of his wife to deny responsibility.

He is genuinely unaware of the consequences his past actions have had on Eva’s death.

He has personal beliefs which do not allow him to acknowledge any responsibility for Eva’s death.

Birling represents Capitalist ideals, while the Inspector embodies Socialist principles and values.

Birling demonstrates compassion and empathy, while the Inspector remains cold and indifferent.

Birling shows an open-minded approach to issues, while the Inspector maintains a narrow perspective.

Birling is depicted as a humble and modest man, while the Inspector exudes arrogance and superiority.

He is more concerned about the moral implications of his actions.

He is more worried about protecting his reputation and social status.

He is primarily worried about the financial impact on his business.

He is indifferent to the consequences and focuses on his family’s well-being.

His predictions are accurate, demonstrating his insight and wisdom.

His predictions highlight his deep understanding of social and political issues.

His predictions serve as an example of the dangers of overconfidence.

His predictions reflect the common beliefs of the time period.

His dismissal suggests he believes in the importance of collective responsibility and social welfare.

His reaction shows that he prioritises individual success and self-reliance over collective well-being.

His response indicates that he misunderstands the Inspector’s message entirely.

His dismissal demonstrates his willingness to adopt new ideas about social responsibility.

He is deeply remorseful, showing that he values all lives equally regardless of social class.

He is indifferent, reflecting his belief that people of lower social status are less important.

He is shocked and tries to make amends, indicating a change in his views on social hierarchy.

He is confused, as he cannot understand why someone from a lower class would be significant.

It shows that Birling is genuinely concerned about the well-being of his workers, even the troublemakers.

It highlights Birling’s focus on maintaining authority and control, even at the expense of fairness.

It indicates that Birling is open to considering his son’s perspective on business matters.

It demonstrates Birling’s belief that the factory strike will improve the company’s profits.

It shows his confidence in his ability to control the situation and protect his family's reputation.

It demonstrates his genuine concern for uncovering the truth and addressing any potential wrongdoing.

It reveals his tendency to avoid responsibility and downplay serious issues to protect his own interests.

It suggests he believes the investigation will ultimately benefit his business and social standing.

It shows that he respects Sheila's perspective and is willing to reconsider his views based on her insights.

It reveals his dismissive attitude towards Sheila and the younger generation and his belief in the superiority of his own judgement.

It indicates that he is proud of Sheila and the younger generation for thinking critically about the situation and for challenging the opinions of others.

It highlights his deep concern for the younger generation and his desire to protect Sheila from harsh realities.

his brusque treatment of the Inspector, illustrating his authority and control

his regional accent and lower-class status, reflecting his insecurity in upper-class society

his obsession with public reputation and titles, revealing his concern with social status

his indifference to the plight of his workers, showing a lack of social responsibility

by showing Birling's refusal to accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death, emphasising his lack of empathy and integrity

by depicting Birling as cooperative and willing to admit his faults, highlighting his sense of justice and ethical principles

by having Birling dodge the Inspector's questioning, demonstrating his cunning intelligence and ability to evade blame

by showing Birling's confusion and indecision when faced with difficult questions, revealing his concern for doing the right thing

Priestley challenges this notion by depicting Birling as a kind leader who cares about his employees' welfare.

Priestley supports this idea, as Birling’s self-interest stops him from seeing the struggles of the working class.

Priestley neither supports nor challenges this idea: Birling’s actions are more influenced by external pressures than by his personal beliefs.

Priestley suggests that Birling’s attitudes are partially justified as they endorse social order and economic stability.