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Name three historical events that Mr. Birling is wrong about. - Could one of them be seen as a metaphor?
WWI & WWII, The Great Depression, Strikes ('labour trouble'), The Titanic being 'unsinkable'
Priestly uses Mr. Birling's incorrect predictions to show what about the character?
That he thinks he knows it all but doesn't really have a clue about the world and society. He's a charlatan.
Priestly references historical events that happen after when the play is set. This means the audience know what will happen but the characters do not. What is this technique called?
Dramatic Irony
The welfare state and redistribution of wealth are associated with capitalism or socialism?
Socialism
What is the name of a system where the state seeks to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially those in need. For example through free healthcare, cheap transport, social housing, and benefits?
A welfare state
The Labour Party built a welfare state in the UK after the election of which year?
1945
Why did people vote for the Labour Party after WW2?
They promised affordable housing, pensions, social security, nationalisation, and to create jobs.
Who fought for women to have the vote?
Suffragettes
How were the suffragettes treated by the government?
They were often imprisoned and force-fed when they attempted hunger strikes.
An Inspector Calls is set in which year? And in which year was it written?
1912 & 1945
There are three key themes touched on when Sheila says "You're squiffy" - What are they?
Eric's use of alcohol, Young vs Old, Sexism and the internalised sexism of Mrs Birling
Why is Mr Birling happy about the engagement? How does that link to his personality?
He sees it as a business deal and good for the family's social status. He is a caricature of a capitalist, all he thinks about is profit.
What phrase does Birling repeat 3 times in quick succession?
"Hard-headed business man" - "hard-headed, practical man of business" - "we hard-headed practical business men"
Which simile is used when Mr Birling is talks about "community and all that nonsense"?
"all mixed up together like bees in a hive"
What's significant about the timing of the door bell and the stage direction 'sharp ring'
Mr Birling is praising individualism but he is cut off loudly and suddenly by the inspector's arrival.
Which quotes show that Sheila is childish and immature?
"Yes, go on, Mummy" - "I'm sorry, Daddy"
