1
1 mark
In what year did Priestley write the play?
1945
1912
1929
1951
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An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
15 hours204 questions
2
1 mark
What political ideology is presented as morally unacceptable in the play?
Capitalism
Socialism
Conservatism
Liberalism
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3
1 mark
Which social class does Eva Smith represent in the play?
aristocracy
middle class
upper class
working class
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4
1 mark
In the context of 1912, what was a significant challenge faced by workers?
excessive social welfare
lack of union protection
overpayment
job automation
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5
1 mark
Which major event influenced the shift towards socialist values in Britain by 1945?
Great Depression
Industrial Revolution
World War 2
Crimean War
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6
1 mark
What societal system is sharply contrasted between the Birlings and Eva Smith?
class system
gender roles
political systems
educational systems
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7
1 mark
In 1912, what was the primary means of financial assistance for the poor?
the Welfare State
private charities
government subsidies
employment insurance
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8
1 mark
Why did Priestley set the play in 1912 rather than in 1945?
to avoid political controversy in 1945, given that audiences would have only recently survived a war
to depict historical events more truthfully and which the audience would have been familiar with
to highlight the stark differences in societal structures and attitudes between the two periods
to appeal to a younger audience who may have viewed the past through rose-tinted spectacles
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9
1 mark
How does Priestley use the character of Eva Smith to comment on the class system?
by showing her struggles as a working class woman to highlight the unfairness of the system
by depicting her as a successful entrepreneur who can overcome setbacks to find new employment
by showing her affinity with the upper class through her relationships with Eric and Gerald
by showing that her lack of education left her unable to obtain wealth and power
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10
1 mark
How does the character of Sheila reflect the changing role of women during the early 20th century?
She begins to challenge the patriarchal norms and seeks greater independence.
She becomes submissive and dependent on male characters, who represent strength and power.
She avoids any form of conflict in order to give the impression that she is not a troublemaker.
She disregards the suffragette movement entirely, believing that it would be better to appease men.
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1
1 mark
How does the setting of 1912 influence the portrayal of the class system in the play?
It highlights the strict divisions and inequalities between social classes.
It shows that the class system was already becoming less significant.
It suggests that class divisions were more flexible in this period.
It indicates that the working class had significant political power.
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2
1 mark
What does the character of Eva Smith symbolise in the context of 1912?
the rising political power of women in society
the power and influence of the upper class
the vulnerability and exploitation of the working class
the luxury and comfort enjoyed by the middle class
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3
1 mark
If the play were set in 1945, how would Eva Smith's situation differ under the newly established Welfare State?
Her dismissal from work would be more justified, as there were fewer reasons for workers to strike.
Her situation would remain largely unchanged as women were equally mistreated in 1945.
She would have fewer rights than in 1912, as the UK struggled with financial losses after World War 2.
She would have been provided with more protection and access to social support.
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4
1 mark
How might Gerald Croft’s relationship with Eva Smith reflect the power dynamics of the class system in 1912?
Gerald’s upper-class status allows him to exploit Eva with little consequence.
Gerald and Eva’s relationship represents equality between different social classes.
Gerald’s relationship with Eva challenges the traditional class hierarchy.
Eva’s power over Gerald is evident in their interactions as she convinces him to leave Sheila.
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5
1 mark
In the context of the post-World War 2 era, how might the audience’s reception of Mr Birling’s capitalist views differ from an audience in 1912?
A post-war audience would view Mr Birling’s views as more progressive.
Both audiences would likely agree with Mr Birling’s views.
The post-war audience would likely be more critical of Mr Birling’s capitalist views.
A 1912 audience would be more critical of his views due to the societal context.
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