An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

by having the Inspector hold each character accountable for their actions

by making the Inspector a member of the upper class and therefore Mr Birling’s equal

by showing the Inspector’s reluctance to judge others, preferring to view matters objectively

by portraying the Inspector as indifferent to the Birlings’ actions, as he is just doing his job

Arthur and Sybil believe in changing their ways to reflect their newfound responsibility, while Sheila and Eric resist any change.

Arthur and Sybil see responsibility as a collective duty, while Sheila and Eric see it as an individual concern.

Arthur and Sybil view responsibility as unimportant on a day-to-day basis, while Sheila and Eric are indifferent.

Arthur and Sybil see responsibility as preserving their status, while Sheila and Eric see it as acknowledging their mistakes.

Guilt pushes characters like Sheila and Eric to reflect on their actions and change.

Guilt causes all characters to respond negatively and reject the Inspector's message.

Guilt eventually leads the older generation to embrace new ideas by listening to the younger generation.

Guilt is downplayed and has no effect on the characters; they change their behaviour primarily because they fear negative consequences.

The play shows that capitalism and socialism are no longer relevant to today’s issues.

The play supports unregulated capitalism, which is widely accepted today.

The play suggests that socialism is no longer necessary in the modern world.

The play’s criticism of capitalism’s inequality can be seen in modern debates over wealth distribution.

The play shows that capitalism and socialism are no longer relevant to today’s issues.

The play supports unregulated capitalism, which is widely accepted today.

The play suggests that socialism is no longer necessary in the modern world.

The play’s criticism of capitalism’s inequality can be seen in modern debates over wealth distribution.

by depicting women like Sheila as capable of change and challenging societal norms

by showing women such as Edna, Eva, and Sheila to be submissive and accepting of their roles

by emphasising that women who question their traditional roles ultimately suffer at the hands of men

by downplaying issues of gender roles in order to highlight the primary themes of class and social responsibility

Eva is shown as content with her various jobs, suggesting that employment is beneficial to the working class.

Eva’s exploitation by the Birlings reflects the wider exploitation of the working class.

Eva is depicted as arrogant and lazy, highlighting the flaws of the working class.

Eva’s success in rising above her class demonstrates the ease of social mobility, and implies that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

The speech downplays the importance of social responsibility by focusing on the inevitability of war.

The Inspector’s speech emphasises collective responsibility and the need for social change.

The Inspector suggests that wealth and power should be the main concerns, and reminds the audience of the difference that money can make.

The speech focuses on individual success rather than collective responsibility, and suggests that the most important changes come from within.

Both Sheila and Eric reject the Inspector’s message, showing their moral decline.

Sheila embraces the message while Eric is indifferent, highlighting a generational gap.

Sheila is indifferent while Eric fully accepts the message, showing their differences in character.

Both characters accept responsibility, indicating their potential for growth and change.

Eva’s working-class status leads the characters to dismiss her struggles and responsibilities.

The Birlings’ upper-class status makes them more sympathetic to Eva’s plight, as Mrs Birling has experience in charity work.

Class has little impact on how the characters view Eva’s situation; her significance has more to do with her gender.

The Inspector’s lower-class origins prevent him from understanding the Birlings’ perspective, which is why he butts heads with Arthur Birling.

The Inspector is ineffective because he fails to change the attitudes of the older characters, implying that society will remain unaltered.

The Inspector is a powerful moral force, as he challenges the characters to confront their responsibilities.

The Inspector’s role is limited, as he only influences the younger characters and can only do so with help from Eva’s diary.

The Inspector is more of a symbolic figure than an actual moral force in the play, and lacks any real power to punish wrongdoers.

Birling’s views are valid because they reflect the importance of protecting business interests.

Birling’s views are portrayed as valid because they ensure financial stability for his family.

Birling’s views are criticised as short-sighted and lacking in moral consideration.

Birling’s views are seen as equally valid to those of the Inspector, representing a balanced perspective.

Guilt leads all characters to completely change their ways, for better or worse.

Guilt only affects the younger characters, showing their moral superiority to the older generation.

Guilt has varying impacts, with Sheila and Eric showing genuine remorse while others remain unaffected.

Guilt is ultimately dismissed by all characters as irrelevant because the Inspector turned out to be an imposter.