A Student's Guide to "An Inspector Calls'
- May 15
- 6 min read
J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls has been on the GCSE syllabus for years, and honestly, it's easy to see why.
At first glance, it’s straightforward enough: a single-room drama about a family dinner interrupted by news of a tragedy. However, beneath the neat surface, it asks some pretty uncomfortable questions about class, responsibility and the impact our actions can have on others.
It feels relevant, perhaps even more so today, because it tackles the idea we're all connected somehow and that's probably why students still relate to it.
Plot
The play unfolds in 1912 at the Birlings' home, during a celebration of Sheila Birling's engagement to Gerald Croft. Everything's cheerful and full of self-satisfaction...until Inspector Goole arrives, announcing a young working-class woman, Eva Smith, has died by suicide.
Initially, no one sees how this relates to them, but the Inspector methodically reveals their connections to Eva's suffering: Mr Birling fired her, Sheila had her sacked from a shop out of jealousy, Mrs Birling refused her charity, Gerald had an affair with her, and Eric got her pregnant and stole money to help her.
By the end, everyone's secrets and flaws have been exposed, and just when they think they’re safe, a phone call announces the arrival of a real inspector, leaving everyone (including the audience) wondering who Inspector Goole really was. A ghost? A warning?
We never quite know for sure.
Main Characters
Mr Arthur Birling: A successful, wealthy businessman and the proud patriarch of the family.
He's wealthy, self-made and incredibly sure of himself, though Priestley deliberately makes him wrong about pretty much everything. He represents that stubborn arrogance of the upper classes, caring more about his reputation and profits than human consequences.
Mrs Sybil Birling: Wife of Arthur Birling and a prominent member of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation.
She’s proud, aloof and convinced of her own moral superiority. Despite leading a charity, she turns Eva away when she needs help, revealing an ugly hypocrisy beneath her respectable facade.
Sheila Birling: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Birling.
Sheila starts off naive and self-centred, but once she realises how she hurt Eva, she's genuinely horrified. Unlike her parents, Sheila actually learns something, becoming braver and more thoughtful by the end.
Gerald Croft: Sheila's fiancé.
Charming and seemingly decent, Gerald initially seems sympathetic, even kind. But ultimately, he’s more concerned with covering things up and maintaining appearances than truly owning up to his mistakes.
Eric Birling: Son of Mr and Mrs Birling.
Eric’s awkward, unhappy and clearly struggling. He treats Eva badly but, unlike his parents, genuinely regrets his actions, demonstrating that, despite his privilege, he can still feel guilt and take responsibility.
Inspector Goole: an enigmatic and all-knowing character.
Calm, mysterious and morally powerful, the Inspector knows everything and questions each character relentlessly. He speaks for Priestley himself, pushing each character (and the audience) to confront uncomfortable truths.
Themes
Responsibility
This is the central theme. Priestley doesn’t just want us to consider who caused Eva Smith’s death, but to think more deeply about how much we owe to one another as human beings. Are we responsible only for ourselves? Or do we have a duty to the wider community? The Inspector is clear: we are “members of one body.”
Class
The Birling family represent the upper middle class while other characters, like Eva Smith, come from the working class.
The divide between the rich and the poor runs through every scene and the Birlings see Eva as disposable: someone with no real worth because she lacks money or status.
Priestley uses this to expose the inequalities and prejudices that exist in society and encourage his audience to question class distinctions, reflect on issues of fairness and inequality and understand how dangerous and dehumanising class prejudice can be.
Generational Divide
There’s a clear contrast between the older Birlings who refuse to change and the younger ones, who are more open to reflection and remorse. Sheila and Eric represent a new generation and Priestley suggests that this one has the potential to reshape society...if they are brave enough to accept responsibility.
Gender and Power
Eva Smith’s vulnerability is linked not only to her class but, also, to her gender because, as a young working-class woman, she’s dismissed, exploited, judged and, ultimately, left without any support.
Priestley depicts the Birling family's treatment of Eva in this way to highlight the fact that systems of power, especially those built around male dominance, often leave women most exposed.
Morality vs Appearance
The Birlings appear respectable because they have wealth, influence and status but, when compared to the moral failings revealed during the Inspector’s visit, these external signs of success mean nothing.
In this way, Priestley is asking us to consider whether a public image can ever be a substitute for actual integrity.
Societal Change
By choosing to set the play in 1912, just before the outbreak of the First World War, Priestley is emphasising the need for societal progress and change.
He uses the character of the Inspector to force the Birlings to reflect on their individual actions, confront their flaws and, in the case of Sybil and Eric, to help them understand that they must be more considerate of others in the future.
Context
Priestley chose to set his play in 1912, just before the First World War, to highlight the arrogance of a society unaware it was on the brink of massive change.
Writing in 1945, after two world wars, he urged audiences to avoid repeating past mistakes and embrace collective responsibility.
His socialist beliefs underpin everything which happens to the play as he genuinely believed that society needed to change and become fairer and kinder to all people, regardless of wealth or status.
The Playwright
Born in Bradford in 1894, John Boynton Priestley served in World War I, an experience that shaped much of his worldview.
He later became a successful author, playwright and social commentator, known for his clear political convictions and interest in time, morality and social justice.
Despite his success as a writer, Priestley was also a controversial figure and his work was often criticised by more conservative critics and politicians.
However, his legacy as one of the most important writers of the 20th century remains secure and his influence can still be felt today.
Remember:
An Inspector Calls might be a short play, but it’s one that sticks with you, asking uncomfortable questions about guilt, privilege and about how we justify our actions.
To succeed in your exam, focus on the why. Why did Priestley create this character? Why did he set his play in 1912? Why did he give the Inspector that final speech?
Perhaps most importantly, don’t worry about writing the perfect answer. There isn’t one. However, if you can demonstrate that you understand the ideas behind the play, such as the deeper meanings and the moral arguments, you’re already on the right track.
Remember, Priestley wasn’t subtle about his main point: "We are responsible for each other." He meant it. And that's probably why we're still studying his play today.
Struggling With Your Revision?
You might like my 30 Day Revision Plan for An Inspector Calls which breaks revision down into manageable, daily tasks to help you cover key quotes, characters, themes and exam skills - without feeling overwhelmed.
There's also the EHS Mini Masterclass on "An Inspector Calls or, for more detailed analysis and exam strategies, the "EHS Masterclass: An Inspector Calls" GCSE revision guide.
Tailored specifically for GCSE English students, this revision guide covers all the key aspects of "An Inspector Calls," ensuring you have a through understanding of the plot, characters, themes and context of the play.
In addition, it offers key quotations, exam questions, model answers and practical advice and techniques to help you to prepare for and answer exam questions.
Found This Useful? You’re In The Right Place.
The EHS Blog is packed with guides to help you master AQA GCSE English Language and Literature. Whether you’re revising key texts like Macbeth and An Inspector Calls, tackling tricky language questions or brushing up on your essay skills, there’s plenty more to explore.
Head back to the EHS Blog to keep your revision on track!
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About the Author
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