a widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people or things

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person

related to principles of right and wrong behavior

acting in a way that shows you think you are better or more important than others

'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mrs. Birling

English

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.

Modern text: first study

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling is described as...

At the end of Act 3 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling dismisses Sheila and Eric's thoughts and says they are...

Is the answer true or false: In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses a metaphor to represent class hierarchies and the separation between classes.

In 'An Inspector Calls', which word beginning with 'i' does Mrs. Birling use to describe both the Inspector and Eva Smith? It can be described as: 'rude or showing a lack of respect.'

She is supportive and understanding of her children’s mistakes.

She tries to assert her control over her family, especially Sheila.

She encourages open communication within the family.

She is emotionally distant from her children.

In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', which of the following best describes Mrs. Birling’s attitude toward her family?

Mrs. Birling denies wrongdoing, despite the audience knowing she is responsible.

The Inspector reveals that Mrs. Birling is lying about her involvement with Eva.

Mrs. Birling heavily criticises and judges the father of Eva Smith's baby.

The audience is unaware of the Inspector's true motives.

In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony during the Inspector's interrogation of Mrs. Birling?

In 'An Inspector Calls', what is Mrs. Birling's first name?

“attractive” “well-bred” “man-about-town”

Match the characters from 'An Inspector Calls' to the correct words used to describe them in the stage directions.

Mrs. Birling is introduced as a confident, dismissive character.

We learn Eva Smith had approached her charity for help.

Mrs. Birling rejects Eva’s request, believing her to be undeserving.

She denies responsibility, blaming Eva for her own downfall.

She is shocked to learn Eric was involved with Eva Smith.

After the Inspector leaves, Mrs. Birling believes the whole event was a hoax.

These plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' focus on the character of Mrs. Birling. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.

Is the answer true or false? 'In An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling believes in the importance of social responsibility.

In 'An Inspector Calls', which words does Priestley use to describe the way the Inspector should talk?

Which dramatic technique can be described as: 'a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not.'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mrs. Birling

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.