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Year 11
AQA

Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how characters in ‘An Inspector Calls’ conform to, or challenge, gender expectations.

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Year 11
AQA

Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how characters in ‘An Inspector Calls’ conform to, or challenge, gender expectations.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Arguably, the male characters conform to Edwardian ideals of masculinity, emphasising strength, control, and dominance.
  2. Authority is asserted by male characters, often over women and lower-class individuals, reflecting societal norms.
  3. Gender roles in the play highlight power imbalances and reinforce Priestley’s critique of Edwardian societal norms.
  4. Arguably, male characters struggle with societal expectations, revealing internal conflicts and complex motivations.

Keywords

  • Masculinity - qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys

  • Assert - behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner

  • Authority - power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour

  • Conform - to behave according to a group's usual standards and expectations

  • Critique - to examine something carefully and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses; (often) to express disapproval

Common misconception

The male characters fully embody societal expectations of masculinity.

Both Gerald and Eric's remorse reveal internal conflict, showing the struggles and complexities inherent in societal expectations.


To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage students to critically engage with characters' internal struggles by prompting them to explore how societal expectations shape their actions and decisions.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling uses a simile to describe the concept of community and social responsibility. What animal does he use as the comparison?
sheep
ants
Correct answer: bees
flies
locusts
Q2.
Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' the stage directions describe Mr Birling as "pretentious".
Correct Answer: false, f, False, F
Q3.
In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Eric. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Eric?
"confused"
Correct answer: "distressed"
Correct answer: "pale"
Correct answer: "frightened"
"apathetic"
Q4.
In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Eric in the stage directions of Act 1?
"pleased"
Correct answer: "shy"
"excited"
Correct answer: "assertive"
"agitated"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', why might Gerald Croft be considered a character foil to Eva Smith?
Gerald and Eva both come from similar social backgrounds.
Gerald and Eva both challenge societal expectations.
Correct answer: Gerald represents link between class and power; Eva represents the oppressed.
Gerald and Eva share similar personalities.
Q6.
Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls', Gerald acknowledges the power imbalance between himself and Eva.
Correct Answer: false, f, F, False

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which character in 'An Inspector Calls' could be described as one who both asserts authority and prioritises business over responsibility?
Eric Birling
Inspector Goole
Correct answer: Arthur Birling
Gerald Croft
Q2.
Which word is most associated with patriarchal societies?
equality
Correct answer: authority
collaboration
empathy
Q3.
In 'An Inspector Calls', Mr Birling dismisses social responsibility with which word beginning with 'n'?
Correct Answer: nonsense, Nonsense
Q4.
In 'An Inspector Calls', which answer best describes Priestley’s purpose in presenting Mr Birling as an unsympathetic character?
Correct answer: To highlight the flaws in capitalist and patriarchal values.
To encourage the audience to admire his business success.
To suggest that personal ambition leads to unhappiness.
To show that older generations are always right.
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony to critique traditional male authority?
By making the Inspector dismiss traditional masculine traits as irrelevant.
By ensuring that the audience never disagrees with Mr Birling.
By showing that Gerald is the only character with moral authority.
Correct answer: By making Mr Birling’s confident predictions about the future appear foolish.
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', Gerald and Eric could both be described as narrators.
Correct Answer: unreliable, un reliable, un-reliable, Unreliable