Year 10 IGCSE English Lit An Inspector calls - short notes and interpretations

Beginning of Act 1

SparkNotes SUMMARY and ANALYSIS Seneca course  house not cosy and homelike though comfortable Mr Birling a businessman upper-middle-class... worked his way up social hierarchy and earned wealth. Mrs Birling from the aristocracy - popular coz she's rich, more superior ("social superiority"), but still has to submit to husband due to social norms at the time. However, still reproaches husband many times... Sheila- young pretty girl with ambitious hopes for the future, looking forward to life... Gerald- handsome young man, wanted by many Gerald is his 30s, Sheila early 20s They treat Edna with respect croft and burling friendly rivals- really care about their status and how old their companies are extremely happy, all are elated (toast, flourishing business, engagement), the build-up for something bad to happen  Women were meant to leave men alone... Burling very naive as he makes the speech about no war and positive occurrences - titanic unsinkable, what they put their trust in letting them down- prosperous time- though great depression in a few years.... happy time- world war 1 and then 2 in a few years-- none of the things he is sure of happening, ultimately take place instead, the exact opposite happens-- Russia he thought was nowhere close to the top, whereas they were ahead as they would soon find out in a few decades as it was almost time for arms race... ENTIRE SECTION OF IRONY "Everyman has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own-" Then inspector arrives... key point... Burling-honest, not afraid to be himself, hardworking, aware of social status, he's built social status himself IMPORTANT ANALYSIS: First, the audience senses that the happiness the Birlings rejoice in will soon be torn apart. Sheila’s semi-playful claim that Gerald was distant the previous summer will turn into the revelation of Gerald’s affair. And Eric’s casual drinking in this scene will become the heavy, dependent drinking of the later parts of the play. Arthur’s belief that he will receive a knighthood, if nothing terrible befalls the family, seems almost to invite exactly that kind of terrible event

Act 1- Section 2(after the Inspector arrives)

Inspector changes the atmosphere. Enters with purpose. intimidating Mr Birling trying to show off, showing he has good relations with the police Mr B aware of himself puts himself above the inspector  Uses his connections and status to try and get out of things and intimidate the new inspector- consistent with his character. Inspector's name (goole)- a pun on Ghoul, like a ghost, and good also sounds like Goole. He represents both of these since he seems to know things that other characters and normal people wouldn't have access to, like an all-knowing omnipotent presence, walks in at perfect timing, goes about his interrogation in a specific way. Starts investigation only 2 hrs after death- abnormally quick. Mr Birling at the beginning is calm and collected, thinks it's a small matter and is unconcerned. However, when he learns that it is a serious method, his emotion changes and he wants to protect himself as he wants that knighthood. 2 Males in different generations respond to the death of a supposedly unknown girl. Eric is shocked and horrified and involuntarily responds, Mr Birling isn't bothered, only cares about clearing his name. Repeatedly says how he doesn't understand how it relates to him. Inspector has a method says there is a muddle if it does not follow this- does not let Eric and Gerald look at the photograph. already come to conclusions prior to entering the house and has formulated a proper method of how to prove his conclusions and collect confessions. Already in such a short time (only 2 hrs after the death has done all this. Mr Birling is restless after seeing Eva, realises he is actually connected to suicide so uncomfortable and tries to change the topic. However, also aware of surroundings and has monitored his son's drinking.  Mr Birling- modestly celebrating Inspector especially wants Gerald to stay after he finds out he is engaged. Mr Birling shows no empathy - wretched girl Inspector already knows abt chain of events One person's actions affect another's well - being

Act 1 - Section 3 (Sheila and Mr B)

-Starts from "Because what happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events." said by Inspector Goole. Mr Birling is surprised that Inspector Goole stands up to him. Thinks the inspector is inferior and lacks that right. He's unused to being challenged. Mr Birling tries to keep Eric out of it. He cuts off Eric talking about his prev lecture about every man of himself, doesn't want to be known among everyone, we later realise how wrong that speech was. Mr Birling (rich person) cares more about the profit than conditions of the workers Mr Birling and the Inspector symbolise two social ranks Inspector stops interrogation and asks a surprising question "why?" though not related to the interrogation, which shows that he does not like this decision because of the poor conditions of the workers.  Mr Birling has technically done nothing wrong by the law since he pays the minimum wage, and he cannot increase the wages since he cannot afford it since it would risk bankruptcy where he would have to fire more people. Mr Birling interacts with higher class businessmen who wouldn't question his decision when the inspector asks the q it's on the point of view from the working class, which is a different view entirely showing moral ambiguity and Mr B finds it hard to answer since he hasn't considered that view only thinking about the numbers and more or less treating the workers as like robots and not as human beings... Mr B says that he had no other choice, and that Eric doesn't hv a job, know how to run a business, and that if one asks for an increase all will and that you should cut the problem at the trunk. Cannot afford to get caught up in the personal lives of the workers, he had to work very hard to get where he is like the labourers and that he doesn't have an overflowing money stash to help all. Eric would have looked like a weak person at that time in 1812 with that mindset, now he is admired, but at that time he would have been looked down on for trying to be sympathetic with lower class and lose money because of that. Mr B is a product of his time and is doing what he thinks is right. The generational gap is shown since dad can see it from his pov only but Eric can question his own thinking and is open to other views talking about how they cant find another job since they have settled here and also the fact that they have come here itself where they are payed the minimum wage shows they have nowhere else to go to. After the summer the workers were "restless"... they are restless because of dire poverty and need. Eric realises that something is inherently wrong with how the business works, and realises the problem but shifts the blame to the father. Eric keeps trying to put Eva in a good place. Understands her situation. Says Mr B tries to get the highest prices, so why shouldn't she try to get the highest wages... Sheila looks at the sadness of Eva's death based on her prettiness... When he realises the other 3 are responsible, Mr B tries to get blame removed from them using influence. He just was rude to the Inspector since he thought he was justified, but now is nice again since he has to get the blame removed from the kids as well. Also, Mr B is much nicer when he realises that his is not the only pinpointed as a cause of this girl's death. Shiela also has younger generation views, more open-minded and is able to sympathise Eva. She knows they aren't just cheap labour, but people Inspector is like the voice of their moral conscience - almost attributed to God-like features ... Social monitor... like big brother... wants justice and fairness... Sheila would rather be ignorant and turn a blind eye than hear the bad news and feel sad, guilty- a bit selfish Birling: (moving) No, leave this to me. I must also have a word with my wife – tell her what's happening. (turns at the door, staring at the inspector angrily.) We were having a nice family celebration tonight. And a nasty mess you've made of it now, haven't you? Inspector: (steadily) That's more or less what I was thinking earlier tonight when I was in the infirmary looking at what was left of Eva Smith. A nice little promising life there, I thought, and a nasty mess somebody's made of it... Inspector again is bringing justice by convicting the Birlings and ruining their happy time, when they ruined Eva's happy time... Inspector brings about the cycle, suffer for gain... Eva gained the job coz of ppl sick with influenza, Mr B gained money, ppl lost jobs, Shiela was satisfied, Eva's job left... Every action has consequences whether we are aware of it or not... Ask not for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee-famous quote Everyone is responsible for everyone's tragedies. All actions might seem small (Mr B and Shiela have already forgotten about them) but they had a HUGE impact on Eva's life.

Act 1 - Section 4 (Sheila and Gerald)

"Never ever do it again" Shiela is exaggerating with absolute terms that are not very realistic, she can't really own up to not being able to do it again Vicious and malicious to fire her for no reason Though the younger generation shows more remorse, we don't know how sincere she is... Shiela plays a bigger role than Mr B in Eva's death since Mr B had a genuine reason, but Shiela didn't have a genuine reason and also that was Eva's final main job with a steady income.  Shiela knows Gerald very well, engaged and seeing each other for some time. She is able to detect that he is involved. However, Shiela takes on the role of the Inspector (though he is not in the room) and is able to interrogate Gerald and is so sure that he had an affair with Daisy Renton. Gerald doesn't agree to any of her claims, but she knows everything. Morphing more into the Inspector's role as we go along with the book. Knows enough to know that none of them are more knowledgeable than the Inspector, and he is aware of all things Feel sorry for her since on the night of her engagement, it is revealed that her fiancee cheated on her

Act 2 - Section 1 (Gerald and Mrs B)

Shiela already knows that the Inspector is not yet done with interrogation. Inspector again brings about justice for women- can be put through unpleasant situations Inspector understand Shiela's feelings even more than Gerald (who knows her closely)- again surreal elements "Girls of that class--" more prone to suicide... Separate from rich to poor, foreshadowing her role for Eva's death Gerald being a man should apparently know whether Eric has drinking problems Younger ones understand more "more impressionable" Women in the lower class were allowed to work and earn their own money (had more freedom than upper class) Again Shiela has that intuition about the all-knowing Inspector. She knows it's going to be harder for them to accept their involvement in Eva's death if they keep denying it. "build up the walls"- represent ignorance - Mrs B building a wall around her wanting to be ignorant and free of the problem... the reality of the situation... also represent a division between different levels in society which Mrs B shows clearly... also represents the secrets they hide behind those walls (abt their involvement in the death) which the Inspector is going to break down... The similar pattern between husband and wife - Mr B and Eric, Mrs B and Shiela- elders aren't open to new ideas and completely reject the inspector, younger ones quickly understand the situation. Mrs B mirrors Mr B and also has little or no remorse that a girl has just taken her life. Distant from the son- lead separate lives- even Gerald knows more about her son than she does and he is starting to make his way into their family... She's not aware of his drinking problem...  Still thinks he's only a little boy unused to drinking We see cracks in the family- children aren't in happy relationships, one addicted The upper class doesn't realise how much power they have. Lust transcends class barriers.  Girls not fit for dinner table are fit for affairs.  Gerald loved being the man for Daisy, which Shiela never made him feel. Shiela gives back ring I don't dislike you as I did half an hour ago, gerald. In fact, in some odd way, I rather respect you more than I've ever done before. I knew anyhow you were lying about those months last year when you hardly came near me. I knew there was something fishy about that time. And now at least you've been honest. And I believe what you told us about the way you helped her at first. Just out of pity. And it was my fault really that she was so desperate when you first met her. But this has made a diffence. You and I aren't the same people who sat down to dinner here. We'd have to start all over again, getting to know each other--  Shiela's willing to give him a second chance the last line in the prev quote, the inspector is changing the way they perceive each other, Sheila translates for him as well during the play.  Father tries to justify Gerald's behaviour, Shiela in the young generation, Mr B in the old, Gerald in between both, when S says to father "Gerald understands what I mean - you apparently don't" Older generation has the tendency to stick to the limits and maintain the same personality throughout the book, younger ones go through great change and are influenced by the Inspector. Generation in the middle can sway both ways, in the beginning he's always with Mr B, but only changes later on when he is convicted and when he returns from his walk Shiela knows Gerald quite well, and can read his emotions so knows he's telling the truth harsh light throughout settings- characters are fully shown in the light. 

Act 2 - Section 2 (Mrs Birling)

Mrs B from aristocracy to expects to be respected. Furious with inspector for arguing back with her, and outraged that she thought that Eva was trying to ridicule her, making her prevent aid going to Eva. Mrs B unaware that Eva was actually Mrs Birling, not lying there and her original story was actually true, but said it was false when she realised who she was speaking to. Classicm- girls of that class would have accepted any money Most responsible - mrs Birling since she was the last point of contact, rejected help due to pettiness- completely unacceptable, Eva could have survived even after being raped by Eric and raised her child on her own Eric was young, under influence of alcohol- couldn't control himself... Mrs Birling had full control and went out of her way to prevent Eva getting any aid... Mrs Birling knew that Eva was desperate and pregnant, had kids of her own, Eric wasn't aware of any of this....

Act 3 - Section 1 (Eric)

Mrs B thinks that their class is superior and are immune to being served justice It would have been okay for someone she didn't know to be responsible for this girl's death to be incriminated and killed, but not her son-double standards. Mrs B living in an unrealistic world, naive - chooses not to look at the truth- being told that her son has a drinking problem but refuses to accept it Inspector is bringing out all the problems between the relationship between the parents and children Eric regrets what he has done. Hinting that she was basically raped (date rape). Threatened to create a scene and made her give in. Eva thought she didn't have the rights to refuse Eric He tried to help her after he found out that she was pregnant by giving her money- she didn't accept after she found it was stolen Her self-help was reduced to such a level that she goes to bed with Eric again. On top of everything, she was now raped and pregnant because of that - a series of unfortunate events. Again we see their poor relationship- Eric says to Mr B - "Because you're not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble" The children are on so much pressure to keep up appearances that they didn't even confide in their problems to the parents out of fear.  Even after Mr B found out about Eric, he asks for the receipts to cover the mess up- not caring about this girl's pregnancy calls it a "condition" just a problem he has to fix - Superficial nature and Keeping up appearances The older Birlings don't change or apologise, fixed in their stance Younger ones are far more mouldable and are full of remorse  Type of questions the inspector asks- follows the nature of an inquiry, but he says very little and asks just the right questions in a minimal way (puppet master pulling the right strings and they are dancing to his tune) as they do most of the talking and supply him with all the information (like he wasn't there at all...)

Act 3 - Section 2 (Inspector's departure)

"You're offering the money at the wrong time. Mr Birling. (He makes a move as if concluding the session, possibly shutting up notebook, etc. Then surveys them sardonically.) No, I don't think any of you will forget. Nor that young man, Croft, though he at least had some affection for her and made her happy for a time. Well, Eva Smith's gone. You can't do her any more harm. And you can't do her any good now, either. You can't even say “I'm sorry, Eva Smith.” But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do. We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they well be taught it in fire and bloody and anguish. Good night." "fire, blood and anguish"- taking on a role of hell and again bringing in that surreal element.  God-like voice. They better repent or they will suffer. ie the World Wars that follow Inspector basically summarises the message of the play in that section  If they don't change - "anguish" they have mental suffering. After this encounter, they will be left with regret, guilt and anguish. Inspector reminding them that there are many others like Eva, that have to be helped. In that section basically brings them to their knees, they all had a part  Reminds them to think about their actions and consequences. Setting and mannerisms- at the beginning they were all happy and cheerful. After the Inspector came and left they are sober, dejected and unhappy. The old generation are completely oblivious to their part of it and are only worried about the inspector's identity. The younger generation - it doesn't matter if it's real or not, we all had a part to play and need to learn our lesson. In the eyes of the law, Eric is the only one who can be convicted - for the stolen money (NOT the rape)  which is so petty in the face of anything else. Shows us the justice system is extremely flawed, you need hard evidenced to convict someone guilty, instead of what actually happened. Shiela was within her rights when kicking Eva out of her job. The other's choices were also legal and can't be taken to court. You can't really hold people responsible for the things they need to be held responsible for. It cannot be proven that Sheila, Gerald, Eric, Mrs B and the other's caused Eva's death. They'll only get a small public humiliation but nothing more than that since the extent of their responsibility could not be proven.

Act 3 - Section 3 (Ending)

Something is off abt the inspector - knew so much might hv not been a real police inspector Shiela says this doesn't matter coz the damage has already been done and they had committed the crimes Eric agrees - younger generation more understanding, older generation only worried abt public appearances Older ones think that younger ones were fooled After the inspector goes the older ones are only worried about their appearance in front of others, and covering up the humiliation, don't even want to share shameful details with Gerald and hoped Gerald didn't share details of the incident with the police. Thrilled that they cud return back to normal with none of the details revealed in public. After inspector is gone their confidence is back... try to cover up all appearances and still go on the same... don't want to learn from their mistakes (older generation including Gerald partly) Gerald earlier was remorseful like the younger ones, but now is more confident and eager to cover up revealed affairs and go on with life as normal just as the adults - He's the one in the middle of the age gap... Gerald and Mr B are very excited to prove the inspector is lying Eric is more reluctant Now Mrs B says the Inspector manipulated her with surprises... After they supposedly confirmed the inspectors lies they happily drink (older ones) Gerald away from Mr Inspector during the walk is able to get over him Gerald says --> happened to 5 different people Older Birlings relieved Sheila and Eric still are uncomfortable with what has occurred and are guilty for their crimes Inspector giving them justice for what they did to Eva... at the end they are tortured mentally Inspector came because this story is now going to keep haunting them until they change They had to be held accountable... they tried to shift the blame as soon as they had the smallest opportunity but they keep being blocked... Gerald walks in, causes the call, but then after the call is made to prove they are innocent the call is returned... If the story awards you closure (happily ever after) the reader was less likely to remember it and think about it... whereas this ends abruptly and dramatically making the readers think... Inspector could be non-human, a prankster, priestly, a socialist, surreal figure etc younger characters don't have much to lose compared to older ones Also, Shiela is more aware of what is going on and observant since she's the one who first brings up how the inspector acts abnormally...During the last scene Shiela distinctly remembered what the Inspector has said, he had made an impact on her, she wanted to change and is compelled to... so she's uncomfortable and angry when the others just want to go on... she first denies that the inspector was false but then accepts their theory and is open it but then challenges it with questions ...  She wants justice and wants the right thing to be done no matter what...  She realises that their actions were true and could have ended in any way... she realises that all of them have to change and this was a warning and lesson to be learned, she's scared that if they don't change worse could happen... also she is not very publicly famous so has fewer images to complete. Older Birlings still are protective of their children from any harm and shame, even though it isn't morally right.  don't sound judgemental in analysis