An Inspector Calls: AQA GCSE 9-1 English Literature Text Guide : Ideal for the 2024 and 2025 Exams

An Inspector Calls: AQA GCSE 9-1 English Literature Text Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for students preparing for their GCSE English Literature exams. This guide focuses specifically on J.B. Priestley's classic play, An Inspector Calls, offering a detailed exploration of its themes, characters, and context.

The Plot

The narrative unfolds in the early 20th century, centring on the Birling family, whose tranquil evening is disrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. As he interrogates each member about their involvement in the life and death of a young woman named Eva Smith, the play reveals the interconnectedness of society and the moral responsibilities we hold towards others.

Themes

This text guide delves into the play's major themes, including:

• Social Responsibility: The moral obligation of individuals to care for one another.
• Class and Inequality: An examination of the social hierarchy and its impacts.
• Time and Change: The significance of historical context and the need for societal reform.

Literary Merit

Priestley's writing style combines sharp dialogue with a compelling narrative structure, making An Inspector Calls an enduring piece of literature. This guide assists students in analysing the playwright's techniques and the play's relevance to contemporary issues.

“We are responsible for each other.”

Designed to enhance understanding and foster deeper engagement with the text, this guide is an invaluable tool for students aiming to excel in their examinations.