1. Themes Social responsibility Social class Personal responsibility
Generation gap
1An Inspector Calls - In Context (Part 1 of 2) - YouTube

2. Can I explore how Priestley uses Birling to
present the themes of social responsibility?
Key words
Social status
Class
Social responsibility
Marginalisation
Capitalist
Starter: p75-76
Look carefully, at the description of of the Birlings and their house. What does it reveal about his:
* background
* personality
interests
class
Can you identify any Capitalist values?
B grade - I can explain how Priestley uses language – description & dialogue – to present ……..through Mr Birling
C grade - I can identify how Priestley has used language to present Mr Birling as a symbol of …….

3. I can’t accept any responsibility.
LO: Can I explore how Priestley uses Mr Birling to present the theme of social responsibility?
I can’t accept any responsibility.
Appearance
Personality
Things he says
Priestley carefully chooses the words his characters say?
WHY?
Things he does
Personal and political values
Other themes he represents in the novel

4. - and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable
Priestley presents Mr Birling as a foolish man, with no real understanding of the world around him and how it is changing. He is blind to the realities of the world and thinks he knows best. ‘The Germans don’t want war’. Priestley portrays him as a pompous, arrogant man whose main concern is with the profits of his company and his social standing. Priestley is trying to show the audience that Mr Birling has no social understanding or awareness. The audience begins to respond to Mr Birling negatively as they begin to see how ignorant he really is and how shallow his values are.

5. How does Priestley use Mr Birling to present the theme of social responsibility? GRADE B question GRADE C question
Point: what is the point Priestley is making about social responsibility in 1912 Britain through this quote of Mr Birling ?
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Evidence: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Explain: How do the words in the quote
help the audience understand Mr Birling’s attitude to social responsibility and thus Priestley’s message?
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Point: what is the point Priestley is making about Mr Birling this quote?
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Evidence:
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“Explain: How does Priestley present the theme of social responsibility through the character of Mr Birling?
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6. What is the point Priestley is making about Mr Birling’s personality and values from these quotes?
Explanation
‘there’s a fair chance I might
find my way into the next
Honour’s List’ 8
‘ when Crofts and Birlings
are no longer competing’ 4
‘I was an alderman for years
and Lord Mayor for two years’
‘There’ll be peace and prosperity
and rapid progress everywhere’ 7
‘lower cost and higher prices, 4
‘community and all that nonsense’ 10
‘ a man has to mind his own
business and look after himself and
his own’ 10
‘I was quite justified’ 17
‘Still, I can’t accept any responsibility’ 14

7. What must I do to achieve my target?
You must support your views with close reference to context and Priestley’s ideas:
How has Priestley presented Mr Birling in Act 1?
A grade- I can explore in detail how Priestley presents Mr Birling, exploring key quotes and the impact Priestley wants him to have on the audience.
B grade – I can explain how Priestley presents Mr Birling, explaining key quotes and the impact Priestley wants him to have on the audience
C Grade: I can comment on the Mr Birling’s character and what the audience think of him. I can find some quotes to support my views.

8. How does Priestley use Mr Birling to present the theme of social responsibility? GRADE C question
Point: what is the point Priestley is making about Mr Birling this quote?
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Evidence: ‘ a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own’
“Explain: How does Priestley present Mr Birling through this quote? What will the audience think of him?
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