GCSE AQA ENGLISH LITERATURE

Exam Structure: Key:

Green - Effect on
45 MINUTES. 30 MARKS (SPAG = 4 MARKS) Audience
Purple - Alternatives
Answer ONE of the two questions Red - Key Words
Normally starts on Question 17
Either question: 3 PEELAS + Conclusion (minimum but will still get you a
good mark depending on content).
Remember effect of language/form/ structure on AUDIENCE
PEELA: Speculate TWICE
Conclusion tip: Use the aims and intentions of the author. Pick the top line of
each PEELA paragraph and summarise. ALWAYS ADDRESS AUDIENCE.

Key Techniques & Words:

Dramatic Irony The audience knows what happens during and after the
events in the play whilst the characters are oblivious. Mr Birling is part of
this a lot. Could be used to represent the mind-set of 1912 upper class,
shows how truly removed they are from society. Uses this as a way to
attack Birlings views and wants the audience to criticise Birlings
views also. Used on Ms Birling too when calling the father of Evas unborn
child a drunken, young idler.
Final Denouement - The phone call announcing that a police inspector is on
his way to ask some questions about a girl who has just died in the infirmary
is as shocking as it is surprising and ensures that the audience will leave
the auditorium in a state of real shock
Repentance Large part of the play at the end. Inspector, by his visit,
gives the family a second chance which is lost by the failure of the majority to
learn their lesson. The Inspector hopes that this revelation would cause them
to repent and become a better person; have a change of heart. But this
does not happen as their hearts harden causing them to face the
consequences of their actions.

Character Profiles:

Mr Birling: Priestley wants to undermine Birlings character because of his

ARROGANCE. Wants audience to see his immorality. Local magistrate,
thinks hes above the law. COMPLACENT CHARACTER = VERY SURE OF
HIMSELF
Act 1:
heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties. = Quite
ominous/ important.
lower costs and higher prices = He doesnt care that there are low
wages for workers. He celebrates ripping off his workers and customers
fairly easy manners, but rather provincial in his speech. = Quite
confident, but implies he is rather looked down upon; could be his
motivation to raise his social standing. Provincial connoting a
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North-Midlands accent. Potentially lack of current knowledge? Maybe

grew up in a working class setting then rose to prominence.
the Titanic unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable. Has a lot of
confidence in British Industry and development; could be a sort of
pride for where he is from as he could have been brought up in
an industry hub. He is proud of his roots and upbringing despite in
a new society doesnt want to forget his roots. Symbolically, just as
the Titanic is destined to sink, so too is Birling's political
ideology, under the Inspector's interrogation.
Act 3:
youre the one I blame for this. = Still passes the blame to others in
Act 3; still maintains initial mind-set hasnt grown in character.
(to Sheila) Nobody wants you to. = Use of nobody indicates that he
still holds his authoritative position and speaks for everyone regardless.
Still also talks to women in a condescending manner even though
she is his daughter.

Sheila: Initially oblivious to the inequalities of society. Takes on the voice of

the Inspector
Act 1:
pretty girl very pleased with life and rather excited. = Pretty girl
connotes uncomplicated, simplistic person. Very pleased with life
suggests she is seemingly innocent; optimistic and would go along
with whatever her husband would tell her.
Oh Gerald youve got it is it the one you wanted me to have. = is
it the one you wanted me to have suggests she is spoilt. She has a 1D
personality; she has been brought up to have no preferences of her
own. Implies she has no individual opinion; will follow what she is
told. It could show her upbringing of being told only to accept what is
given.
Act 2:
I must obviously be a selfish, vindictive creature. = suggests she is
steadily maturing not pleased with life anymore; character
development. I must obviously is sarcasm directed at Gerald; shows
that she does not fully believe the lies given to her.
But we must really stop with these silly pretences. = She recognises
the wrongs and misdoings of the family; acknowledges fault.
Really must stop suggests she is pleading; realises her lifestyles
wrong and wants to change, leaning towards socialist tendencies.
Nothing would induce me. = nothing shows she has a backbone;
shows she is not as passive as she was presented to be in the beginning
of the play; more assertive. Could also suggest that her resolve to do
her own thing has strengthened now that she understands the situation
better (in comparison to past experiences).
Mother stop stop! = Wants to stop pretending they are an ideal
family. She is standing up to her parents; shows she is more assertive
and mature.
Act 3:
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(bitterly)I know I started it./ I behaved badly too = I started it

suggests she has accepted the blame with no prompts; she has
matured as a character.
The point is, you dont seem to have learnt anything. = The point is
is said in a brash manner, bears similarities to the Inspector. She takes
on the voice of the Inspector and accuses them all; ashamed.
(she looks at them reflectively) = Reflectively suggests she has
changed from her childish actions and acts like a new adult; greatly
matured as she evaluates her own actions.
But were all in it = were all suggests she has changed and
contrasted with Birlings initial feelings of every man for themselves;
represents socialist views.
Gerald:
Act 1:
An attractive chap about, rather to manly to be a dandy. = Dandy
suggests he may not have to try as hard as Mr B in order to look good.
Very much the easy well-bred young man about town. = Suggests he
is a very confident young man who could be quite streetwise and
knows a lot of people; very worldly and social.
I believe youre right sir. = Says this sort of thing quite often to Birling,
suggests that he is sort of a people-pleaser as he constantly agrees
whether he is right or wrong.
Act 3:
Everythings all right now Sheila what about this ring? = He
maintains the attitude of boys will be boys, very patriarchal. He
assumes that everything should go back to normal once it is over
despite wrongdoings; expects her to accept him again.
Thanks, I think I could just do with one now. = Feels proud of
himself that he has cracked the mystery of the Inspector; this
immediately erases any form of remorse for cheating on Sheila and
his past actions; thinks its all okay. Still behaves and sticks to ideals
of parents and the older generation even though he would be part
of the younger generation.
Did anybody else see it? = Wants to find a way out of feeling
guilty and wants to justify his actions. Shows that he asks a lot of
questions in order to clear his name.

Eric:
Act 1:
not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive. = Half shy, half assertive
suggests that one cannot give him a definitive character trait, may not
know his place in society yet.
youre squiffy. = Stated with no emotions as there are no stage
directions, implies that this happens often. May have to drink a lot
be squiffy in order to force out his assertiveness as his domineering
father makes it seem as though his opinion does not matter as his
father doesnt listen to him.
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Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh. = Could silently resent his family
and scoff at them; could also be a form of attention-seeking as he
feels as though he does not get the attention he deserves.
Act 3:
And I agree with Sheila. = Shows how strong Eric and Sheilas
relationship is and also shows that Eric has some sort of moral
compass like Sheila. He wants to change also and represents the
younger generation who will change their mind-set from the older
generation and improve for the better.
That doesnt matter to me. The one I knew is dead. = doesnt matter
to me suggests he still wants to accept blame which contrasts with
Mr Bs views, quite socialist in comparison to conservative, capitalist
views. The one I knew is dead. Suggests he still feels guilt over death
which shows he still has a moral compass. Contrasts with Mr Birling.

Mrs Birling:
Act 1:
a rather cold woman = cold implies an unsympathetic, arrogant
character; cold-hearted?
Husbands social superior. = superior suggests shes possibly quite
pretentious. Mr B may have married her to raise his social class; of a
higher class, could be well-spoken, would not have to try as hard as he
does.
Act 2:
When youre married youll realise that men with important work to do
sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their
business. Youll have to get used to that, just as I had. = Implies that
even though she is of a higher social class by birth, she is still not the
dominant one (inferior) and she still acknowledges gender roles.
Implies she has accepted her role in the family.
Yes of course, dear. = Always agrees with husband; does not offer
own opinion.
Act 3:
Youve argued this very cleverly, and Im most grateful. = Im most
grateful suggests she feels grateful for making sure she feels no
guilt, she didnt want to feel any remorse. She wants to be as removed
from this situation as Mr B.
From the way the children talk, you might be wanting to help him
instead of us. = Suggests that she views this as a divide (Us against
them); wants her children to cover up instead of doing the right thing.
Suggests she has no moral compass.

Inspector Goole:
Feels that everyone should feel responsible for the death of Eva.
Thinks the Birlings (mainly the parents) are self-centred beings who
do not accept blame for anyone else = (p55) each of you helped to
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kill her. Remember that. Never forget it. Feels the need to warn them
explicitly to make sure they do not forget or they could.
The aim of the Inspector is to point out and make the family realise that
they all should have a sense of social responsibility.

Context:

Based on a medieval morality play, normally accompanied with a message

at the end. It is meant to teach the audience a moral lesson. Plays that
emphasise the difference between good and evil might also be classed as
a morality play. Focuses on the SEVEN DEADLY SINS.
Sheila is a working example: Initially a sinful character; guilty of envy,
wrath and vanity but eventually repents throughout the novel by
becoming more socially responsible and gaining the strongest moral
compass. Gradually becomes the voice of the Inspector.
Play set in 1912 and written in 1945:
1912 The First World War would start in 2 years. Birlings optimistic
view of there not being a war is completely wrong [dramatic irony].
There were strong distinctions between upper and lower classes.
Ruling classes saw no need to change the status quo. Women were
SUBSERVIENT to men. All a well-off woman could do was get married;
a poor woman was seen as cheap labour. The social issues that
were so prevalent in the labour strikes of 1912 were ill important in
1946, because the very definition of society is realised as human
beings dont live alone and that each one is responsible for their
actions towards the other. By setting his characters in a time of
innocence and hope, Priestley can speak even more strongly to
his audiences who have lived through a time of despair. The pride
and complacency of the Birlings seems all the more foolish to an
audience who knows what is about to happen to the English people.
The lessons that Eric and Sheila learn are even more poignant when
one realizes that very soon all classes in England, upper, middle and
lower, will be involved in the same tragic war.
1945 Class distinctions had been greatly reduced as a result of
WW1 & 2. WW2 had just ended and people were recovering from the
effects of war. As a result of the wars, women had earned a more valued
place in society. GREAT DESIRE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE. Labour Party
won landslide victory over Conservatives led by Churchill.
Well- Made Play:
Its progression is that from ignorance to knowledge not only for the
audience but the characters themselves.

Character Representations:

Gerald:
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Mid generation. Perhaps the patriarchal society, how men think they can
do whatever; he didnt care that he had an affair with someone else
and just wanted to get back with Sheila. ARISTOCRACY. His father is a lord
and he represents the stubbornness of the highest classes. He is
uncomfortable with agreeing with Sheila even though he is her fianc;
he is more inclined to agree with Mr Birling. He agrees with Mr Birling not so
to allow him to marry Sheila but because he disagrees with her. Therefore
Gerald, who grew up and is most probably brainwashed into this class
system, cant let go of that and represents the way in which the upper
classes are completely reliant on the class system staying as it is. Even
the young believe it. The relationship between Sheila and Gerald is this:
Sheila loves him; to her hes a good catch, on the other hand, Gerald sees
mostly the business aspect of the connection -> no deep feelings!

Eric:
Young, progressive generation who will change their mind-set from the
older generation and improve for the better. Has moral compass.

Sheila:
Young, progressive generation who will change their mind-set from the
older generation and improve for the better. Has moral compass. Represents
socialism almost as she accepts responsibility for her actions; even
though she is guilty of envy, wrath and vanity but she feels guilt and shame.
WANTS TO CHANGE; not conservative like her father. PERHAPS
SYMBOLIC OF HOW PRIESTLEY WANTS SOCIETY TO CHANGE. Her
character develops from one who is nave to one who is experienced.

Mr & Mrs Birling:

Represents the older, unchanging generation. Mr Birling holds strong
capitalist views and is proud of his accomplishments with the possibility of a
knighthood. VERY CAPITALIST. Does not believe in social responsibility
and community; very self-assured and arrogant. Holds an Edwardian
attitude towards women = inferior; treats them in a condescending
manner, as if they are children. He accepts no responsibility much like the
upper class at the time and fears for his reputation. Quick to assume that
lower class women get themselves into trouble frequently; bad people: And
then she got herself into trouble I suppose. Believes the poor are tools
and cheap to use to his advantage: Rubbish! If you dont come down
sharply on some of these people, theyd be asking for the earth. Shows he
does not believe workers should ask for anything more than they get; believes
they have no right to demand for more, believes they should be grateful
for what they have. Mr. & Mrs. Birling as well as Gerald gets on the point of
accepting some responsibility not for very long, all in one they havent learn
anything! They want to forget everything, pretend nothing had
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happened. They become self-confident again and thats why the second
phone call takes place: the author wants to prove them wrong!

Eva Smith:
Represents the working-class. She is a symbol of the female working-
class. Attractive but overlooked because of her social status.

Inspector Goole:
Paragon for socialism. Presents Priestleys ideology by conveying
socialist views and opinions of collective responsibility. He mocks
Birlings ideas of using money to cover it up and insists they take
responsibility: Youre offering money at the wrong time, Mr Birling./We are
members of one body. We are responsible for each other. The Inspector,
named Goole, is described as creating an impression of massiveness,
solidity and purposefulness. His role grows as the play unfolds and the story
of each character is revealed. Whilst they are broken down he remains solid
and despite attempts from the others to distract him from his purpose he
stays this way throughout. He is the one who makes things happen in the
play. Were it not for him none of the secrets that the others have would be
revealed and it is he who demonstrates how people are responsible for
the affect they have on the lives of others. His sombre appearance in
the play is in direct contrast to the Birling family.
Could represent the Confessor, a ghost, a convicting spirit etc. The
lessons that Eric and Sheila learn are even more poignant when one realizes
that very soon all classes in England, upper, middle and lower, will be
involved in the same tragic war as the Inspector hinted at. Potentially has
knowledge of the future as he hints at the First World War: If men will
not learn that lesson, then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.
The Inspector's final lines, from a longer speech he makes shortly before his
exit, are a blistering delivery of Priestley's socialist message. Moreover,
his promise of "fire and blood and anguish" also looks forward to the First and
Second World Wars, a resonance, which, to Priestley's 1946 audience,
must have been quite chilling.

Stage direction Analysis:

Cosy but not home like. This description of the room mirrors the lives of
the Birlings. They are outwardly respectable and enjoy a comfortable
and well off way of life and yet their relationships with one and other
are not at all cosy and there are a great number of tensions between them.
The dining room of a fairly large suburban house./ The general effect is
substantial and heavily comfortable The naturalistic setting would be
necessary in order to set the tone of the comfort, success and self-
satisfaction initially required. The realism of the stage set is important as
it gives the audience a sense that they are in the safe confines of
normality. However, the mysterious role of the inspector and the telephone
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call at the end of the play suddenly introduce the audience to an element
of the unreal.

Themes:

Collective Responsibility A view supported by Priestley. As a society we

should all be responsible for one another. The rich should look after the
poor.
Youth and Age - The play implicitly draws out a significant contrast
between the older and younger generations of Birlings. While Arthur
and Sybil refuse to accept responsibility for their actions toward Eva Smith
(Arthur, in particular, is only concerned for his reputation and his potential
knighthood), Eric and especially Sheila are shaken by the Inspectors message
and their role in Eva Smiths suicide. The younger generation is taking
more responsibility, perhaps because they are more emotional and
idealistic, but perhaps because Priestley is suggesting a more communally
responsible socialist future for Britain. (REFER TO CHARACTER
REPRESENTATIONS ABOVE)
Supernatural - The Inspectors name, though explicitly spelled Goole in the
play, is often interpreted through an alternative spelling: ghoul. The
Inspector, it seems, is not a real Brumley police inspector, and Priestley
provides no answer as to whether we should believe his claim that he
has nothing to do with Eva Smith. What are we to make of the police
inspector who rings to announce his arrival at the end of the play? The
original Inspector could perhaps, be a ghost. Makes the audience question
what forces are at work in the play to make the Birlings really accept
their responsibility and guilt.
Responsibility The term is used frequently throughout the novel, through
Birlings limited, individualistic understanding of responsibility to the
Inspectors wider, more communal understanding of responsibility.
Birling is taking an individualist, capitalist point of view about personal
responsibility, and his lines here provide the general attitude of his speeches
since the play began: a man has to mind his own business and look after
himself.