Lecture Notes: An Inspector Calls by Mr. Everything English

Introduction

• Focus: An Inspector Calls for English Literature Paper 2
• No extract provided in the exam; everything must be known from memory.
• Importance of memorizing quotes for exam success.
• Goal: Learn six key quotes that can fit multiple exam questions.

Key Quotes and Analysis

Quote 1: Mr. Berling's "Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable"

• Dramatic Irony & Symbolism
  • Titanic as a symbol of capitalism.
  • Dramatic irony: Audience knows Titanic sank; represents downfall of capitalism.
• Themes & Analysis
  • Arrogance of capitalists.
  • Foreshadowing downfall due to overconfidence.
  • Inspector as a symbol of socialism challenging capitalism.
  • Links to gender: Patriarchy and capitalism intertwined with power.

Quote 2: Gerald Croft "Well-bred young man"

• Stage Directions & Zoomorphism
  • Symbolizes grooming/preparation akin to royalty.
• Themes & Analysis
  • Dangers of wealth and capitalism.
  • Society's expectations limit personal freedom.
  • Shows the pressure on men to conform.
  • Use for themes of capitalism, patriarchy, class, and responsibility.

Quote 3: Inspector Ghoul "We are members of one body"

• Socialist Viewpoint & Juxtaposition
  • Contrasts capitalist individualism with socialist unity.
  • Members: Implies active contribution and unity.
• Themes & Analysis
  • Responsibility across gender and class.
  • Promotes equality and shared responsibility.

Quote 4: Mr. Berling "A man has to make his own way"

• Rule of Three & Imperative
  • Self-first philosophy; afterthought to family.
• Themes & Analysis
  • Danger of capitalism: Self-centeredness and greed.
  • Linked to masculinity and expectations of men.

Quote 5: Inspector's Warning "Fire, blood, and anguish"

• Semantic Field & Dramatic Irony
  • Warning of consequences: Punishment of war or hellfire.
• Themes & Analysis
  • Critique of capitalist values leading to societal downfall.

Quote 6: Mrs. Berling "Girls of that class"

• Juxtaposition & Class Judgment
  • Class-based prejudice.
  • Shows hypocrisy and lack of solidarity among women.
• Themes & Analysis
  • Critiques of classism and entrenched societal judgments.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Learn these six quotes thoroughly.
• Practice using quotes in different thematic contexts: gender, class, capitalism, socialism, responsibility.
• Develop essay plans without depending on extracts.
• Test your knowledge with past paper questions.

Additional Resources

• Everything Education for tuition in English, Maths, and Science.
• Download the Everything Education app for practice questions and resources.