An Inspector Calls, AQA GCSE Revision

AQA specificationWritten by a 160/160 student

Everything you need to revise An Inspector Calls for AQA GCSE English Literature, written by a student who scored 160/160. Start with the plot summary, learn the key quotes, then go deep on the characters, themes and Priestley's 1945 message. Every page turns knowing the play into knowing what to write in the exam.

An Inspector Calls Key QuotesEvery key quote, by character and theme, with Grade 9 analysis.An Inspector Calls Context1912 vs 1945, why the gap between setting and writing is the whole point.An Inspector Calls ThemesResponsibility, class, gender and generational change.An Inspector Calls SummaryThe whole play, act by act, in plain English.An Inspector Calls Practice QuestionsReal AQA past paper questions and exam-style practice, with plans.An Inspector Calls QuizTest yourself on plot, quotes, characters and context.An Inspector Calls FlashcardsPrintable and digital flashcards.An Inspector Calls Grade 9 EssaysFull-mark essays, annotated.

Character profiles

Every character AQA asks about, each with a brief overview, key themes, key moments and key quotes.

Mr BirlingCapitalist, complacent, and wrong about everything, Priestley's target.Sheila BirlingThe character who changes most, and Priestley's hope for the future.Eric BirlingGuilt, drink and the son who finally takes responsibility.Inspector GoolePriestley's mouthpiece, and possibly not a real inspector at all.Eva SmithThe character who never appears, and why that's the point.Gerald CroftCharming, useful, and ultimately unchanged.Mrs BirlingCold charity, class prejudice and refusal to accept blame.

Quotes by theme

Responsibility Quotes, An Inspector Calls'We are members of one body', the play's central message.Class Quotes, An Inspector CallsEdwardian class division and Priestley's socialist critique.Gender Quotes, An Inspector CallsHow women are treated by the Birlings, and by 1912 society.

How to revise An Inspector Calls

My personal advice for revising any text for English Literature is to start off slowly.

Rather than jumping straight in and trying to learn 'Grade 9' quotes and analysis, begin by gaining an understanding of the story. Now, I know this won't be easy for everyone, but you can approach this in different ways: for some, understanding the play's story will entail re-reading it cover-to-cover, while for others, reading my detailed plot summary will do the job. Once the plot is clear, move on to understanding the key characters: their role, how they change, and the themes which they fall into. The character profile and themes pages are written specifically to help you gain this level of knowledge. Add a layer of context for your AO3 marks, then test everything by writing mini-essays or completing full past papers.

The exam does not reward retelling the plot. Examiners are looking for a clear argument, with close analysis, that demonstrates an understanding of the play as a whole. That's why, in my opinion, it is better to know a handful of quotes really well than lots of quotes poorly. As you work through these pages, try to ask yourself WHAT Priestley is doing, and WHY he is doing it. And don't be afraid to disagree! You must remember that this content is my own analysis, meaning there is always room to argue. If there is a particular section or point you disagree with, try to understand why you feel so, and how you can express your opinion in an essay. This depth of thought is what separates a Grade 5 response from a Grade 7-9 one. Check out the key quotes section to get started.

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