An Inspector Calls

Priestley explores social responsibility, age, gender and class. The Birlings' actions show why people should care for others and challenge inequality.

An Inspector Calls (1945) by JB Priestley centres on the apparent suicide of a young woman, Eva Smith. It is variously seen as a morality play, mystery drama and thriller.

Priestley explores social responsibility, age, gender and class. Reactions to Eva Smith's death reveal generational differences and social inequality.

An Inspector Calls is a play written for performance. Stage directions guide actors and the story is told through dialogue between characters.

Use these questions to test your knowledge of An Inspector Calls and practise writing organised paragraphs about the play's themes and ideas.