An Inspector Calls – Big Idea 7: Power and Confession

As an AQA examiner, I’ve seen many students miss out on top marks because they analyse language in isolation without engaging with Priestley’s Big Ideas. One of the most examinable and thought-provoking is Power and Confession.

This resource explores how Priestley presents power — economic, social, and moral — and the importance (or refusal) of confession. It links directly to the June 2023 AQA exam question:
“How does Priestley present male characters as irresponsible in the play?”

By studying this theme, students learn how to connect the abuse of power with Priestley’s message about truth, honesty, and social change.

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What’s inside:

• A student-friendly overview of Power and Confession, with clear definitions and key examples.
• The 2023 AQA exam question, plus a second exam-style task.
• A Level 6 model response (~500 words) showing how to reach the top band with AO1, AO2, and AO3.
• An evidence hunt activity focusing on power and admission/denial.
• A debate lesson: “Priestley shows that those in power are least likely to confess.”
• Activities ranking characters by power and honesty.
• A Language Paper 2 crossover task (Q5 article): “Write an article for a national newspaper in which you argue whether people today are too quick to hide their mistakes, or whether honesty and confession are still valued in society.”
• Designed for 4 full lessons, or as targeted revision support.

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Why it matters:

Priestley exposes how men like Mr Birling and Gerald exploit their power but refuse to admit blame, while Eric eventually confesses and Sheila is open from the start. The Inspector embodies moral power, forcing the others to face their actions. By studying this theme, students see how denial protects privilege while confession opens the door to change.

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Key Features

• Written with examiner insight.
• Includes the 2023 AQA exam question and a model Level 6 response.
• Debate, discussion, and writing to express a point of view.
• Integrated Language Paper 2, Q5 article task.
• Ready-to-teach: works as a mini-scheme (4–5 lessons) or as focused revision.

Download Big Idea 7: Power and Confession today and give your students the skills to analyse Priestley’s use of power, truth, and responsibility — and to turn this into top-band exam responses.

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