An Inspector Calls: Social Responsibility Lesson

his GCSE English Literature resource focuses on social responsibility in An Inspector Calls, supporting students in developing a clear understanding of Priestley’s key message about collective responsibility.

The lesson explores how Priestley presents a society that avoids responsibility, particularly among the upper classes, and how the Inspector challenges this through his moral message. Students examine the significance of Eva Smith as a symbol of wider society and analyse the Inspector’s final speech to understand Priestley’s purpose and message to the audience.

The resource includes:

A recall quiz on Edwardian context and key concepts (capitalism, socialism, social responsibility)
A clear model explanation of social responsibility in the play
A key extract (Inspector’s final speech) for focused analysis
Targeted analytical questions to develop AO1 and AO2 skills
Opportunities to explore Priestley’s message and audience impact (1912 vs 1945)

Ideal for GCSE revision or teaching, this resource helps students build strong, conceptual responses about responsibility, morality, and Priestley’s intentions.