Book excerpt: Everything you need to know about the popular play. Chapters include:The PlaywrightSocial and Historical ContextSetting and StructureTimeline of the play, how to read a play rather than a novelCharacters - Mr BirlingCharacters - Edna and SheilaCharacters - GeraldCharacters - Mrs. BirlingCharacters - EricCharacters - Eva Smith/Daisy RentonCharacters - Inspector GooleAge - Old vs Young - who accepts responsibility and why?The Opening Stage Directions - an analysis.Act One - A SummaryAct Two - A SummaryAct Three - A SummaryThe Inspector's Final Speech - an analysisThe End of the Play - Unanswered Questions and FAQKey themes: Class, love, relationships, selfishnessStructure: Dramatic Irony, time, conflict and tensionSample essay - How does Priestley reveal a message of socialresponsibility in the play?Sample essay - How does Priestley present the characters of Mr.Birling and Sheila in 'An Inspector Calls'?Key quotes (who said them and what do they mean?