I'm taking my AQA GCSE in English Literature next week, and in preparation I wrote this 45 minute essay. I don't know too much about essay structure; I usually just write as it comes naturally. If anyone with experience in the play or essay writing could give me any tips (specific or general) I'd be unbelieveably grateful!
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Inspector Goole and Mr Birling have perhaps the most noticeably opposing views and philosophies of any two characters in the play. Priestley displays this through the ongoing conflict between the pair, and notably in their vastly contrasting speeches delivered separately in the play. In addition to the subtle details of their opposing views, this conflict successfully shows the contrasting philosophies of Birling and the Inspector.
As soon as they meet, Birling attempts to show his social superiority to the Inspector, boasting about his contacts in the police force. This highlights how social standing is very important to Birling and so, he assumes, is equally as important to everyone else. Couple this with his hints to Gerald early in the play that he is in line to “find his way into the next Honours list”, and the audience are shown how Birling feels that for one to be accepted, they must have privileges in society. This is not, however, a philosophy shared by the Inspector. Following Birling’s attempt at a threat (his claim that he plays golf with the chief constable)
try to avoid parenthesis if you possibly can: writing fluently is a key discriminator between the top grades, the Inspector ‘dryly’ responds that “I don’t play golf”. His use of the word “don’t” shows it is out of choice that he doesn’t play golf, not needing to conform to society’s expectations.
Maybe talk about the stage direction too - 'dryly' shows his wryly dismissive attitude towards Birling and his philosophy This can, of course, be viewed in the wider context of the novel, and the Inspector’s views of social responsibility.
Explain this more - now it seems like a throwaway comment but it has potential to be sophisticated point.Both Birling and Inspector Goole make speeches within the play, showing their
contrastingphilosophies on this matter of social responsibility. Birling insists at the beginning of the play that “a man has to...look after himself and his own”.
See language analysis higher in the thread - individualistic focus of repeated personal pronouns 'man' 'himself' 'his'This view is further evidenced by his reaction towards the workers who initiated the strike at his works.
Tell us what this reaction was. You need to show the examiner rather than leave them to infer what you mean. Contrastingly,
'By contrast' sounds better the Inspector’s later speech is one of a moral, socialistic view that “we are responsible for one another”.
Becauseboth of these speeches are the longest, most narrative pieces of text in the play, the contrast
ismuch more evident.
The main difference between the philosophies of Birling and the Inspector, is that of social responsibility. Whilst the Inspector insists that we are “all members of one body”, Birling could not disagree more. This is evidenced not only in his initial, capitalist speech, but also in his refusal to accept any responsibility for the death of Eva Smith. He’s content to think that he was “quite justified” in discharging Eva from his works and not to dwell further on the subject.
This would be a good place for more evidence/language analysisThis is shown to contrast with the Inspector, who throughout the play probes the characters – and audience- into believing that we are all “Intertwined”.
Throughout the play, the Inspector and Birling are displayed as opposites in looks, mannerisms,
evidence?but most of all philosophies. The way that Priestley achieves this goes further than just their speeches and direct actions. By portraying the character of the Inspector as morally ‘right’, and the character of Birling as a ‘fool’ in general terms, it follows that their views and philosophies will contrast also.
More evidence neededBy having Sheila and Eric side with the philosophy of the Inspector, this is shown as the philosophy for the future.
Try rewording this slightlyBirling, on the other hand, is shown to be out-dated and stupid
too informal for a GCSE essay, so that the Inspector’s socialist views ultimately triumph in the play.
This last clause would have greater impact as its own sentence -------------
If anyone answers,
thank you so much!! x