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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sybil say she wishes she had done?

2. What does Eric accuse Arthur and Sybil of doing?

3. How does Sybil describe Inspector Goole’s manner?

4. Who does Eric blame for Eva Smith’s death?

5. Why did Sybil ask Edna to wait up?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sheila become so upset at the end of Act II?

2. What excuse does Gerald give to the hospital for making the call?

3. What does Eric say was ironic about Inspector Goole’s entrance into the Birling family home?

4. After Gerald returns, he asks the others what happened. How does Sybil explain why she answered Inspector Goole’s questions so easily?

5. How does Sheila respond to Gerald after Inspector Goole finishes questioning him?

6. What does Sybil say is unique about her relationship with Inspector Goole compared to the others?

7. How does Sybil say she felt about Mrs. Birling when Mrs. Birling appealed for help from the Brumley Women’s Charity organization?

8. What is the difference between how Arthur and Sybil react to the revelation that Inspector Goole tricked them and how Eric and Sheila react?

9. How does Arthur describe how Inspector Goole was able to trick most of the other characters?

10. What makes Gerald think Inspector Goole was not a real police officer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Of all of the major characters implicated in the suicide of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton/Mrs. Birling, Sheila expresses the most remorse about what she has done. In that sense she can be considered the play’s emotional center or core. Write an essay about Sheila as the conscience of the play “An Inspector Calls.”

Essay Topic 2

Among the major characters of the play, Gerald and Sheila have one of the few relationships that is not familial. Like many love relationships, their connection is complicated because they have their similarities and their differences. Write an essay exploring the dynamics of the relationship between Gerald and Sheila.

Essay Topic 3

The play “An Inspector Calls” – especially the beginning – is full of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something the characters do not realize. Write an essay examining the examples of dramatic irony evident in the beginning of the play.

(see the answer keys)

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