Exploring Language in An Inspector Calls

Which of the following is an example of dramatic irony in "An Inspector Calls"?

• The Inspector’s final speech to the family.

• The audience knowing about the Titanic’s fate, while Mr. Birling claims it is unsinkable.

• Sheila’s engagement ring.

• Eric’s drinking problem.

What language technique is used when Mr. Birling says, “I speak as a hard-headed practical man of business”?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

Which of the following best describes the Inspector’s use of language when he says, “We are members of one body”?

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Onomatopoeia

• Irony

When Sheila says, “You mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl,” what language technique is she using?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

Which technique is used in the Inspector’s line: “Fire and blood and anguish”?

• Simile

• Rule of three

• Personification

• Euphemism

What is the effect of Priestley’s use of short sentences in the Inspector’s speech?

• To create a sense of calm

• To build tension and urgency

• To confuse the audience

• To show the Inspector is unsure

Which language technique is present in the phrase “pink and intimate” used to describe the lighting at the start of the play?

• Symbolism

• Alliteration

• Imagery

• Irony

When Mr. Birling says, “The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else,” which technique is he using?

• Hyperbole

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

What is the effect of the Inspector’s repeated use of the word “responsibility”?

• It confuses the characters

• It emphasises a key theme of the play

• It creates humour

• It describes the setting

Which language technique is used in the line, “Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges”?

• Juxtaposition

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration