Diane Samuels uses a small group of characters to explore separation, identity, memory and family. Eva/Evelyn stands at the centre of the play, while Helga, Lil and Faith represent different generations of mothers and daughters. The Ratcatcher gives visible form to the fear that follows Eva into adulthood.
Diane Samuels uses symbols throughout Kindertransport to connect Eva’s childhood with Evelyn’s adult life. Characters, settings and objects carry memories from one time period into another. They help the audience understand Eva’s fear, changing identity and relationships with her family. Symbolism is especially useful for AO2 because it allows you to discuss language, dramatic form […]
Diane Samuels’ Kindertransport centres on the enduring effects of separation. Eva’s journey from Germany to England defines her identity, her memories and her relationships throughout the play. These experiences also affect Faith, who grows up not knowing her full family history.
Diane Samuels’ Kindertransport is a play about memory, identity, separation and survival. It follows Eva Schlesinger, a Jewish child sent from Germany to England on the Kindertransport before the outbreak of the Second World War. As she grows older, Eva changes her identity to become Evelyn, an English woman who has tried to bury her […]
Whatever drama text you’re studying for GCSE or IGCSE English Literature, whether it’s Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, Blood Brothers, or any other text, understanding the technical terminology and being able to accurately use language of drama is essential. To be able to write high-level essays, you need to analyse how playwrights use structure, stagecraft, and […]
Once you know your texts well and have a good sense of what examiners reward, the next step is practice. The kind of practice that builds Grade 9 skills is deliberate and regular. Students who reach the top grades develop habits of planning, timed writing, and checking their work against examiner expectations.
Building a quote bank is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the GCSE or IGCSE English Literature exam. A well-organised selection of short, high-impact quotations can make it easier to plan essays, remember key ideas, and write confidently in timed conditions. Instead of memorising entire scenes or pages, focus on gathering meaningful […]
No matter where you are on your journey to your English Literature exam, it’s never too late (unless it’s the night before!) to aim higher. A grade 9 is within reach with focussed effort and attention. In this blog post, we outline the ideal preparation journey beginning in Year 10. But if you’re in the […]
Although knowledge of historical context is not required to gain marks in GCSE or IGCSE English Literature exams, understanding the social and political climate that shaped An Inspector Calls can give you a deeper appreciation of Priestley’s message and help you write with greater insight and confidence.
The idea of scoring the very top grade or 8 or 9 for English literature may feel like a stretch for many. And for some just passing would be sufficient, after all not everyone is a fan of analysing commentary or trying to figure out how context influences author’s choices. But if you enjoy English, […]
J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls may be set in Edwardian England, but its structure, characterisation, and message borrow heavily from an older dramatic tradition, the morality play. In this article, we’ll explore what defines a morality play and how Priestley adapts this classic form to challenge a 20th-century audience.
Practising with past exam questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your English Literature exam. However, to make revision even more efficient, learning and practising writing essays based on themes offers even great opportunity to perfect your essay writing technique.
Students preparing for GCSE and IGCSE English Literature must be confident in using key quotations effectively. These ten quotes have been selected for their gravitas, relevance, and flexibility. They can be used across a range of essay questions and are supported by clear analysis and exam strategy tips.
Writing an essay on An Inspector Calls can feel daunting at first. Whether you’re preparing for GCSE English Literature or Edexcel IGCSE Paper 2, a clear paragraph structure is essential for building strong, focused responses. One of the best methods to use when starting out is the PEEL structure. This tried-and-tested format helps you stay […]
Understanding how J.B. Priestley uses language, form and structure in An Inspector Calls is essential for achieving top marks in your IGCSE English Literature exam. These elements are central to AO2 – the exam assessment objective that focuses on the writer’s methods and how they shape meaning.
Inspector Goole is one of the most unusual and compelling figures in An Inspector Calls. He appears without warning, shifts the mood of the play instantly, and directs the action from the moment he arrives. His investigation into the death of Eva Smith becomes a moral interrogation, uncovering not just facts but failures of empathy, […]
An Inspector Calls is more than a mystery play — it’s a call to reflect on society, justice, and how individuals treat one another. Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945, just after the Second World War, and set in 1912, the play explores what happens when people avoid responsibility and ignore inequality. Through the story […]
Whether you’re revising for your Edexcel IGCSE or another English Literature exam board, knowing the characters in An Inspector Calls — and understanding how Priestley uses them — is key to hitting the assessment objectives. Most essay questions will ask you to write about a character, a theme, or both. To do this well, you […]
An Inspector Calls is often described as a detective drama, but at its core, it’s a powerful piece of political theatre. Written by J.B. Priestley in 1945 and set just before the First World War, the play examines class, responsibility, and social change through a carefully structured sequence of revelations. Understanding the plot — not […]
In the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 1, the Section B poetry comparison question is always shaped around a theme. This theme acts as the lens through which you’re asked to explore and compare two poems from the anthology. Whether you’re working with two named poems or selecting one of your own, understanding the kinds […]