The inspector

Created by

BINNIE ✰

Cards (73)

How is the Inspector dressed in the play? 
In a minimal "plain darkish suit"
What does the homophone of Goole suggest about the Inspector? 
It suggests a supernatural nature, as "ghoul" implies something otherworldly
Why does Priestley leave the Inspector's physical appearance vague? 
Because his message of social responsibility is more important than his appearance
How does the Inspector create an impression of massiveness and purposefulness? 
Despite not needing to be a big man, he conveys strength through his presence
What role does the Inspector take on in the play? 
An omniscient moral force for good
How is the Inspector presented in relation to socialist values? 
He channels socialist values and ideology
In what way does the Inspector catalyse change in perceptions of responsibility? 
By encouraging the younger generation to break away from traditional individualism
How does the Inspector demonstrate resistance to corruption? 
By refusing a drink of port, symbolizing his moral stance
What does the Inspector's refusal of alcohol symbolize? 
His commitment to acting morally and responsibly
How does Priestley use a cyclical structure in the play? 
By having the Inspector reject Mr Birling's bribery at the end, mirroring his earlier refusal
What political differences does the audience recognize through the Inspector's character?
Capitalism causes immorality, while socialism promotes morality
What does the Inspector believe about social responsibility? 
Everyone is equally important within society
How does the Inspector's view differ from the Birlings' perception of Eva Smith? 
The Inspector sees Eva as an individual, while the Birlings view her as insignificant
What does the Inspector's acknowledgment of Eva's "promising little life" signify? 
His recognition of her significance as an individual
How does the Inspector's morality relate to social responsibility? 
His morality stems from his awareness of the impact of individual actions on society
What supernatural element is associated with the Inspector? 
His apparent omniscience
What is the Inspector's primary purpose in the play? 
To force the Birlings to recognize the immorality of their actions
How does Priestley convey the message that inner morality is more important than outward appearance? 
By describing the Inspector as not needing to be a large man but still giving an impression of massiveness
What does the Inspector's modest appearance suggest about his character? 
He has no interest in attracting attention to himself and promotes socialist values
How does the juxtaposition of the Inspector and Mr Birling highlight their ideological differences? 
It demonstrates the strength of the Inspector's socialist values against Birling's capitalist views
What warning does Priestley convey through the Inspector's final speech? 
About the consequences of continuing capitalist and individualistic behavior
How does Priestley use Biblical references in the Inspector's final speech? 
To create an atmosphere similar to that of Catholic mass and emphasize moral lessons
What does the Inspector symbolize in relation to the world wars? 
He represents the consequences of failing to learn social responsibility, paralleling the causes of the world wars
How does the Inspector's arrival relate to the flaws of capitalist society? 
His arrival signifies the need to address societal flaws that led to WWI
What does the phone call at the end of the play symbolize? 
It symbolizes WWII and the consequences of ignoring social responsibility
How does Priestley suggest the world wars were caused by societal attitudes?
By linking them to the greed and capitalist attitudes of society
What role does the Inspector play in Priestley's agenda? 
He serves as a mouthpiece for Priestley's views on the need for socialist change
How does the cyclical structure of the play relate to the characters' understanding of the Inspector's message? 
It shows that the characters fail to assimilate the Inspector's message, reflecting the audience's potential failure
What does the Inspector's departure signify? 
It tests the characters to see if they have learned their lesson about social responsibility
How does Priestley depict the Inspector's persuasive power? 
Through shocking imagery and rhetorical devices to evoke empathy
What similarities exist between the Inspector and the Judeo-Christian God? 
Both are omniscient and serve a moral purpose in guiding others
How does the Inspector's inquiry resemble that of a priest? 
He forces confessions of vices from the characters, similar to a priest accepting confessions
How does Priestley use dramatic irony in relation to Mr Birling?
By portraying Mr Birling's confident claims as contemptible due to historical events
What does Mr Birling's concern for appearance reveal about his character? 
He is more focused on perception than morality
How does the Inspector interrupt Mr Birling's capitalist narrative?
By presenting a counterargument against capitalism upon his arrival
What does Sheila's conversion symbolize in the play? 
It symbolizes the potential for change in the mindset of the younger generation
How does Sheila's attitude towards Gerald reflect the themes of the play?
It symbolizes whether the younger generation will accept the past or embrace change
What hypocrisy does the Inspector expose in Gerald's character? 
He reveals Gerald's attempt to avoid responsibility for Eva's death
How does Mrs Birling attempt to silence Sheila during the inquiry? 
By condemning her for expressing empathy and labeling her as hysterical
What does Mrs Birling's reference to hysteria reveal about societal attitudes? 
It reflects the patriarchal oppression of women and their struggle for power