Inspector Goole

• 1. “pink and intimate lighting”


  The Birlings’ initial comfortable ignorance regarding social responsibility prior to the Inspector’s arrival
• 2) “brighter and harder“


  Enhances pressure on the characters, emphasising Inspector’s role as a moral authority who breaks their previous comfort
• 3) “no thank you.. I’m on duty”


  Refusal to drink port is symbolic of his refusing to act immorally

  Mr Birling’s soft attempt at corrupting the responsible and moral Inspector
• 4) “(They are surprised and rather annoyed)”


  Unexpected treatment of the middle class ( who are used to having power)

  Takes control of the evening
• 5) “It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it”


  Suggests the Birling take more than what they deserve and he is supportive of the strike

  Critique of capitalism - they lack awareness of collective responsibility leading to inequality in society
• 6) “A nice little promising life there.. and a nasty mess somebody’s made of it.”


  Seeks to provoke a moral awakening in the characters

  ”nasty mess”= challenges them to consider their social responsibilities
• 7) “millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”


  Everybody struggles

  Possibility of redemption

  References the numbers of people exploited by the greed of capitalism
• 8) “if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire, blood and anguish.”


  Reference of WW1 - pain is a consequence of selfishness

  Priestley’s message: wars are caused by greed and capitalist attitudes of society
• 9) “I’m ashamed of you as well” - eric


  Inspector has made some impact and younger generation accept responsibility
• 10) “socialist or some sort of crank”


  Dismisses the Inspector

  Eva’s death is a reflection of the repeated World Wars