“We hardly ever told him anything he didn't know”

Cards (4)

  • Theme- Supernatural&power and corruption
    The inspector's omniscience suggests two possibilities: if supernatural, he resembles a godlike figure who already knows their sins; if human, his deep knowledge reflects how power and social superiority inherently corrupt, making the wealthy's immoral actions predictable.
  • Analysis
    Sheila highlights the inspector’s possible supernatural nature, with his name, "Goole," evoking both "ghost" and "ghoul" (a foul being), echoing Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Her remark, “we hardly ever told him anything he didn’t know,” suggests he might be either omniscient or a skilled human whose understanding of power’s corruption exposes their guilt, aligning with Priestley’s socialist critique.
  • Alternative interpretation
    The inspector represents the collective conscience of society. Rather than being supernatural, he symbolizes the moral awakening that challenges the self-serving ignorance of the upper class, urging them to confront their complicity in social inequality.
  • Writers intention
    Priestley uses the Inspector's omniscience to explore two interpretations: either he possesses supernatural powers, or his socialist beliefs lead him to predict the immoral actions of the wealthy. Sheila, caught in this tension, perceives him as a skilled investigator rather than a ghost, highlighting Priestley’s intention to challenge both the audience's perception of power and the moral implications of class.