Inspector Goole

• "It's better to ask for the earth than take it" - Act 1 - capitalism vs socialism, social class


  • The syntax on "ask" prior to "take" is used by the Inspector to highlight the hierarchical order of importance crucial for societal collective responsibility
  • emphasises that it is imperative to "ask" and share resources, in contrast to the individualistic capitalist notion of "taking" for personal gain - 'taking' often exacerbates (makes worse) inequality and perpetuates (continues) the cycle of poverty for those in lower social classes.
• "It's better to ask for the earth than take it" - Act 1 - capitalism vs socialism, social class


  • Through his direct critique of Mr. Birling, who embodies capitalist ideology, the Inspector condemns the prioritisation of individual greed and self-interest over community well-being
  • To 'take" carries connotations of stealing, a notion strongly condemned in biblical teachings as a mortal sin
  • religion was the foundation of morality in the Edwardian era, capitalist ideals often disregard these teachings, prioritising individual gain over ethical considerations
• "We are members of one body" -Act 3 - responsibility, social class, socialism vs capitalism


  • He also directly relays the biblical teaching, used in baptism, that we are members of his body" in Christ. This is parallel language to "we are members of one body"
  • the Inspector, alike to Jesus, promotes the union of society and togetherness- reinforcing his spreading of Christianity and its foundational teachings
  • his final speech can be seen as salvation for the Birlings' as he reminds them to "Never forget it." - could therefore be seen that socialism is the only chance at salvation for society
• "We are members of one body" -Act 3 - responsibility, social class, socialism vs capitalism



  • The singular image of "one" serves as a reminder of the socialist belief that interconnectedness binds humanity together
  • he teaches the Birlings it is their moral imperative to recognise and fulfil their duty to care for their community and members of society
  • By understanding that we are all interconnected, the Inspector teaches both the Birlings and the audience that society can strive towards a society built on empathy, socialism, and social responsibility
• "If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish" - Act 3 - responsibility, guilt, capitalism 


  • The polysyndeton, shown by the repetition of "and," highlights the torment awaiting those who avoid their moral and civic responsibilities as well as absolve themselves from feeling any guilt.
  • The Inspector's omniscient presentation imbues this message with heightened gravity (seriousness) and significance
  • the Inspector's role is even more fundamental as he utilises reflection and guilt as instruments to catalyse this change
• "If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish" - Act 3 - responsibility, guilt, capitalism 



  • Priestley utilises the Inspector as his mouthpiece - "anguish," symbolises humanity's failure to learn from past mistakes, leading to more "blood and anguish"
  • 'fire and blood...' have biblical allusions to hell. Thus, the Inspector could be portrayed as an agent of God who is trying to bring the Birling's back to the foundation of morality - religion - semantic filed of hell
• [cutting in, with authority] - Act 2 


  • maintains his affirmative persona no matter who he is addressing
  • he doesn't allow anybody's societal expectations like Sheila and Gerald or the reluctancy by Mr Birling, Mrs Birling and Gerald, to prohibit him from spreading his message of collective social responsibility and a collective social conscience