Inspector Goole

• How is the Inspector dressed in "An Inspector Calls"?

  The Inspector is dressed in a plain darkish suit.
• What does the homophone of Goole suggest about the Inspector's nature?

  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.
• What role does the Inspector take on in the play?

  The Inspector is an omniscient moral force for good.
• How is the Inspector presented in relation to Priestley's views?

  The Inspector is presented as a spiritual avenging angel.
• What values and ideology are channeled through the Inspector?

  Socialist values and ideology are channeled through the Inspector.
• What is the purpose of the Inspector in the play?

  The Inspector serves as a vehicle to catalyze change in perceptions of responsibility.
• How is the Inspector characterized in relation to society's immorality?

  The Inspector is opposed to and exempt from the immorality and corruption of society.
• What does the Inspector's refusal of alcohol symbolize?

  It symbolizes his refusal to act immorally.
• How does Priestley use cyclical structure in the play?

  He uses it to demonstrate the consistency of the Inspector's morals and present Mr. Birling as immoral.
• What conviction does Priestley demonstrate through the Inspector regarding society?

  Everyone is equally important within society.
• How do the Inspector's views compare to the 1912 society?

  His views are too progressive for the pre-suffrage 1912 society.
• What does the Inspector say about public men and their responsibilities?

  Public men have responsibility as well as privilege.
• How does the Inspector refer to Eva Smith compared to the Birlings?

  The Inspector refers to her by her name, while the Birlings refer to her as just a "girl".
• What is the Inspector's awareness of social responsibility linked to?

  It is linked to the impact of an individual's actions upon all of society.
• How is the Inspector's omniscience portrayed in the play?

  His omniscience is evident through his knowledge of the characters' actions and their consequences.
• What is the Inspector's deeper purpose in the play?

  His purpose is to force the Birlings to recognize the immorality of their actions.
• What message does Priestley convey through the Inspector's physical description?

  That a person's inner morality and integrity are more important than outward appearance.
• How does the Inspector's modest dress reflect his character?

  It suggests he has no interest in attracting attention to himself and promotes socialist values.
• How does Priestley use juxtaposition between the Inspector and Mr. Birling?

  To demonstrate that the Inspector's socialist values are stronger than Birling's capitalist views.
• What warning does Priestley convey through the Inspector's final speech?

  He warns of the consequences of continuing in a capitalist and individualistic fashion.
• How does Priestley incorporate Biblical references in the Inspector's final speech?

  He establishes an atmosphere similar to that of a Catholic mass.
• What role does the Inspector symbolize in relation to the characters' sins?

  The Inspector symbolizes the role of a Pastor warning the characters of their moral failings.
• How does the structure of the play mirror the two world wars?

  The Inspector's arrival represents society's capitalist flaws, akin to WWI.
• What does Priestley suggest about the cause of WWII in relation to social responsibility?

  He suggests that WWII occurred due to humanity not heeding the need for greater social responsibility.
• What is Priestley's underlying message regarding society's future?

  To prevent society from failing again, the audience needs to take action and reconstruct society.
• How does the Birlings' attitude contribute to Eva's second death?

  The Birlings' refusal to admit responsibility after the Inspector's exit leads to Eva's second death.
• How is the Inspector used as a mouthpiece for Priestley's views?

  The Inspector presents Priestley's views regarding the need for socialist change.
• What does the cyclical structure of the play signify?

  It signifies that the characters failed to assimilate the Inspector's message.
• What does the Inspector's departure symbolize?

  It tests the characters to see if they have learned their lesson about social responsibility.
• Why is the Inspector's omniscience important to the play's message?

  It emphasizes that the audience must accept responsibility without external force.
• How does Priestley use shocking imagery in the play?

  He uses it to persuade the characters to change their attitudes towards responsibility.
• What rhetorical devices does the Inspector use to evoke empathy?

  He uses triplets to emphasize Eva's desperate situation.
• How does Priestley link the Inspector to the Judeo-Christian God?

  Both the Inspector and God are omniscient, revealing moral truths to the characters.
• How is Mr. Birling presented in contrast to the Inspector?

  1. Birling is portrayed as intolerable and represents capitalism.
• What is the purpose of contrasting the Inspector with Mr. Birling?

  To portray socialism as a favorable alternative to capitalism.
• What does Gerald validate about Sheila's story regarding Eva?

  Gerald validates that Eva "said something about the shop too" and had to leave Mr Birling’s employment "after a strike".
• How does Gerald attempt to excuse his responsibility for Eva's suicide?

  Gerald fabricates the claim that Eva is not the same girl to partially excuse his responsibility.
• What is the role of the Inspector in the play according to Priestley?

  The Inspector condemns the upper-classes’ lack of responsibility and determination to avoid it.
• How does Mrs Birling react to the Inspector's inquiry?

  • She makes vain attempts to halt the inquiry.
  • The Inspector's accusing tone causes her to condemn Sheila for feeling empathy towards Eva.