The Inspector

• What is the Inspector's physical appearance described as?

  Plain darkish suit
• What does the homophone of Goole suggest about the Inspector?

  His supernatural nature
• Why does Priestley leave the Inspector's appearance vague?

  To emphasize social responsibility over appearance
• How does the Inspector create an impression despite his size?

  Massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness
• What role does the Inspector take on in the play?

  Omniscient moral force for good
• How is the Inspector portrayed in relation to socialist values?

  As a vehicle for socialist ideology
• What does the Inspector encourage the younger generation to do?

  Break away from traditional individualism
• How does the Inspector respond to Mr Birling's offer of a drink?

  Refuses, stating he is on duty
• What does the Inspector's refusal of alcohol symbolize?

  His commitment to morality
• How does the cyclical structure of the play affect the Inspector's character?

  Demonstrates consistency of his morals
• What political differences does the audience recognize through the Inspector?

  Capitalism causes immorality, socialism causes morality
• How does the Inspector view the importance of individuals in society?

  Everyone is equally important
• How does the Inspector refer to Eva Smith?

  By her name, not as "girl"
• What does the Inspector acknowledge about Eva's life?

  Her promising little life
• What does the Inspector reject in relation to capitalism?

  Immorality and individualism
• What is the Inspector's purpose in the play?

  To force recognition of immorality
• How does Priestley describe the Inspector's physical presence?

  Need not be a large man
• What does the Inspector's modest dress suggest?

  No interest in attracting attention
• How does the Inspector contrast with Mr Birling?

  Represents socialism against capitalism
• What does the Inspector symbolize in relation to societal change?

  Need for greater social responsibility
• What does the Inspector's final speech warn about?

  Consequences of capitalist attitudes
• How does Priestley use Biblical references in the Inspector's speech?

  To create a moral atmosphere
• What does the Inspector symbolize in relation to the world wars?

  Consequences of ignoring social responsibility
• How does the Inspector's departure function in the play?

  Tests characters' learning of lessons
• What does Priestley imply about the Inspector's power?

  Persuasion is his greatest form of power
• How does the Inspector appeal to Mrs Birling?

  By referencing her motherhood
• What role does the Inspector play in revealing Gerald's hypocrisy?

  Exposes upper-class avoidance of responsibility
• How does Mrs Birling react to Sheila's empathy?

  Condemns her for being hysterical
• What does Mrs Birling's reaction reveal about her character?

  She is cold and unsympathetic
• How does Priestley use dramatic irony with Mr Birling?

  His predictions are proven wrong
• What does the Inspector's role as a moral force imply?

  He embodies the need for social change
• How does the Inspector's omniscience affect the audience's perception?

  It emphasizes the need for personal responsibility
• What does the Inspector's character ultimately represent?

  Priestley's views on socialism
• How does the Inspector's presence challenge the Birlings?

  Forces them to confront their actions
• What does the Inspector's final message to the audience imply?

  Society must learn from past mistakes
• How does the Inspector's character serve as a critique of capitalism?

  Highlights its moral failings
• What does the Inspector's role as a mouthpiece for Priestley suggest?

  He conveys the need for social change
• How does the Inspector's character reflect the values of the contemporary audience?

  Aligns with progressive social views
• What does the Inspector's cyclical structure signify?

  Failure to learn from history
• How does the Inspector's character challenge the audience's beliefs?

  Encourages reflection on social responsibility