Inspector Goole

• Explode the quote, "One Eva Smith is gone- but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us."

  ¬signals to the audience that Eva is representative of the working class

  ¬a political message

  ¬"remember" is an imperative

  ¬repetitive "millions" demonstrates the severity and exaggerates the amount of people who are stuck in similar predicaments like Eva

  ¬the message behind this quote is that we can still work together to help the many others like Eva

  ¬The purpose of the inspector is to not only share Priestley's socialist views or to correct the characters' mistakes, but is to also teach and inform the audience on socialism, perhaps to change their views on it too.

  ¬uses a didactic tone to deliver this moral message
• Explode the quote, "We are members of one body."

  ¬use of Biblical/ Christian imagery.

  ¬majority of the audience would be Christian so it links their faith into this moral purpose of social responsibility.

  ¬Priestley's message of socialism.

  ¬by echoing the words of God in the book of Genesis, Priestley implies that the Inspector is speaking on God's behalf.

  ¬powerful metaphor, suggesting that society functions like a human body, where each part (each individual) is essential for the overall health and well-being of the whole. If one part suffers, the entire body suffers. 

  ¬we have a duty to work together and not act selfishly
• Explode the quote, "We are responsible for each other."

  ¬emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral imperative to care for one another

  ¬a socialist message

  ¬this contradicts Mr Birling when he says "a man has to mind his own business"

  ¬anti-war play so this links war to capitalism as this is the leading reasons to WW1 & WW2

  ¬suggests a moral obligation to act in a way that promotes the well-being of society as a whole, rather than prioritising individual interests at the expense of others. 

  ¬we must strive to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a good and fulfilling life.
• Explode the quote, "Burnt her inside out of course.. she was in great agony."

  ¬uses shocking imagery in an attempt to persuade the characters to change as he frequently describes Eva's death as graphic.

  ¬graphic imagery

  ¬highlights the suffering and tragedy that occurs obliviously in society.

  ¬this is designed to manipulate Sheila's emotions and cause her to feel remorseful, slowly guiding her to a more socialist response.

  ¬this is equivalent to Eva's horror and pain due to her exploitation.
• Explode the quote, "to put ourselves in the place of these young women counting their pennies in their dingy little back bedrooms."

  ¬ "dingy little back bedrooms" paints a picture of poverty and squalor, emphasising the stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the working class.

  ¬"counting their pennies" highlights the constant struggle for survival and the lack of financial security experienced by these women.

  ¬"young women" emphasizes the vulnerability and potential exploitation of young women in the working class.

  ¬By forcing the characters to confront the realities of the working class, the Inspector hopes to spark a sense of social responsibility and a desire for change.

  ¬reminds the audience of the struggles that the working class face.
• Explode the quote, "After all, it's better to ask for the earth than to take it."

  ¬capitalist society is rapacious (greedy) and will consume the whole earth as they have no remorse for others, and only care for themselves. This is a practice the privileged Birlings would be used to.

  ¬emphasizes the importance of respecting others' rights and needs rather than seizing what you want without regard for consequences

  ¬highlights the dangers of unchecked greed and power, suggesting that a society built on taking rather than asking will inevitably lead to conflict and injustice. 

  ¬upper class deny the working class of basic human dignity
• Explode the quote, "And i tell you that the time will soon come when if men will not learn that lesson then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."

  ¬this is a direct reference to the suffering that happens in war.

  ¬Priestley argues that if the government were socialist, then there would be no war, potentially encouraging an audience to change their ways.

  ¬Priestley builds to a climax in a list by repeatedly using 'and' and his word choice is extremely powerful. 'Fire' and 'blood' and 'anguish' are all words with connotations of war and death.

  ¬Priestley is reminding the audience that if we carry on living selfishly there will be consequences of war

  ¬emphasises the vitality of social responsibility.
• Explode the quote, "Public men, Mr Birling, have their responsibilities as well as their privileges."

  ¬underscores the idea that those in positions of power and influence have a duty to care for others, particularly the less fortunate, and that privilege comes with ethical obligations. 

  ¬reminds Mr Birling that he cannot just do as he pleases without considering the potential consequences of his actions.

  ¬foreshadows the moral awakening of the younger characters as they confront their father's views and the consequences of their actions. 

  ¬Inspector's statement directly challenges Mr. Birling's self-centeredness and his narrow-minded view of society, where he believes that everyone should be responsible for themselves and their family. 

  ¬highlights that those in positions of power have a duty to use their position for the betterment of society, not just for their own benefit.