Inspector Goole

• Who is Inspector Goole, and what is his role in the play?

  Inspector Goole is a mysterious, morally authoritative figure who investigates the Birlings’ involvement in Eva Smith’s death. He acts as a mouthpiece for Priestley’s socialist views and challenges capitalist and classist ideologies.Ambitious vocabulary: Omniscient, didactic, enigmatic, authoritative, incisive.
• “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other… if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish”

  • This is the Inspector’s most significant and weighty statement in the play and Priestley warns of the dire consequences of evading social responsibility
  • The language here is carefully composed and moralistic in tone 
  • The use of violent imagery and metaphor is powerful and suggests impending conflict
  • Priestley warns the audience (and society) of the consequences of evading social responsibility
• How does Inspector Goole control the structure of the play?

  Goole interrogates the Birlings "one person and one line of inquiry at a time," creating tension and allowing revelations to unfold dramatically. His method is systematic and psychologically shrewd.Vocabulary: Methodical, manipulative, strategic, calculating.
• Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it."

  This quote demonstrates his unflinching delivery of justice and moral judgement.Vocabulary: Uncompromising, condemnatory, judgemental.
• His final speech warns of "fire and blood and anguish" if society fails to learn from its mistakes, foreshadowing war and chaos. His exit leaves the characters (and audience) unsettled and reflective.Vocabulary: Prophetic, ominous, haunting, didactic.