inspector

• How is the Inspector dressed in the play?

  In a plain darkish suit
• What does the homophone of Goole suggest about the Inspector?

  It suggests a supernatural nature
• Why does Priestley leave the Inspector's physical appearance vague?

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

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

  Omniscient moral force for good
• How does Priestley present the Inspector's character?

  As a spiritual avenging angel
• What ideology does the Inspector channel through his character?

  Socialist values and ideology
• How does the Inspector catalyze change in perceptions of responsibility?

  Encourages younger generation to break away
• What does the Inspector refuse that symbolizes his morality?

  A drink of port
• What does the Inspector's refusal of alcohol symbolize?

  His refusal to act immorally
• How does the cyclical structure of the play function regarding the Inspector?

  It shows consistency in the Inspector's morals
• What does Mr. Birling offer the Inspector that he rejects?

  Bribery with money
• What political differences does the audience realize 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, Eva Smith
• What does the Inspector acknowledge about Eva's life?

  Her promising little life
• What does the Inspector's morality stem from?

  Awareness of social responsibility
• What is the Inspector's purpose in the play?

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

  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's rejection of Mr. Birling's values signify?

  Strength of socialist values over capitalism
• What does the Inspector's final speech warn about?

  Consequences of capitalist individualism
• What biblical references does the Inspector use in his final speech?

  Establishes an atmosphere like Catholic mass
• How does the structure of the play relate to the world wars?

  Mirrors societal capitalist flaws leading to war
• What does Priestley suggest about the cause of WWII?

  Failure to heed social responsibility
• What does the Inspector symbolize in relation to the audience?

  Need for socialist change
• What does the Inspector's departure signify?

  Testing characters' learning of lessons
• How does Priestley use shocking imagery in the play?

  To persuade characters to change
• What similarities exist between the Inspector and God?

  Both are omniscient moral forces
• How does the Inspector force confessions from characters?

  By setting a moral enquiry
• What role does the Inspector play in relation to the characters' sins?

  Forces confessions similar to a priest
• How does Priestley use Mr. Birling as a foil to the Inspector?

  To highlight capitalism versus socialism
• What dramatic technique does Priestley use with Mr. Birling's claims?

  Dramatic irony undermines his reliability
• How is Mr. Birling described in the stage directions?

  As portentous and heavy looking
• What does the Inspector's arrival signify in the play?

  Counterargument against capitalism
• How does Sheila's character symbolize the audience's response?

  Her conversion reflects potential change
• What does Gerald's character represent in the play?

  Emblematic of capitalism and upper-class
• How does the Inspector expose Gerald's hypocrisy?

  By revealing his knowledge of Eva's identity
• How does Mrs. Birling react to Sheila's empathy?

  Condemns her for expressing guilt