INSPECTOR

• [plain and darkish suit]

  • carries an air of mystery
  • dressed simplistically - not suggestive of him belonging to a particular social class, thus making him enigmatic
• "It's better to ask for the earth than take it"

  • syntax on "ask" prior to "take" is used by the inspector to highlight the order of importance that's required for society to be collectively responsible
  • we must "ask" and share opposed to the capitalist ideas of "taking" to benefit oneself
  • idea of "take" connotes "steal" an idea that is scorned in the bible as it's a mortal sin
• [sternly to both of them]

  • he speaks in this tone when addressing Sheila and Gerald
  • doesn't allow Sheilas docile expectations as a woman nor Gerald's untouchable higher status, to prohibit him from harshly delivering the message of responsibility
• "as if she was an animal, a thing, not a person."

  • triple simile
  • beatific image on "an animal" highlights their blatant disregard of her humanity through their dehumanising and exploitative treatment
  • neglectful verb "thing" intensifies how, as she belonged to a lower class, she wasn't regarded with any form of compassion as a human being
• "fire and blood and anguish"

  • inspector appears prophetic, paired with his biblical allusions to hell when he uses this triplet
  • polysyndeton reinforces the eternal torture they will face if they continue to part with their responsibility
  • attempt to bring them back to the foundations of religion
• "we are members of one body"

  • directly relays biblical teachings used in baptism that we are "members of his body" in Christ
  • parallel language - the Inspector, alike to Jesus, promotes union of society and togetherness
• "Remember that. Never forget it."

  • alike to Jesus providing salvation for mankind, the Inspector's final speech can be seen as being the salvation for the Birlings'
  • attempt to bring them back to the foundations of religion
• [brighter and harder]

  • symbolises how Inspector Goole sheds light on the true nature of the characters
  • dismantles facade they present of the 'perfect' upper-middle class family
  • Goole is a homonym for 'Ghoul' suggestive of a supernatural force of a ghost, suggesting he is the one changing the lighting