The inspector

• How is the Inspector dressed in the play?

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

  It suggests a supernatural nature, as "ghoul" implies something otherworldly.
• Why does Priestley leave the Inspector's physical appearance vague?

  Because his message of social responsibility is more important than his appearance.
• What impression does the Inspector create despite his physical appearance?

  He creates an impression of massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness.
• What role does the Inspector take on in the play?

  He acts as an omniscient moral force for good.
• How does Priestley present the Inspector's character?

  As a spiritual avenging angel channeling socialist values and ideology.
• What does the Inspector encourage the younger generation to do?

  To break away from the older, more traditional and individualistic generation.
• How is the Inspector portrayed in relation to societal immorality?

  He is opposed to and exempt from the immorality and corruption of society.
• What does the Inspector's refusal of alcohol symbolize?

  It symbolizes his refusal to act immorally.
• How does Priestley use a cyclical structure in the play?

  He shows the Inspector rejecting Mr Birling's bribery at both the beginning and end.
• What political differences does the audience realize through the Inspector's character?

  That capitalism causes immorality and socialism causes morality.
• What does the Inspector believe about social responsibility?

  That everyone is equally important within society.
• How does the Inspector view Eva Smith compared to the Birlings?

  He sees her as an individual, while the Birlings perceive her as insignificant.
• What does the Inspector's acknowledgment of Eva's "promising little life" signify?

  It signifies his recognition of her significance as an individual.
• How does Priestley connect capitalism and immorality?

  He presents them as synonymous, where rejecting capitalism means rejecting immorality.
• What is the Inspector's purpose in the play?

  To force the Birlings to recognize the immorality of their actions and change their attitudes.
• How does Priestley describe the Inspector's physical appearance?

  He describes him as not needing to be a large man but giving the impression of massiveness.
• What does the Inspector's modest dress suggest about his character?

  It suggests he has no interest in attracting attention to himself and promotes socialist values.
• How does Priestley contrast the Inspector with Mr Birling?

  He juxtaposes their appearances and values to highlight the strength of socialism over capitalism.
• What warning does Priestley convey through the Inspector's final speech?

  That continuing in a capitalist and individualistic fashion will have dire consequences.
• How does Priestley use Biblical references in the Inspector's final speech?

  To establish an atmosphere similar to that of Catholic mass and emphasize moral lessons.
• What does the Inspector symbolize in relation to the world wars?

  He symbolizes the need for social responsibility to prevent the consequences of war.
• How does the structure of the play reflect the two world wars?


  The Inspector's arrival represents WWI, and the phone call at the end symbolizes WWII.
• What does Priestley suggest about the causes of WWII?

  That it occurred due to humanity's failure to accept social responsibility.
• How does the Inspector's departure serve the play's message?

  It tests the characters to see if they have learned their lesson about social responsibility.
• What is the significance of the Inspector being omniscient but not omnipotent?

  It emphasizes that the audience must accept responsibility without external force.
• How does the Inspector use shocking imagery to persuade characters?

  He refers to Eva's death as "burnt her inside out" to evoke empathy.
• What rhetorical devices does the Inspector use to persuade others?

  He uses triplets to evoke empathy, describing Eva as "friendless, penniless, desperate."
• How does the Inspector attempt to appeal to Mrs Birling's maternal side?

  By reminding her that "you've had children," to evoke sympathy.
• What similarities exist between the Inspector and the Judeo-Christian God?

  Both are omniscient and force confessions of sins from characters.
• How does Priestley use Mr Birling as an antithesis to the Inspector?

  To portray capitalism as intolerable and socialism as a favorable alternative.
• What dramatic technique does Priestley use to undermine Mr Birling's reliability?

  Dramatic irony, particularly through his false claims about the future.
• How does Mr Birling's concern for appearance contrast with the Inspector's values?

  Mr Birling is focused on his image, while the Inspector prioritizes morality.
• What does Sheila's conversion symbolize in the play?

  It symbolizes the potential for change in the mindset of the younger generation.
• How does Sheila's attitude towards Gerald reflect the play's themes?

  Her acceptance or rejection of Gerald symbolizes the younger generation's response to the past.
• How does the Inspector expose Gerald's hypocrisy?

  By revealing that he knows Eva is the same girl but fabricates excuses to avoid responsibility.
• How does Mrs Birling react to Sheila's empathy towards Eva?

  She condemns Sheila for expressing guilt and refers to her as "hysterical."
• What does Mrs Birling's use of the term "hysteria" signify?

  It reflects the patriarchal oppression of women and their struggle for power.
• What are the key themes presented through the Inspector's character?

  • Social responsibility
  • The contrast between capitalism and socialism
  • The importance of individual morality
  • The consequences of ignoring social issues

  
• How does Priestley use the Inspector to convey his message to the audience?

  • As a moral force challenging societal norms
  • To encourage reflection on personal responsibility
  • To highlight the flaws of capitalism
  • To promote socialist values