A Christmas Carol Flashcards
What is the Inspector’s approach to questioning?
He uses shock tactics, answering his own questions if unsatisfied and following up with more questions until he gets a confession.
How does the Inspector describe Eva/Daisy?
He describes her as a ‘pretty’ and ‘lively’ girl, which makes the audience more sympathetic towards her.
What is the moral message conveyed by the Inspector?
The moral is ‘We don’t live alone. We are members of one body.’
How does the Inspector’s language affect the other characters?
His language is forceful and to the point, forcing the other characters to answer him.
What role does the Inspector play in the play?
The Inspector is the driving force of the play, keeping the action moving with his probing questions.
How does the Inspector make an entrance?
He rings the bell just as Arthur says ‘a man has to mind his own business,’ proving the opposite.
What is significant about the Inspector’s exits?
His exits create tension and allow characters like Sheila to interrogate others, leading to confessions.
What does the Inspector imply about the consequences of the Birlings’ actions?
He warns that if they don’t learn their lesson, they will be taught it in ‘fire and blood and anguish.’
What is the meaning behind the word ‘calls’ in relation to the Inspector?
The word ‘calls’ is deceptive; it suggests casualness while the Inspector is actually calculating and in control.
How do the characters perceive the Inspector?
His authoritative voice and presence put the characters under his spell, making them unaware of his true nature until he’s gone.
Who is Inspector Goole?
Inspector Goole is a mysterious character whose true identity is never revealed. The audience learns he ‘definitely wasn’t a police inspector at all’.
What is uncertain about Eva/Daisy?
The identity of Eva/Daisy is uncertain, and the audience is left questioning whether she ever existed.
What does Inspector Goole claim to have found?
He claims to have found ‘a rough sort of diary’ kept by Eva/Daisy, but its authenticity is questionable.
What does the Inspector represent?
The Inspector could represent a ghost or the spirit of a religious or moral figure, similar to characters in Medieval morality plays.
What is significant about the name ‘Goole’?
Inspector Goole’s name sounds like ‘Ghoul’, which is a word for ‘ghost’, hinting at his mysterious nature.
How does the Inspector differ from Arthur Birling?
The Inspector does not share Arthur Birling’s interests or values, such as playing golf or being impressed by public profiles.
What taboo subjects does the Inspector discuss?
He discusses taboo subjects like sex and politics, which were not commonly addressed in middle-class prewar England.
How does the Inspector behave in social situations?
The Inspector interrupts, repeats, and pauses in ways that defy the etiquette norms of his time.
What does it mean that the Inspector is ‘classless’?
The Inspector comes from outside the class system and treats everyone equally, emphasizing that ‘We are members of one body’.
In what way is the Inspector more than a police inspector?
He represents the police and courts, tracking down the truth, but lacks the legal authority of a police officer.
What realization do Eric and Sheila have about the Inspector?
They realize that his moral judgement is as important as any legal power he might have.
What is the Inspector’s attitude?
The Inspector has the attitude of a philosopher and social commentator, with a knowledge reminiscent of a ghost delivering a prophecy.
What does the dining room symbolize in the play?
The dining room symbolizes the middle-class lifestyle, as only well-off households had one in 1912.
How does the Inspector create an air of authority?
His unsettling presence and confidence help him create an air of uncertainty and control over the events.
How does the Inspector interrupt dialogue?
He ‘massively’ interrupts with authority, ensuring he is recognized as in charge.
What role does the Inspector play in delivering Priestley’s views?
The Inspector acts as Priestley’s mouthpiece, reflecting his views and delivering a strong message about social responsibility.
What is the significance of the Inspector’s final speech?
The Inspector’s final speech addresses the Birling family but also serves as Priestley’s message to the audience about caring for one another.
Who is Arthur Birling?
Arthur Birling is the head of the Birling family and the boss of his own company.
What is Arthur Birling’s attitude towards money and power?
He is so bothered about money and power that he can’t think about anything or anybody else.
How does Arthur Birling view himself?
Arthur Birling seems very confident and is pleased with himself.
What does Arthur Birling want to be seen as?
Birling likes to be respected and wants to be in control.
How does Birling react to being challenged?
He isn’t used to being challenged and shows impatience when the Inspector speaks.
What does Birling do when his reputation is threatened?
He is terrified and would ‘give thousands’ to avoid scandal.
What kind of man is Arthur Birling?
Birling is ambitious, business-minded, selfish, and anxious.
How does Arthur Birling view social responsibility?
He dismisses the idea of social responsibility and calls people like Goole ‘cranks’.
What does Birling think about his workers?
He sees other people as ‘cheap labour’ and actively made things worse for them.
What is Birling’s attitude towards the future?
He is very optimistic and dismisses fears of war as ‘silly little war scares’.
How does Priestley portray Birling’s character?
Priestley uses dramatic irony to make Birling’s optimism seem foolish and short-sighted.
