AIC Goole

Question 1

the inspectors final speech

give the Inspector’s stage directions

Answer 1

taking charge, masterfully

Question 2

the inspectors final speech

how do the Birling’s react to taking charge, masterfully

Answer 2

they are suddenly quiet, staring at him- shows his power

Question 3

the inspectors final speech

‘But each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget that.’

Answer 3

• helped to kill her- slightly oxymoronic- legal vs moral responsibility
• lays the blame squarely at the Birling’s feet but also uses it as an opportunity for growth (especially for Sheila and Eric)

Question 4

the inspectors final speech

‘pitiable little bit’ (of organised charity you had in your power to grant)

Answer 4

• represents how upper class women use the lower class to look moral and to gain contacts within charity committees
• reveals how little power Mrs Birling actually has - themes of feminism/rejection of capitalism’s view of women

Question 5

the inspectors final speech

just used her for the end of a** stupid drunken evening ** as if she were an animal, a thing, not a person

Answer 5

• emotive language
• does not allow Eric to make it about himself
• represents how the upper classes use the lower classes because they don’t view them as worthy of respect

Question 6

‘rather savagely, to Birling’ you started it

Answer 6

• one of the only times the Inspector shows emotion
• shows capitalism caused Sheila’s actions- attributes fault to the system

Question 7

the inspectors final speech

‘you made her pay a heavy price and now she’ll make you pay a heavier price still.’

Answer 7

• speaks in the Birling’s language of cost to show the audience they value lives purely based off of the advantages they bring
• speaks for the working class by making it Eva’s revenge

Question 8

the inspectors final speech

there are millions and millions of john smiths and eva smiths still left with us,
hopes, fears, suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with what we think and say and do

Answer 8

• hyperbolic language
• social responsibility
• more influence = more power over more people

Question 9

the inspectors final speech

‘we are members of one body’
‘taught in fire and blood and anguish’

Answer 9

• both biblical references, as AIC is a morality play and appeals to contemporary, Christian audience
• 2nd both an image of hell and a reference to the upcoming World Wars
• taught references the message that capitalism caused the World Wars, which JB Priestley agreed with.

Question 10

the inspectors final speech

‘goodnight’

Answer 10

• presents a sense of finality and a prophetic like feel to the final speech