An Inspector Calls- Inspector Goole Flashcards
Key points
He represents the perspective of Priestley in society.
He is an authorities person, he deals with people firmly and is not impressed by Mr Birlings important friends and Mrs Birlings obstructiveness.
“But after all it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it”
Act 1
People should ask and they will most likely get it.
“You think young women’s ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?”
Act 2
We find out that all of the characters have unpleasant traits to their personalities
“You see we have to share something. If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt”
People who have nothing share. People who have everything don’t want to share.
The inspector shows them that even the privileged have to share, even if it’s a feeling.
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges”
Mr Birling ignores the responsibilities of his status. Only sees it as a privilege. Takes but doesn’t give
“I think that you did something wrong - and I think that you’re going to spend the rest of your life regretting it”
He put the idea of the death being their fault into their minds. The younger generation realise that their actions have consequences. The older generation refuse to believe this.
“Yes. I know - he’s your son and this is your house - but look at him. He needs a drink now just to see him through”
Act 3
Reveals the truth that the Birlings don’t want to know/ refuse to believe.
“Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it. But then I don’t think you ever will”
They all had a part in her death. They need to realise that their actions can hurt people, even when they don’t know it.
Inspector Google tried to make them realise this.
“One Eva Smith has gone- but there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and their chance of happiness, all entwined with our lives and what we think and say and do. We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and bloody and anguish. Good night.”
He shows that people, whoever they are, all have a responsibility. If people don’t realise that soon, they will be taught it the hard way.
