Inspector

Question 1

purpose and function

Answer 1

Inspector takes on the role of an omniscient moral force for good
Priestly promotes his socialist agenda through the Inspector

Question 2

“plain dark suit”

Answer 2

he has no interest in attracting attention to himself - his purpose is to promote socialist values and denounce the commercialism and superficiality of capitalism

Question 3

“we are members of one body”

Answer 3

Demonstrates collective responsibilty

Priestly alludes to the Book of Genesis - echoing the words of God implies that Inspector is speaking on God’s behalf

Question 4

“Each of you helped to kill her, remember that. Never forget it.”

Answer 4

Collective responsibility

Question 5

“there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”

Answer 5

Socialism/capitalism

Inspector acknowledges the widespread suffering of the lower-classes at the hand of those socially superior to them

Question 6

“He knows”

Answer 6

Sheila understands the inspectors omniscience and thus reveals to the Inspector. While encouraging Gerald to do the same as “he knows” anyway
Inspector has the greatest impression on Shiela - she becomes symbolic of Priestley’s intented audience response

Question 7

“if you’re easy with me I’m easy with you”

Answer 7

Priestly uses parallelism - symbolic for the inspectors message
sense of equality and treating others how you wish to be treated is inherently socialist

Question 8

“Burnt her inside out”

Answer 8

Shocking imagery

persuade characters to change as he frequently refers to Eva’s death as “burnt her inside out”