Inspector

Question 1

“it’s better to __ for the earth than ___ it
A1
- social class
- capitalism vs socialism

Answer 1

• it’s better to ask for the earth than take it
• syntax on “ask” prior to “take” is used by the inspector to highlight the hierarchal order of importance crucial for societal collective responsibility
• emphasises that it is imperative to “ask” and share resources , in contrast to the individualistic capitalist notion of “taking” for personal gain - ‘taking’ often exacerbates inequality & perpetuates the cycle of poverty for those in lower social classes
• through his direct critique of mr birling , who embodies capitalist ideologies , the inspector condemns the prioritization of individual greed & self interest over community well being
• connotations of take : to take carries connotations of stealing , a notion vehemently condemned in biblical teachings as a mortal sin - as religion was the foundation of morality in the Edwardian era, capitalist ideas often disregard these teachings , prioritizing individual gain over ethical considerations

Question 2

we are ___ of one ___
A3
- responsibility
- social class
- capitalism vs socialism

Answer 2

• we are members of one body
• biblical allusions - directly relays biblical teaching , used in baptism , that we are “members of his body” in Chris - parallel language to “we are members of one body”
• thus the inspector ,alike to Jesus, promotes the union of society & togetherness - reinforcing the spreading of Christianity & its foundational teachings
• alike to Jesus providing salvation for mankind , the inspectors final speech can be seen as being the salvation for the birlings as he reminds them to “remember that. never forget it” - can be seen that socialism is the only chance at salvation for society
• singular image on ‘one’ serves as a poignant reminder of the socialist belief that a profound inter connectedness binds humanity together
• by understanding we are all interconnected , the inspector teaches both the birlings & audience that society can strive towards a society built on empathy , socialism & social responsibility opposed to hatred , segregation & irresponsibility

Question 3

as if she ____ __ ___ , a ___ not a ___
A3
- guilt
- social class
- gender

Answer 3

• as if she was an animal , a thing , not a person
• Eva serves as a microcosm for the exploited lower class & the depiction of her an an ‘animal’ presents a beastly image that symbolizes the dehumanizing treatment endured by those at the bottom of the social hierarchy
• symbolizes the systemic dehumanization inflicted upon the lower classes - they not only suffer physical & emotional degradation but constantly battle social injustice + inequality
• use of aysndetic listing conveys sense of relentless religion , vividly illustrating how Eva endured relentless marginalization & exploitation both due to her lower societal status & her gender
• through the character of the inspector , who serves as priestleys mouthpiece , P vocalises criticisms of the dehumanizing + objectifying treatment of women during the early 20th century
• P’s audience was predominantly women post war , highlighting Eva’s unjust treatment as a marginalized woman would have likely elicited a strong emotional response from his audience - once again emphasises socialism as a superior alt, offering a path towards eliminating the disparity & oppression experienced by individuals like Eva