Inspector Flashcards
‘it is better to ask for the Earth than take it’
A1
-sytax on ‘ask’ - the syntax on ‘ask’ prior to ‘take’ is used by the inspector to highlight the hierarchal order of importance crucial for societal collective responsibility. It 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 and perpetuates the cycle of poverty for those in lower social classes. Through his direct critique of Mr Birling who embodied capitalist ideology, the inspector condemns the prioritisation of individual greed and self interest over community well being.
-connotation - to ‘take’ carries connotation of stealing, a notion vehemently condemned in biblical teachings as a moral sin. As religion was the foundation of morality in the Edwardian era, capitalist ideals often disregard these teachings, prioritising individual gain over ethical considerations. Juxtaposingly, socialism can be viewed as a return to society moral foundations, emphasising communal values and collective responsibility over individualistic desire.
‘we are members of one body’ A3
-biblical allusions - he also directly relays the biblical teaching, used in baptism that we are ‘members of his body’ in christ. This is parallel language to ‘we are members of one body’. Thus the inspector, alike to Jesus, promotes the union and togetherness of society - reinforcing his spreading of christianity and its foundational teachings. Alike to Jesus providing a 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’ which therefore could be seen that socialism is the only chance at salvation for society
-singular image - the singular image of ‘one’ serves as a poignant reminder of the socialist belief that a profound interconnectedness binds humanity together. Therefore, he teaches the Birlings it is their moral imperative to recognise and fulfil their duty to care for their community and members of society. By understanding that we are all interconnected, the inspector teaches both the Birlings and the audience that society can strive towards a society built on empathy, socialism and social responsibility opposed to hatred, segregation and irresponsibility
‘as if she were an animal, a thing, not a person’
A3
-beastly image - Eva serves as a microcosm for the exploited lower class and the depiction of her as an ‘animal’ presents a beastly image that symbolises the dehumanising treatment endured by those at the bottom of the social hierarchy. This symbolises the systemic dehumanisation inflicted upon the lower classes - they only suffer physical and emotional degradation but constantly battle social injustice and inequality
-asyndetic listing - the use of asyndetic listing coveys a sense of relentless repetition, vividly illustrating how Eva endured relentless marginalisation and exploitation both due toher lower societal status and gender. Through the character of the inspector, who serves as priestly mouthpiece, Priestley vocalises criticisms of the dehumanising and objectifying treatment of women during the early 20th century. given that priestly 1945 audience was predominantly women post war highlighting Evas unjust treatment as a marginalised woman would have likely elicited a strong emotional response from his audience. This once again emphasises socialism as a superior alternative, offering a path towards eliminating the disparity and oppression experienced by individuals like Eva.
‘if men will not learn that lesson then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish’ A3
-polysndeton - the polysyndeton, shown by the repetition of ‘and’ highlights the perpetual torment awaiting those who shirk their moral and civic responsibilities as well as absolve themselves from feeling any guilt. the inspectors prophetic and omniscient presentation imbues this message with heightened gravity and significance. Additionally, it may allude to the Second World War, as Priestley utilises the inspector as his mouthpiece to utter the word ‘anguish’ this symbolises humanity failure to learn from past mistakes, leading to further ‘blood and anguish’
-biblical allusions - ‘fire and blood and anguish’ have biblical allusions to hell. Thus the inspector could be portrayed as an agent of god who is trying to bring the Birlings back to the foundation of morality - religion. Their digression from these religious teachings, since they embodied some of the seven deadly sins of greed and pride. This means that the inspectors role as a moral agent of god is even more fundamental as he utilises reflection and guilt as instruments to catalyse this change.
