Inspector calls themes and quotations Flashcards
Do the younger characters experience a change in the play and if so why?
The younger characters (Sheila and Eric) are are more supportive of socialist ideologies in contrast to their parents due to their impressionable nature as they are young.
Do the older characters experience a change in the play and if so why?
The older characters (Mr Birling and Mrs Birling) do not change their opinions within the play, they still strongly agree with capitalist/ anti socialist views and seem to learn very little from the inspector as they are older and have more life experience making them act as if they are better than others and more stubborn.
What does the Inspector clearly represent?
The socialist voice of “reason”, the Inspector acts as Priestley’s political mouthpiece stating socialist ideologies and warning the capitalists of the story of the affects and consequences if they do not change their ways or actions.
Which “side” is Gerald on?
Gerald mostly seen as a capitalist being quick to follow Mr Birling’s ideas and supporting him when arguing with the Inspector, however he does carry socialist traits through caring for and helping daisy Renton through tough financial times.
What does the Inspector do which is unexpected of a man in working class and shows that he is a socialist?
He constantly interrupts the characters, speaks in a forceful and demanding tone, sticks to his duty and is undeterred, and isn’t feared when Mr and Mrs Birling threaten him with their high classes in society.
Towards the end of the play, the characters discover that Inspector ‘Goole’ was not really an inspector, what are a few interpretations that could be made from this choice in the writing?
‘Goole’ sounds similar to ‘Ghoul’ potentially hinting that the Inspector was only a supernatural vision for the family as a punishment for their careless acts. The Inspector is also found out not to be a real inspector as this shows when the older characters show relief and go ‘back to their old ways’ as representation that they have not learnt their lesson and that it is the younger generation’s responsiblity to take socialist action in society.
What morbid quote does the Inspector warn will happen if the characters do not begin to care for others in society?
‘The time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish’
What is the significance of the Inspector’s “Blood, fire and anguish” quote?
To scare each character into looking after other people in society no matter what class they are in or else society itself will collapse, this message is also relevantly conveyed to the audience.
When was the play written and where was it first performed? (What is the significance of this location)?
The play was written in 1945 and the end of the Second World War when socialism was becoming more popular and gender stereotypes were beginning to narrow, the play was first performed in Russia and this is significant because Russia at this time was a predominantly communist (and socialist) country.
At the beginning of the play, Mr Birling states some clearly inaccurate information about the titanic not being able to sink and then about how a Second World War is very unlikely, he then proceeds to refer to socialists as “Cranks”, why has Priestley made this speech for Mr Birling at the start of the play?
Firstly the use of dramatic irony here displays Mr Birling as ignorant making the audience dislike him and take his information as inaccurate, possibly leaving an impression of ignorance on all capitalists. He then refers to socialists as “cranks” as possibly another incorrect statement not to be taken seriously by the audience due to Mr Birling’s previous errors.
