Inspector Goole

Question 1

Key Ideas: Inspector

Answer 1

The Inspector takes on the role of an omniscient (all-knowing), moral force for good. Priestley presents his character as a spiritual avenging angel.

Socialist values and ideology are channelled through the Inspector.

Priestley utilises the Inspector as a vehicle to catalyse change in perceptions of responsibility. He encourages the younger generation to break away from the older, more traditional and individualistic generation.

Question 2

Inspector Start

Answer 2

1. ‘He creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness”

Rule of three, choice of adjectives for strength, supernatural chilling presence.

2. (Cutting through massively)

Interrupts the higher class, adverb suggests an exemption from normal attitudes of the rich, vehicle for priestly attitude for change

3. Quite so.

Short sentence suggests objective, yet critical nature.

Question 3

Inspector Middle

Answer 3

1. “A chain of events”

Critical, logical and cold nature. Foreshadows his omniscient nature of collecting confessions one by one in a chain.

2. (massively) “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.”

Adverb to exemplify his intimidating and demanding nature. Direct address suggests that this is also for the audience, criticising capitalism and Mr Birling.

3. “ Don’t stammer and yammer at me again.”

Imperative suggests Inspector defies common class conventions of the Edwardian era, acting as a catalyst for change. Colloquialisms contrast upper class Birlings, suggesting the Inspector is independent and defiant.

Question 4

Inspector End

Answer 4

1. “ We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”

Use of collective pronoun for collective responsibility. The Inspector is educating with direct address. Priestly’s message to audience.

2. “ if men will not learn that lesson”

Inspector criticises patriarchal society, as ironic due to only person changing and learning is a woman i.e Sheila.

3. “In fire and blood and anguish.”

Rule of three with lexical field of war and suffering. Presented as prophetical and contrasts Birlings first prediction