Inspector Goole Flashcards
“but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us”
-polysyndeton used emphasises the amount of individuals marginalised and exploited at the hands of ignorant capitalists. Eva Smith is symbolic of the exploitation of the lower class as a whole. As the inspector says this to the Birlings it shows that the suffering of these lower class individuals is inextricably with capitalism. Pirestley intends to do this as he wants the vilify capitalism to the audience
- As Eva Smith is the microcosm for the dehumanising treatment of the lower social class, it allows the audience to reflect on the magnitude of suffering that ceaselessly goes on and is permitted, if not encouraged, by the upper class capitalist ideologies
“It’s better to ask for the earth than take it” (act 1)
Syntax on ‘ask’: The syntax on “ask” prior to “take” is used by the Inspector to highlight the hierarchical 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 embodies capitalist ideology, the Inspector condemns the prioritisation of individual greed and self-interest over community well-being
Connotations of ‘take’: To take” carries connotations of stealing, a notion vehemently (strong”») condemned in biblical teachings as a mortal 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’s moral foundations, emphasising communal values and collective responsibility over individualistic desire.
Linking to other key themes:
• Guilt: The Inspector demonstrates that the individualistic capitalist notion of ‘taking’ often exacerbates inequality and perpetuates the cycle of poverty for those in lower social classes. This perpetual cycle of societal injustice elicits no feeling of guilt or remorse in the upper class capitalists.
“We are members of one body” (act 3)
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 of society and togetherness- reinforcing his spreading of Christianity and its foundational teachings
Alike to Jesus providing salvation for mankind, the Inspector’s final speech can be seen as being the salvation for the Birlings’ as he reminds them to “Remember that. Never forget it.” It therefore could be seen that socialism is the only chance at salvation for society.Singular image on ‘one’: 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” (act 3)
Beastly image on ‘animal’: 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 not only suffer physical and emotional degradation but constantly battle social injustice and inequality
Asyndetic listing: The use of an asyndetic list (listing with commas instead of ‘and’) conveys a sense o relentless repetition, vividly illustrating how Eva endured relentless marginalisation and exploitation both due to her lower societal status and her gender
• Through the character of the Inspector, who serves as Priestley’s mouthpiece, Priestley vocalises criti of the dehumanising and objectifying treatment of women during the early 20th century.• Given that Priestley’s 1945 audience was predominantly women post-war, highlighting Eva’s unjust treatment as a marginalised (treated insignificantly) 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
Linking to other key themes:
• Capitalism vs socialism: The Inspector personifies socialism as he encompasses and propagates (spreads) socialist ideologies of fairness, developing a collective social conscience and being united in social reform. He is able to galvanise support for these ideals by evoking powerful emotions of guilt, remorse, and self-reflection from the younger generation, who start to recognise the flaws in their behaviour.
“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish” (act 3)
Polysyndeton (repetition of ‘and’): The polysyndeton, shown by the repetition of “and,” highlights the perpetual torment awaiting those who shirk (avoid) their moral and civic responsibilities as well as absolve (free themselves) themselves from feeling any guilt.
• The Inspector’s prophetic and omniscient (all-knowing) presentation imbues this message with heightened gravity (seriousness) 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’s 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 Birling’s 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 (especially Mr Birling priding himself on being a “hard-headed practical man of business”)• This means that the Inspector’s role as a moral agent of God is even more fundamental as he utilises reflection and guilt as instruments to catalyse this change
