Inspector Goole Flashcards
Overview
In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Inspector Goole is used as a dramatic device, arguably acting as a mouthpiece for J. B. Priestley in order to convey the message of the play - for the audience to be more accepting of socialist ideologies to ensure society never reverts to being dominated by capitalism like it was before the two world wars. This would have a profound impact on the post war audience of 1945 as through their suffering, they would have realised the importance of unity.
Quotes
‘Pink and intimate to brighter and harder’ - Pg 1
‘You think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant things?’ - Pg 27
‘Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges’ - Pg 41
‘Millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’ - Pg 56
‘Fire, blood and anguish’ - Pg 56
‘Pink and intimate to brighter and harder’
Point - Inspector Goole is presented as an omnipotent figure whose arrival immediately shifts the atmosphere of the Birlings’ dinner party.
Choice - The stage directions indicate a change in lighting from “pink and intimate” to “brighter and harder.” The adjectives “pink and intimate” connote warmth and ignorance, whereas the comparative adjective “harder” suggests a stark, unforgiving reality. Priestley uses the Inspector as a dramatic device, reinforcing his authority and the transformative impact he has on the characters.
Effect - The lighting shift symbolizes Priestley’s call for societal change. Before the Inspector’s arrival, the Birlings are comfortable in their ignorance, but the harsher lighting exposes uncomfortable truths, mirroring how Priestley wants society to confront injustice. The lighting also foreshadows the play’s moral message, as the Inspector forces both the characters and the audience to acknowledge the flaws of Edwardian society.
‘You think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant things?’
Point - The Inspector is presented as a voice of moral authority, exposing the hypocrisy of the upper class and challenging their double standards.
Choice - The phrase “You think women ought to be protected against unpleasant things?” directly references Gerald’s mistreatment of Eva. The Inspector highlights the hypocrisy of the upper classes—they seek to shield their own women while exploiting lower-class women for their own pleasure. Mr. Birling and Gerald attempt to protect Sheila from hearing “unpleasant things,” yet they show no concern for Eva’s suffering.
Effect - This contrast exposes the double standards of the upper class, reinforcing Priestley’s critique of a society that values appearances over genuine morality. The audience is encouraged to recognize the injustice in how the working class, particularly women, are treated as disposable while the wealthy maintain their privilege under the guise of propriety.
‘Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges’
Point - The Inspector is presented as a moral voice, challenging Mr. Birling’s selfishness and urging the wealthy to embrace collective responsibility over personal gain.
Choice - The phrase “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” is directed at Mr Birling, highlighting the tension between his attitudes and the moral message of the play. The term “public men” refers to individuals with power or influence, suggesting that people in such positions have a duty to serve the greater good, not just their own interests.
Effect - This statement critiques the selfishness of the upper classes, urging the audience to challenge the capitalist values that prioritize individual gain over collective responsibility. It encapsulates the play’s central moral message, advocating for a society where wealth and power are used to benefit others, rather than being seen as ends in themselves. The audience is encouraged to reflect on their own role in fostering social responsibility.
‘Millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’
Point - The Inspector uses his final speech to emphasise the theme of social responsibility.
Choice - The phrase “millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths” uses pathos to evoke guilt and compassion in the audience. The repetition of “millions” amplifies the scale of suffering, while the use of generic names like “Eva” and “John Smith” universalizes the plight, making it relatable to ordinary people. This technique encourages the audience to empathise with the marginalised and reflect on their role in perpetuating systemic injustices.
Effect - The pathos in this phrase deepens the emotional impact, urging the audience to confront the widespread nature of inequality. It challenges them to recognize their shared responsibility in addressing these social issues, reinforcing Priestley’s moral message that social responsibility should be collective, not individual. The audience is prompted to consider their actions and attitudes towards the marginalised in society.
‘Fire, blood and anguish’
Point - The Inspector uses his final speech to emphasise the theme of social responsibility.
Choice - Priestley uses the Inspector to convey the consequences of societal inaction, specifically through his statement, “we will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.” The triplet of nouns acts as metaphors for the world wars, suggesting that unless society changes, the cycle of destruction will continue. The Inspector is presented as an omnipotent, imposing figure who challenges the selfishness of the upper classes and calls for greater empathy and responsibility. His impartiality further emphasises his role as an unbiased moral voice.
Effect - This use of the Inspector forces the audience to consider the repercussions of ignoring social responsibility, particularly in terms of the devastating consequences seen in the world wars. The impartial nature of the Inspector encourages the audience to trust his judgment and reflect on their own role in fostering change. Priestley’s message becomes clear: without societal change, the cycle of inequality and destruction will continue, making the need for empathy and responsibility urgent.
