Inspector Goole Priestle's Ideas Flashcards
How is the Inspector used by Priestley
He alludes to the Bible when he says ‘We are members of one body’ to emphasize the Inspector’s belief in human love and equality.
His name
The Inspector’s name leads us to question whether he actually exists. The word ‘Goole’ suggests his mysterious quality, being a pun on the word ‘ghoul’. Is he merely a ghost, someone whose very existence has come about as a result of Eva Smith’s death?
His functions
Inspector Goole serves several functions in the play. He acts as the storyteller, linking all the separate incidents together into one, coherent story. Priestley has him supply dates for events, or fill in background about the girl. He also behaves rather like a priest, someone to whom characters confess their sins, helping them to see the extent of their involvement in the downfall of Eva Smith, and encouraging them to acknowledge their guilt and repent. While the Inspector himself does not hand out forgiveness or punishment, characters are made to recognise that they must find the courage to judge themselves, because only then will they have learnt anything and be able to change themselves.
