Inspector Goole quotes Flashcards
“they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish”
His sermon signifies a resounding impact. It can be read 2 ways as it could be a foreshadowing of the pending 2 world wars and a pessimistic prediction of the 3rd. Alternatively, it could represent a religious metaphor that man will be condemned to hell on earth if they cannot live together in peace. Short sentences could represent his intent to deliver his opinions as facts, making the character and audiences question their past, present and future actions. Priestly uses the inspector as a mouthpiece, voicing his views on the social hierarchy of England.
“Its better to ask for the earth than to take it”
Symbolises capitalism, class and equality with the juxtaposing verbs “ask” and “take”, showing how the upper classes, like the Birlings, are used to taking without permission, whereas the poor, such as Eva Smith, are left to ask and hope for charitable scraps. Alternatively, the Inspector is suggesting that it is socially irresponsible and greedy to have this selfish attitude, a practice that the Birlings are used to. Priestly uses Inspector Goole as his mouthpiece to enforce socialist views.
“We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other”
The inspectors final speech has a powerful didactic message which is that we all have a responsibility to looking after one another. Priestley’s main point is summarised and emphasised in the middle sentence as the metaphor “one body” cleverly suggests that like the parts of the body, we cannot survive without each other, further enforcing his socialist ideals that we must look out for the most vulnerable of society. Alternatively it is an attack on capitalism in relation to Christianity. “We are members of one body” is a biblical quote which forces the audience to pick a side; religion and socialism or capitalism.
“pink and intimate” to “brighter and harder”
Juxtaposition is shown as “pink and intimate” metaphorically shows that the Birlings are in their in own bubble but “brighter and harder” suggests that the inspector will shine a light on the actions of the family or alternatively, the adjective harder connotes solidity firmness and rigidness, clearly exemplifying how the Inspector will not be manipulated by the social position of the Birlings and they will adjust their moral and political beliefs.
“Burnt her inside out”
Goole’s violent description of Eva Smith’s death shows how he is telling the family the harsh truth to make them realise the emphasis and relevance of their actions on Eva’s life. Alternatively, it could refer to how Eva Smith was burnt mentally and physically as the disinfectant literally “burnt her insides out” but the Birlings wore her down and burnt her out. Shows his blunt nature and lack of emotion leading us to believe he is inhuman.
