The inspector Flashcards
1
Q
The inspector is a proxy for Priestley’s views : interpretation
A
- means he carries Preistleys views, socialist message of everyone being responsible for everyone
2
Q
“but there are millions and millions…
A
of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us”
3
Q
the inspectors socialist message explained
A
- his socialist message is that we are “intertwined” with everyone, so have a responsibility to the working classes, in their “millions and millions and millions”
- third “millions” emphasises the large number of working class people there are, which stands in contrast to the audience, who wouldve probably had mostly upper and middle class people with the leisure time to be interested in theatre, which the working class probably wouldnt
- “we dont live alone. we are members of one body. we are responsible for each other” contrasts with Birlings view that a man only has to look after himself and his family
4
Q
we dont live alone….
A
we are members of one body. we are responsible for each other”
5
Q
Christianity = Socialism interpretation
A
- could be seen as a Christian play, majority of his 1945 audience would have been Christian
- Socialism was really the same as Jesus’s message, “we are members of one body” echoes the Communion, where the congregation drinks wine and eats bread in Commemoration of Jesus, biblical allusion
- Links Priestley’s socialist message that we are all responsible for each other, which even the most anti socialist Capitalists would already accept in Christian teaching
- much more persuasive than simple politics as it tells his audience that the only moral Christian society must also be Socialist
6
Q
Inspectors Anti war message
A
- Performed at the end of the second world war
- his final words are “if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”
- the prediction of fire blood and anguish is a description of both world wars, the one that the audience has lived through, and the one that the characters are going to live through
- so priestley makes a direct link between capitalism and the desire for war, saying that the very people that rule society because they are greedy and want profit for money, are the same people who might want war, as they were the ones who led us into the first world war “the war to end all wars” but it happened again in 1939
7
Q
How is war an economic consequence of capitalism
A
- The lesson is that in order to expand markets and defeat competition, Britain will go to war against is a main economic rival, Germany.
- at the time of the first world war, Germany had a greater slice of world trade than Britain for the first time, so Germany was a massive economic rival
- To destabilise this, the only solution was war
- this had devastating consequences for the upper class, who lost more sons. this was due to their status as officers. officers led from the front and were more likely to be shot once out of the trenches
- he may have done this to appeal to the middle class men in the audience, saying that your own parents are willing to sacrifice your life for ps, as the people who are going to get all the money from building tanks etc, would be big businesses like the Birlings
8
Q
The feminist message of the Inspector
A
- over 1 million women had gotten jobs by 1945 as there were no men there to fill them, so suddenly, there was this flourishing of female empowerment, where they are not only free from the control of men, but also have financial independence going to these jobs
- after the first world war, these women were kicked out of the jobs when men came back by capitalists, but socialists wouldve been more careful about keeping these women
- if “men” will not learn, rather than saying “man” or “mankind” he purposely specifies males because Priestley is appealing to a female audience and inviting them to see war as a male idea
- also suggested that voting for socialism will reject Churchill, a PM who was forever identified with war, despite being arguably the most popular PM Britain ever had
- Like Priestley, his female audience rejected war and Labour won by a landlside
9
Q
The politics of the play
A
- Churchill got Priestley sacked from the BBC because of his socialist message. he had the number 1 radio show in the 1940s
- symbolic of how the upper classes had too much power
- if the upper class (the birlings) had learnt their lessons, the second world war (Eva smith second death) wouldnt have happened
- play is a further chance for the lesson to be learnt by the audience, saying unless we change our politics and our rulers, there will be ww3
10
Q
significance of the inspectors arrival
A
Challenge to Selfish Views: Mr. Birling represents the capitalist, self-centered mindset of the upper class, prioritizing profit and individual success over social responsibility. Inspector Goole’s arrival disrupts Mr. Birling’s speech about the importance of “a man [needing] to make his own way” and exposes the flaws in his self-serving ideology. By challenging Mr. Birling’s views, the Inspector challenges the audience to question the ethics of such a perspective.
- Symbolic Power Shift: The interruption by the Inspector symbolizes a power shift within the dynamics of the play. Mr. Birling initially holds authority and control as the head of the family and a successful businessman. However, the Inspector’s arrival undermines this authority, exposing the limitations and moral bankruptcy of Mr. Birling’s worldview. It signals the emergence of a different kind of power that prioritizes justice and moral integrity.
- The Inspector’s interruption foreshadows the consequences that will unfold as a result of the characters’ actions. By challenging Mr. Birling’s self-centered beliefs, the Inspector implies that there will be repercussions for their lack of consideration for others. This interruption serves as a warning, indicating that their actions will have severe consequences that they must confront.
11
Q
“giving an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness”
A
- The term “massiveness” suggests that Inspector Goole has a physically imposing presence. It implies that he commands attention and respect. This physical stature is not just about his actual size but also speaks to his moral and intellectual weight. It suggests that he represents an authority that cannot be easily dismissed or ignored.
- The mention of “solidity” suggests that Inspector Goole is unwavering and unshakeable in his convictions. He is depicted as someone who stands firm in his principles and beliefs. This solidity is likely to unsettle the other characters who might be accustomed to manipulating or dismissing those who challenge their worldview. It adds to the aura of authority and credibility that Inspector Goole exudes.
- purposefulness” highlights the deliberate and determined nature of Inspector Goole’s actions. He is not simply conducting an investigation; he has a clear objective and intention. This purposefulness suggests that he is driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to uncovering the truth. It implies that his presence is not accidental but rather part of a larger plan or mission.
- During 1912, upper classes had a lot of power, and lower classes may have been intimidated by them. Inspector Goole’s presence disrupts the social hierarchy and challenges the notion of class superiority. His unwavering demeanor and relentless pursuit of truth undermine the Birling family’s belief in their own invincibility
12
Q
“giving an impression of…
A
massiveness, solidity and purposefulness
13
Q
“one person and one line of inquiry at a time”
A
- The phrase suggests that Inspector Goole conducts his investigation with meticulous attention to detail. By focusing on one person at a time, he can thoroughly explore their connection to Eva Smith’s death and unravel the complexities of their involvement. This approach ensures that each character is held accountable for their actions and that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth.
- one line of inquiry at a time” indicates that Inspector Goole follows a systematic and organized approach to his investigation. Instead of jumping between different lines of inquiry or getting sidetracked, he proceeds methodically, concentrating on one aspect of the case before moving on to the next. This methodical approach allows him to build a coherent narrative and connect the dots between each character’s involvement.
- By focusing on one person at a time, Inspector Goole emphasizes the individual accountability of each character. He wants to expose their personal role in Eva Smith’s tragedy and make them face the consequences of their actions. This approach highlights the importance of personal responsibility and challenges the notion of collective guilt or evading individual culpability.
- in 1912, set during a time of economic growth and social inequality, Inspector Goole’s meticulous investigation aligns with the play’s message of holding individuals accountable for their actions and emphasizing the need for a more equitable society.
14
Q
“its better to ask for the world than to take it” analysis and context
A
- The phrase “ask for the earth” employs a metaphorical expression. In this context, “the earth” symbolizes power, control, or material possessions. By using this metaphor, Inspector Goole emphasizes that it is more ethical and righteous to seek one’s desires through legitimate means, such as asking or requesting, rather than resorting to unethical actions or taking advantage of others.
- the antithesis is between “asking for the earth” and “taking it.” By contrasting these actions, Inspector Goole underscores the moral distinction between acquiring something through consent and negotiation versus forcibly seizing or exploiting it.
The quote carries an ethical appeal, encouraging individuals to consider the morality of their actions and choices. Inspector Goole implies that there is a moral imperative to respect the rights and well-being of others. By framing the choice between “asking for the earth” and “taking it,” he highlights the significance of consent, fairness, and integrity in interpersonal and societal interactions.
- The play was written after the end of World War II, a period marked by widespread devastation and a reassessment of societal values. The quote encourages the audience to reflect on the consequences of actions driven by self-interest, exploitation, and disregard for others. Priestley aimed to emphasize the importance of collective responsibility and the need for a more egalitarian and compassionate society.
- Priestley critiques the exploitative nature of capitalism and suggests that genuine progress should be achieved through collaboration, fairness, and empathy.
15
Q
“you used the power you had…to punish her” analysis
A
- “to punish the girl” employs emotive language to evoke an emotional response. By using the word “punish,” Inspector Goole suggests that Sheila’s actions were driven by a desire to harm or inflict suffering on Eva Smith. The emotional connotation of the word underscores the cruelty and vindictiveness behind Sheila’s jealousy.
- The use of the word “girl” to refer to Eva Smith carries significance. It emphasizes Eva’s vulnerability and social position as someone who is easily marginalized and overlooked. The word “girl” implies youth and innocence,
- The possessive pronouns “you” and “the” contribute to the accusatory tone of the quote. By directly addressing Sheila with “you” and referring to Eva as “the girl,” Inspector Goole establishes a clear distinction between Sheila’s agency and the victimhood of Eva. This choice of pronouns reinforces the power imbalance and the responsibility Sheila holds for her actions.
- statement reflects his direct and straightforward manner of addressing individuals. He does not shy away from confronting Sheila about her actions, using clear and unambiguous language to convey his message. This directness highlights his determination to uncover the truth and his commitment to exposing the consequences of people’s action
Class Inequality: The early 20th century was marked by significant class inequality in Britain, with a stark divide between the upper and lower classes. The quote highlights the power dynamics and the abuse of power that often occurred within this hierarchical society. Inspector Goole’s critique of Sheila’s use of power reflects the growing social awareness and criticism of the class system prevalent during that time
