The Inspector

Question 1

Authority

Answer 1

1) Whatever Goole is, his unsettling presence might just be down to confidence. He knows how to create an air of uncertainty and reel everyone in.
2) He makes sure everyone recognises that he’s
2) He makes sure everyone recognises that he’s in charge.
3) He takes control and leads the events. They’re confused, but Goole never is.
4) He “massively” interrupts which means that he cuts into the dialogue “with authority”, e.g. when he tells Birling that Eric can “wait his turn”.
5) His authority makes people take him more seriously and makes everything he says sound more important.

Question 2

Priestly uses the inspector as a mouthpiece

Answer 2

1) The Inspector stands outside the class system of the Birlings’ social world - he is an outsider in the play.
2) But he doesn’t take a neutral position — he’s on Eva/Daisy’s side, and he tells the Birlings what he thinks of them.
3) Priestley’s own views are reflected in the opinions of the Inspector. You could say that the Inspector is Priestley’s ‘mouthpiece’ - Priestley’s voice in the play.
This is most clear during the Inspector’s final speech. He’s speaking to the Birling family, but it could also be Priestley’s speech direct to the play’s audience.
5) The play (and Priestley) has a strong message about looking after one another, and it’s the Inspector’s job to deliver it.

Question 3

The inspector is classless

Answer 3

1) The Inspector seems to come from outside the class system that the Birlings live in. This makes him ‘classless
2) The Inspector doesn’t recognise any of the Birlings’ ideas about class. He treats everyone the same.
3) Instead, he says that “We are members of one body” so classes shouldn’t ignore each other’s needs.

Question 4

Inspector goole is…

Answer 4

Moral: “We don’t live alone. We are member ol

Authoritative: “All in good time”

Mysterious: “Was it a hoax?”

An outsider: “The rude way he spoke to Mr Birling and me — it was quite extraordinary!”