The Inspector

?
View mindmap
  • The Inspector
    • Takes charge and arrives unexpectedly
      • Leaves after giving a speech on social responsibility
        • After Gerald finds out he is probably a fake, elders no longer care about this and try to avoid the blame
      • Authoritative and imposing. Not a big man, presence fils the room
      • Is never confused, but everyone else is
    • Engine of the play - keeps the ball rolling by asking pushy questions
      • Blunt - "And then you decided to keep her - as your mistress?" This forces Gerald to admit the truth
    • The word "calls" sounds casual
      • Inspector may appear to be casual and spontaneous but he's calculating and single minded.
      • Title's play is echoed in Edna's words when the Inspector arrives
    • Uses emotive language to stir things up
      • "Pretty" and "lively" were the words he used to describe Eva. Heightens audiences sympathy towards her
        • "With a burnt out inside on a slab" harsh words to describe death
    • Answers own questions if he isn't happy with the answer he was given
      • Follows up questions with more questions until he can piece together a confession. - "Was it or was it not your influence?" To Sybil
    • Uses exits as clever tactics
      • Leaving Gerald and Sheila alone gives time for the suspicion to break them apart. This means it is easier to get Gerald to confess.
    • Language gets more dramatic
      • Builds tension and emotion. "Fire and blood and anguish"
    • Could be a ghost or represent a moral or religious figure
      • Eric and Sheila realise that his moral judgement is just as important as his legal power
      • Has the knowledge of a ghost delivering a prophecy but the attitude of a philosopher and social commentator.
    • Doesn't follow etiquette, nor does he act like a prewar middle class man. He interrupts, pauses and talks about sex and politics.
      • "We are members of one body" He treats everyone the same
      • He is Priestley's mouthpiece in the play. Voices his opinions.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

See all English Literature resources »See all An Inspector Calls resources »