The Inspector

The Inspector

Overview

·        Super natural tendencies can be derived from ‘Inspector Goole’ as ‘Goole’ embodies ‘ghoul’ ; a haunting spirit.

·        Represents the voice of socialism “An Impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness”

·        The inspector embodies the voice of Priestley, showing his socialist views and hatred towards the hypocritical class system and capitalist society.

·        The Inspector represents the voice of socialism apparent first in his appearance, as he wears plain and ordinary clothes in contrast to the expensive suits worn by Mr Birling and Gerald.

·        Not only that but the Inspector represents Priestley’s voice and his strong moral views. His job is to make the character to change their attitudes, face up to what they have done and start taking responsibility for each other (Speech in End Act 3)

·        Indeed, even from the beginning of the play it is indicated that the inspector’s purpose is to not only inform the Birlings of Eva’s suicide but to make them take responsibility for their actions.

·        This can be seen when Birling asks Edna ‘give us some light’ just before the Inspector enters.

·        This is symbolic of the fact the Inspector is the light guiding the Birlings to see the error of their ways.

·        He controls the pace and tension by dealing with one line of enquiry at a time.

·        Slowly the Story of Eva’s life is unravelled by the Inspector.

·        He was a moral force with capability to educate about responsibility.

Stage Directions

·        Power from speech/ content with constant deliberate manner.

·        ‘Cutting in massively’ ‘With authority’ – Presents the Inspector to very much be the leader of events that will happen in the play.

·        Priestley presents his ideas that those in power are foolish, and the younger generation are more open to positive change through the Inspector who is also going to be the character that questions the arrogant, self confidence that the Birlings have first, as a playwright confronts his audience’s own prejudices about power in society.

·        Inspector’s arrival ‘Brighter and harsher’ to represent the harsh reality he informs the Birlings of and how he is the critical figure to the progression of the play.

·        Sound effect ‘A sharp ring of a front doorbell’ – The sharp ring would startle the audience/ suggest the Inspector will be a ‘Sharp’ person. The ring also interrupts Birling suggesting that the inspector will have power and control over Birling.

Act 1

“Mr Birling?”

-        Stage directions change lighting to ‘brighter and harsher’ representing the harsh reality he informs the Birlings of, and how the Inspector is a critical figure to the progression of the play.

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