This is a Grade 9 response to an exam-style question on Inspector Goole from Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. It includes detailed relevant analysis of key quotes as well as contextual information. The perfect tool for GCSE English students looking to improve exam technique and enhancing subject k...
How does Priestley present Inspector Goole in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
In ‘An Inspector Calls’, a didactic play written in 1945 by J.B. Priestley, the
playwright, explores the Inspector’s importance through his appearance and use of
language, presenting him as a moral teacher with a crucial message to the
contemporary audience as Priestley’s mouthpiece.
Priestley begins by highlighting the monumental importance of Inspector Goole at
the inception of his arrival in Act 1 through a grand introductory description in the
stage directions. The Inspector is described to create an “impression of
massiveness, solidity and purposefulness”, the effective use of the triplet of abstract
nouns immediately establishing the Inspector’s imposing and momentous presence
before he even speaks. Priestley’s use of the noun “solidity” instantly conjures ideas
of strength and sturdiness as a way to present Goole and his beliefs as unyielding
and incorruptible, cementing him as a force to be reckoned with. It is the playwright’s
choice of employing a lengthy polysyllabic description that further heightens the
Inspector’s significance, making us inclined to attend to his forthcoming words. This
idea is reinforced as Priestley instructs that the lighting change to become “brighter
and harder” upon Inspector Goole’s arrival, as though a light has been shone onto
the seemingly quintessential middle class Birling family to expose their hidden flaws.
Hence, Priestley proves Goole to be an important figure by using him as a construct
to bring the bourgeoisie out of their concealment and shed light onto their flaws and
corruption, bringing forth enlightenment and disclosure for the audience.
As Act 1 progresses, Priestley succeeds in illustrating the Inspector’s importance
through his mannerisms and enticing speech. In the middle of Birling’s incessant
Capitalist rant, Goole aptly cuts him off as shown in the stage direction: “cutting
through massively”. This swift interruption showcases the Inspector’s skillfulness in
asserting his superiority while simultaneously foreshadowing the enmity Capitalism
will face in forthcoming years. The effective use of the verb “cutting” alludes to the
Inspector’s purpose to lacerate the veil of ignorance and irresponsibility the upper
classes shroud themselves in with his revelation of justice and moral duties,
ultimately leaving ruination in his wake as the Birlings are left with a tarnished
reputation as they fear a “public scandal”. In addition to this, the repetition of the
adjective “massive” establishes a recurring motif of great size that we begin to
associate with the Inspector, which compounds his importance. Despite not being
“heavy-looking” like his antithesis, Mr Birling, the “massive” influence of his beliefs
seems to outweigh the Inspector’s plain appearance because the strength of his
Sociliast disposition is so great.
Finally, Priestley explores the monumental importance of Inspector Goole through
his profound and riveting monologue before his departure. Through the masterful
use of the biblical phrase, “we are all members of one body”, the Inspector acts as
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller marora. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £2.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
