Interview
'An Inspector Calls' Holiday Work Answers
- Module
- English Literature
- Institution
- GCSE
Some work that I was set to complete over the holidays on 'An Inspector Calls'. The questions and answers are both included.
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Charlotte Corrigan‘An Inspector Calls’ Holiday Work
A. ‘INSPECTOR GOOLE’: WHAT’S IN A NAME?
1.What does the title of ‘Inspector’ suggest that this character’s role within the play will
be? (Hint: what is an inspector?)
The inspector is used to judge, appraise and investigate the Birling family’s involvement in
the death of Eva Smith. He inspects the family and their behaviour is close detail.
2.The name of ‘Goole’ is the same as the seaport town of Goole at the mouth of the River
Humber, in East Yorkshire. Why might this be relevant to the Inspector? What does it
suggest about his possible role? (Hint: think of the verbs ‘fish’ and ‘trawl’ – how can these
be applied to a seaport town and to the Inspector?)
Perhaps, just as the town of Goole is at the mouth of the River Humber, Inspector Goole
could be the mouthpiece of Priestley. Goole functions as the voice of Priestley highlighting
the author’s socialist views.
3. The Inspector’s name sounds like ‘ghoul’.
Ghoul (noun)
1: someone who takes a morbid interest in death
2: a ghost
3. a spirit which is said to take fresh life from corpses
Why might this be relevant? What does it suggest about the reasons behind the
Inspector’s presence at the Birling household? (Hint: think about the connection the
Inspector has to death)
Priestley utilises the charactonym ‘Goole’ to suggest that the Inspector is an enigma.
Perhaps, the Inspector himself is a spirit that has deliberately been sent by God to deliver
Priestley’s allegorical message of the middle classes accepting responsibility for the poorer
members of society. Furthermore, he acts as the voice piece of Priestley echoing his
message that the middle classes should be less autonomous and accept their duty to look
after the poorer classes. His presence seems almost supernatural and his character is
omniscient.
B. THE INSPECTOR’S ARRIVAL
1. The Inspector arrives just after Mr Birling has been setting out his view of life: every
man must only look out for himself. The Inspector’s role is to show that this is not the
case. Throughout the play he demonstrates how people are responsible for how they
affect the lives of others and his views are summed up in his dramatic final speech. It is the
Inspector who makes things happen. Without him, none of the secrets would ever have
come out into the open. He seems to know what each character has done and his probing
questions lead them to confess in their own way.
From the moment of his arrival, he seems different. His sombre appearance and the news
he brings are a contrast with the happy and elegant air of celebration.
, Charlotte Corrigan
2. The Inspector is described as creating ‘an impression of massiveness, solidity and
purposefulness’ (Act 1, p. 11)
What do you think this means?
The triplet reflects that the Inspector is an omniscient character and he is higher in
morality than the Birling family. Also, it reflects that his character takes control of
the situation immediately suggesting he is a powerful and enigmatic character.
Perhaps, it also has connotations of Goole being an imposing figure and this is
further reinforced with the Inspector’s tendency to interrupt and control the
conversations.
How does it apply to the Inspector as a character? (i.e. do you think it is true?)
The Inspector immediately takes charge from Mr Birling and continues to be in
charge throughout the entire evening. Goole is a strong enigmatic force that can
withstand the animosity and negativity of the Birling family and he remains
composed and solid whilst each of the characters break down and nothing distracts
him from his purpose.
In addition, The Inspector is behaving exactly how Priestly would have behaved,
‘staring hard’ at the establishment and ruling classes, so that he can accuse them.
This is a result of The Inspector being Priestley’s proxy.
How would you direct an actor to bring this out in his performance as the
Inspector? (Hint: think about tone of voice, movement etc.)
The Inspector should deliver the lines with no emotion but with lots of confidence.
Moreover, the actor should read the lines slowly and masterfully to illustrate his
power and his control. The Inspector should move purposefully and with certainty
further reflected his control and conveying his enigmatic character.
3. Consider each of the following words and how they might apply to the Inspector as a
character. How would you direct an actor to bring them out in his performance as the
Inspector? How did the actors in the stage/film version portray these characteristics? Did
they do a good job?
Mysterious – Inspector Goole is presented as a mysterious and omniscient character
throughout the play. The enigmatic presence serves to heighten the tension and
make his comments and judgements more compelling.
Imposing – He is deliberately presented as a formidable character because the
Birling family are unable to challenge his comments and accusations.
Sombre – This facet of character constantly reminds the audience and the Birlings of
the tragedy that has taken place.
Determined – His minimal responses and short accusatory sentences build a
stronger case that the family cannot withstand.
Calm – His calm demeanour reflects his supernatural and enigmatic presence,
further suggesting his alignment with Priestley.
C. THE INSPECTOR’S METHODS
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