This is an in depth powerpoint full of revision notes and key quotes for every single character in An Inspector calls. It will be especially relevant if you study AQA English Literature for GCSE, but may apply to other exam boards.
The Inspector “massively” takes charge: The Inspector’s “calling” is pretty ominous: His language is emotive and personal:
• Arrives unexpectedly and says he’s just there to ask some • The word “calls” sounds so casual – as if hes just dropping in • Inspector Goole has come to the house
questions • “Calls” is a deceptive word to use about the inspector. He does this with emotive language.
• Is an outsider. Doesn’t seem to have much in common with may appear casual and spontaneous, but in fact he’s single • He describes Eva/Daisy as a “pretty” an
the Birlings minded and calculating. If anything, he “calls” the shots. attractive words make the audience fee
• Leaves after delivering a speech about social responsibility. • Another inspector “calls” the Birling household on the towards her.
When Gerald finds out that the Inspector is probably a telephone at the end of the play. • This sympathy is strengthened by the h
fake, the older characters instantly forget this speech and • The title of the play is echoed in Edna’s words as she describe her death. He says that she’s n
try to avoid the blame. announces the arrival of Inspector Goole at the start of the burnt out inside on a slab”.
• Described as authoritative and imposing. He’s not play and in the telephone call at the end of the play. • Shelia is “rather distressed” by the Insp
physically a big man, but his presence fills the room. and says that she “can’t help thinking a
destroying herself”.
The Inspector is the driving force of the play:
• Think of the Inspector as the engine of the play – he keeps He knows how to make an entrance – and an
things rolling by asking pushy questions; • His timing is crucial. Priestly has him ring
1. He starts it all off with a summary of the afternoon’s events – Birling says “a man has to mind his own
“Suicide, of course” Birling’s announcement summons the in
2. He forces more information out of people by bluntly saying The Inspector exact opposite.
what the other characters try to skirt around – e.g. When • He uses exits as a clever tactic. Leaving S
Gerald’s describing how he met Daisy, the Inspector asks “And alone lets Shelia interrogate Gerald and
then you decided to keep her – as your mistress?” But its not suspicion to break them apart. This mak
really a question and it forces Gerald to admit the truth. Gerald to confess when the inspector re
3. He also reveals new information which heightens the drama, • In the final scene, the Inspector’s langua
such as when he drops it into the conversation “that this girl dramatic. This helps to build emotion an
was going to have a child”. The Inspector uses shock tactics:
the Birlings that if they don’t learn their
• He answers his own questions if he’s not happy
taught in “fire and blood and anguish”.
with someone’s answer – e.g. when Sybil refuses
• After his final exit, there’s a sudden silen
The Inspector is… to admit there was a committee meeting he says,
has been speaking. The audience, like th
“You know very well there was, Mrs Birling.”
• Moral: “We don’t live alone. We are • He follows up questions with more questions until
stage, are left “staring, subdued and wo
members of one body” he has pieced together a confession – e.g. when
• Authoritative: “All in good time” Sybil won’t say she convinced the committee to Writer’s Technique
reject Eva/Daisy’s appeal, he asks “Was it or was it
• Mysterious: “Was it a hoax?” not your influence?” • Priestley makes the In
• An outsider: “The rude way he spoke to • He’s blunt. “You’re not even sorry now, when you
know what happened”, and is prepared to ask
language forceful and
Mr Birling and me – it was quite personal questions – e.g. he asks Gerald “Were point – he forces the
you in love with her?
extraordinary!” characters to answer
, Who is this Inspector Ghoul? The Inspector is from a different world:
• At the end of the play, the audience aren't sure who Writer’s Technique: • He doesn't share Arthur Birling’s interests
or what the inspector is. • The inspector doesn't play golf and
• It’s a bit of a joke that Inspector
• He claims he found “a rough sort of diary” kept by impressed by Arthur's public profil
Eva/Daisy. But her identity isn't certain, and the
Goole’s name sounds like ‘ghoul’ – a Alderman and Lord Mayor.
audience aren't sure she ever existed. So, the diary word for ‘ghost’. Priestley’s put little • He talks about taboo subjects like
might be a neat bluff to stop anyone from asking him clues into some of the character’s • He interrupts, repeats and pauses
any questions. names – like Eva Smith. were not the norm in middle class
• Why he has so much knowledge and power is never He doesn't follow etiquette.
properly explained. He could be a ghost. Or he could
just represent the spirit of a religious or moral figure – The Inspector is classless:
just like in the Medieval morality plays. • The Inspector seems to come from outs
system that the Birlings live in. This mak
He’s more than a police inspector: • The Inspector doesn't recognise any of t
• In a way, he represents the police and the courts -- about class. He treats everyone the sam
he's tracking down the truth, like in a murder mystery. • Instead, he says that “We are members
• Because he's not a police officer, Mr and Mrs Birling The Inspector (2) classes shouldn't ignore each others nee
don't think he has the authority to tell them off.
• Eric and Sheila realised that his moral judgement is Priestley uses the Inspector as a mouthpiece
just as important as his legal power. • The Inspector stands outside the class sy
• Goole has the attitude of a philosopher and a social Birlings’ social world – he is an outsider
commentator, and the knowledge of a spooky ghost • But he doesn't take a neutral position –
delivering a prophecy. Eva/Daisy’s side, and he tells the Birlings
them.
His authority strengthens his strong moral tone: • Priestley's own views are reflected in the
• Whatever Goole is, his unsettling presence might be inspector. He is Priestley's voice in the p
just down to confidence. He knows how to create an air
Theme – Social Class • This is most clear during the Inspector’s
of uncertainty and reel everyone in. • Priestly has set his play in speaking to the Birling family, but it coul
• He makes sure everyone recognises that he is in charge. the Birlings’ dining room. Priestley's speech direct to the play’s au
• He takes control and leads the events. They are In 1912 only well off • The play (and Priestley) has a strong me
confused, but Goole never is. households would have looking after one another, and it's the In
• He “massively” interrupts which means that he cuts deliver it.
had a dining room – this
into the dialogue “with authority” – e.g. when he tells
Birling that Eric can “wait his turn”.
makes it a symbol of the
middle class lifestyle.
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