An Inspector Calls - the character of the inspector.

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Sam Mulholland                16/01/05                                                        

An Inspector Calls

I believe that in ‘An Inspector Calls’ the writer uses the character of the inspector in 4 different ways; A spirit/ghost of supernatural power, to express socialism as a crank, to voice the opinions of the author and to show Birling’s/societies conscience. I am going to explore how the writer uses the character of Inspector Goole as a supernatural power through which he shares his voice and also the character’s consciences. The play is written by J.B Priestley and explores the relationships between a middle-class family and the secrets they hide from each other. It is set in 1912 at a time of social upheaval and uncertainty, World War One was soon to break out and in the years to follow, strikes and general change was to happen. But in the Birling household everything is pleasant … for now.

        The Inspector’s arrival creates dramatic tension and is perfectly timed, it is important because we get our first impression of him. We have no idea from the dialogue beforehand that something out of the ordinary is going to happen. The Birling family plus Gerald are having a little celebration and Mr Birling, Eric and Gerald are having a discussion, or rather Mr Birling is telling them his views on life and the world. He says ‘there isn’t a chance of war’ when we know that just two years after, World War One begins. He says many things, which are proved wrong in future years, the audience find this ironic. His view on life is very selfish ‘‘…a man has to make his own way- has to look after himself…’ this shows he doesn’t believe in helping others. The Inspector does believe in looking after others and he tries to teach Birling and others the error of their ways during the play.

        However just before he enters the stage the mood is contented and certainly not unpleasant.  The doorbell cuts Mr. Birling short, Edna announces the Inspector and he comes into the Birling household. It is significant that the Inspector enters at a point where Mr. Birling is ranting about his views as it shows his ghost like quality. The Inspector enters just a Mr. Birling is shouting at Eric, ‘What’s the matter with you?’ it is a first sign that things with the family are not as stable or as happy as we first thought.  In the first few lines he shows that he isn’t an ordinary Inspector of the kind that Mr. Birling is used to, he’s blunt and refuses a drink, saying ‘I’m on duty.’ We know that this is an important character and one that Mr. Birling shouldn’t take lightly. The Inspector is polite but very curt with Mr. Birling. Anything Mr. Birling says the Inspector has a sharp and quick answer for, he isn’t overly helpful either, saying ‘No, Mr. Birling’ instead of explaining himself when Mr. Birling asks him an impatient question. This adds dramatic effect especially when the Inspector goes on to ask difficult questions and question thoroughly. He talks to Mr. Birling as if he

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was an equal; he doesn’t grovel and be overly respectful, as Mr. Birling would expect. At one point the Inspector questions Mr. Birling very directly, saying simply ‘Why?’ Mr. Birling is very surprised at this very insolent way of conducting an investigation, he replies somewhat bewildered ‘Did you say why?’ He obviously doesn’t think this is the way to act towards a man who used to be Lord Mayor. The Inspector doesn’t seem to react to this, though he most certainly knows and understands Mr. Birling’s view and thoughts, he simply chooses to ignore them. This shows that the ...

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