Discuss the role of the Inspector in the play. How does Priestly use him? Comment on the way the Inspector varies his treatment of the characters.

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The role of the Inspector in an ‘Inspector Calls’

Discuss the role of the Inspector in the play. How does Priestly use him? Comment on the way the Inspector varies his treatment of the characters.

Mr Birling: Father

Mrs Birling: Mother

Eric: Son

Sheila: Daughter

Gerald: Fiancé

Inspector Goole:?

The play is set in the Birling family household, it is clear from the way the stage is dressed that the family is wealthy because of the extravagant furniture and decoration, their house is used as a status symbol, to show the audience they are affluent. Their house suggests that they are uncomfortable with each other, this foreshadows that they have problems, which they are trying to hide. The family are pleasant to each other because they have a guest present and are celebrating Gerald and Sheila’s engagement (as we can see from the champagne). We are inclined to believe that this is for show, many things are hinted at in the opening part of the play. Such as the difference between generations, Sheila refers to Eric as ‘squiffy’, and Mrs Birling reprimands her for using such language, Sheila does not act in the way that her mother think young women should. There is also evidence to hint Mr and Mrs Birling also have their troubles ‘ When you are married you’ll realise that men with important work to do sometimes spend nearly all their time and energy on their business. You’ll have to just get used to that just as I had’. Although the audience is unaware at this precise point in the play it is suggested that Gerald had an affair when Sheila points out ‘ all last summer …… you never came near me’, Gerald jokes with Mr Birling at the possibility of him being up to something.

J.B Priestly had a strong belief in socialism, when he wrote his plays the labour government where in power and socialist views where seen as the way forward. He used his plays to deliver social and political messages, his aim for An Inspector Calls was probably to try and persuade the unconvinced.

The Inspector is a very interesting character and can be measured in many ways.  As the audience we are forced to piece together hints and clues to form our own ideas about his identity and intentions. The Inspector has many roles in the play, he is there to assist with the basic structure of the play, he helps to move the story (play) along, prompting the characters to tell their truth.  If we did not find out that the Inspector was not a real officer, then he would not play such a significant role, as he would only be considered a narrator.  Inspector Goole is one of the most thought provoking and mysterious characters modern day literature is yet to produce.  When the Inspector enters the stage the lighting becomes brighter to eliminate shadows, Priestly has done this to show that they cannot hide anymore, as the Inspector will bring everything to light.  

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Mr Birling is a very strong capitalist, narrow minded he does not think of each worker as individuals and cares a great deal about money (opposite to the Inspector).  The Birling parents represent the older generation who follow dated ideas, Birling is often wrong ‘there isn’t a chance of War’ and he states the Titanic is ‘unsinkable’.  This is an example of dramatic irony as the play was written in 1947 and set in 1912.  Priestly wanted the audience to have a low opinion of him as he was trying to dissuade capitalism and to show that people like ...

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