One of the major functions of Inspector Goole in the play is to convince the audience to support Priestley’s socialist agenda. Through his dialogue, he constantly reminds the audience that “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” This gives Priestley the opportunity to present his socialist ideas to the audience by just having them listen to the Inspector. Priestley reinforces this even further by structuring the play in conjunction with the three unities. By focusing the audience’s attention onto one idea in the same time and space, he ensures that the Inspector’s function is well emphasized. By stressing this idea, the audience would be compelled to agree with Priestley’s socialist values.
Another role of Inspector Goole is to challenge and question the Birling’s morals and ultimately the audience’s as well. After the Birlings were given a chance to justify their actions, the Inspector constantly meets their justifications with replies like “Why?” and “No…I can’t agree with you there”, much to the Birlings’ surprise. In questioning the Birlings’ justifications he is forcing them to realise that maybe what they previously was considered to be reasonable may have dire consequences. Additionally, this causes the audience to challenge and question their own morals and rethink their perspective of the world. This role of the Inspector is pivotal to helping Priestley convince his audience to support his morals and principles.
Inspector Goole also functions to point out the ignorance of the older generation. After his interrogation of each character, it is soon clear that Eric and Sheila are obviously shaken by the impact of their actions however their parents grow increasingly defensive about their role in Eva Smith’s death. Sheila’s feelings about her actions are apparent when she says, “ …I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry -,” and Eric’s when he unhappily states, “My God – I’m not likely to forget.” However in complete contrast, at the end of the interrogation Mr. Birling’s apparent complete apathy towards the situation is apparent when he says, “There’s every excuse for what both you mother and I did…” And Mrs. Birling’s refusal to accept responsibility for her actions was apparent when she blames Eric for Eva’s suicide and states, “ I’m absolutely ashamed of you.” Inspector Goole’s interrogation reveals the older generation’s lack of initiative to change the world and for the better and that they are instead bent on making money. But he also reveals that the younger generation brings hope for the future. Through this function Priestley shows that he thinks the future lies in the new generation and that they can bring the change necessary for a better world.
Lastly and most importantly, Inspector Goole’s role is to represent Priestley himself in the play. Near the end of the play, Inspector Goole reminds the audience that we are part of one community and are responsible for one another and if man does not learn this lesson then “they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.” This statement represents Priestley himself reminding the audience that we they will have to learn to look after each other, and that they are responsible for their own actions. By having Inspector Goole say this Priestley can express his concern over the state of matters in the world, and persuade the audience to do something about it.
In conclusion, Inspector Goole’s overall role and function in the play is to provide a medium through which Priestley can convey his thoughts and values towards the audience and encourage them to have second thoughts about the way we view the world and how everyone is connected to one. He is a catalyst whose thorough investigation of the Birlings reveals the flaws in the current society, and helps persuade the audience to realise them.
