Inspector Goole and Mr Birling have perhaps the most noticeably opposing views and philosophies of any two characters in the play.

as important to everyone else. Couple this with his hints to Gerald early in the play that he is in line to “find his way into the next Honours list”, and the audience are shown how Birling feels that for one to be accepted, they must have privileges in society. This is not, however, a philosophy shared by the Inspector. Following Birling’s attempt at a threat (his claim that he plays golf with the chief constable), the Inspector ‘dryly’ responds that “I don’t play golf”. His use of the word “don’t” shows it is out of choice that he doesn’t play golf, not needing to conform to society’s expectations. This can, of course, be viewed in the wider context of the novel, and the Inspector’s views of social responsibility. Both Birling and Inspector Goole make speeches within the play, showing their philosophies on this matter of social responsibility. Birling insists at the beginning of the play that “a man has to...look after himself and his own”. This view is further evidenced by his reaction towards the workers who initiated the strike at his works. Contrastingly, the Inspector’s later speech is one of a moral, socialistic view that “we are responsible for one another”. Since both of these speeches are the longest, most narrative pieces of text in the play, it makes the contrast so much more evident. The main difference between the philosophies of Birling and the Inspector, is that of social responsibility. Whilst the Inspector insists that we are “all members of one body”, Birling could not disagree more. This is evidenced not only in his initial, capitalist speech, but also in his refusal to accept any responsibility for the death of Eva Smith. He’s content to think that he was “quite justified” in discharging Eva from his works and not to dwell further on the subject. This is shown to contrast with the Inspector, who throughout the play probes the characters – and audience- into believing that we are all “Intertwined”.Throughout the play, the Inspector and Birling are displayed as opposites in looks, mannerisms, but most of all philosophies. The way that Priestley achieves this goes further than just their speeches and direct actions. By portraying the character of the Inspector as morally ‘right’, and the character of Birling as a ‘fool’ in general terms, it follows that their views and philosophies will contrast also. By having Sheila and Eric side with the philosophy of the Inspector, this is shown as the philosophy for the future. Birling, on the other hand, is shown to be out-dated and stupid, so that the Inspector’s socialist views ultimately triumph in the play.