inspector

Question 1

What is the Inspector described as?

Answer 1

An enigma, wrapped in a puzzle, wrapped in a trench coat.

Question 2

How does the Inspector arrive?

Answer 2

Unexpectedly, stating he’s there to ask some questions.

Question 3

What is the Inspector’s relationship with the Birlings?

Answer 3

He is an outsider and seems to have little in common with them.

Question 4

What happens after the Inspector delivers his speech about social responsibility?

Answer 4

The older characters try to avoid blame upon discovering he may be a fake.

Question 5

How is the Inspector’s presence described?

Answer 5

He is authoritative and imposing, filling the room despite not being a big man.

Question 6

What is one of the moral messages conveyed by the Inspector?

Answer 6

“We don’t live alone. We are members of one body.”

Question 7

What phrase indicates the Inspector’s authoritative nature?

Answer 7

“All in good time.”

Question 8

What does the Inspector’s mysterious nature prompt?

Answer 8

“Was it a hoax?”

Question 9

What is an example of the Inspector being an outsider?

Answer 9

“The rude way he spoke to Mr Birling and me — it was quite extraordinary!”

Question 10

What role does the Inspector play in the dynamics of the play?

Answer 10

He is the driving force, keeping the action rolling with pushy questions.

Question 11

What does the Inspector summarize to start the investigation?

Answer 11

“Suicide, of course.”

Question 12

How does the Inspector force characters to reveal information?

Answer 12

By bluntly stating truths they try to avoid.

Question 13

What dramatic information does the Inspector reveal?

Answer 13

That the girl was going to have a child.

Question 14

What is the connotation of the word ‘calls’ in reference to the Inspector?

Answer 14

It sounds casual, but he is actually single-minded and calculating.

Question 15

What does the Inspector do in terms of his method of inquiry?

Answer 15

He follows ‘one line of enquiry at a time.’

Question 16

What occurs at the end of the play related to the Inspector?

Answer 16

Another inspector ‘calls’ the Birling household on the telephone.

Question 17

How is the title of the play echoed in the narrative?

Answer 17

In Edna’s words announcing Inspector Goole’s arrival and in the telephone call at the end.

Question 18

How does Inspector Goole’s language affect the audience’s perception of Eva/Daisy?

Answer 18

It uses emotive language to evoke sympathy, describing her as a ‘pretty’ and ‘lively’ girl

This emotional appeal makes the audience more sympathetic towards her plight.

Question 19

What harsh description does Inspector Goole use to illustrate the impact of Eva/Daisy’s death?

Answer 19

He describes her as lying ‘with a burnt-out inside on a slab’

This graphic imagery emphasizes the tragedy of her death.

Question 20

How does Sheila react to the Inspector’s language?

Answer 20

Sheila feels ‘rather distressed’ and can’t stop thinking about Eva/Daisy’s suffering

This shows the emotional impact the Inspector’s words have on her.

Question 21

What tactic does the Inspector use when he is dissatisfied with someone’s answer?

Answer 21

He answers his own questions

For example, he asserts the reality of a committee meeting when Sybil refuses to admit it.

Question 22

What method does the Inspector employ to extract confessions from characters?

Answer 22

He follows up questions with more questions until he pieces together a confession

This technique is evident when he confronts Sybil about her influence over the committee.

Question 23

What is the Inspector’s response to Gerald’s feelings for Eva/Daisy?

Answer 23

He bluntly asks, ‘Were you in love with her?’

This directness illustrates the Inspector’s shock tactics.

Question 24

How does Priestley characterize the Inspector’s language?

Answer 24

Forceful and to the point, compelling characters to respond

This technique highlights the Inspector’s authority.

Question 25

What is significant about the timing of the Inspector's entrance?

Answer 25

He rings the bell just as Arthur says, 'a man has to mind his own business' ## Footnote This timing symbolizes the Inspector's role in challenging the Birlings' beliefs.

Question 26

What effect does the Inspector's exit have on Sheila and Gerald?

Answer 26

It allows Sheila to interrogate Gerald and creates suspicion between them ## Footnote This tactic is designed to facilitate Gerald's eventual confession.

Question 27

How does the Inspector's language change towards the end of the play?

Answer 27

It becomes more dramatic, building tension and emotion ## Footnote He warns that if the Birlings don't learn their lesson, they will face 'fire and blood and anguish'.

Question 28

What is the audience's reaction after the Inspector's last exit?

Answer 28

There is a sudden silence, with characters left 'staring, subdued and wondering' ## Footnote This reflects the impact of the Inspector's revelations on both the characters and the audience.

Question 29

What role do stage directions play in understanding the Inspector's character?

Answer 29

They help convey the Inspector's imposing presence, indicating he must give off 'an impression of massiveness' ## Footnote This is particularly challenging given his physical stature.

Question 30

Who is Inspector Goole?

Answer 30

A mysterious character whose identity is unclear by the end of the play. ## Footnote The audience learns he is not a police inspector.

Question 31

What does Inspector Goole claim to have found?

Answer 31

A rough sort of diary kept by Eva/Daisy. ## Footnote The authenticity of Eva/Daisy's identity and existence is uncertain.

Question 32

What is one interpretation of Inspector Goole's character?

Answer 32

He could represent a ghost or a moral figure. ## Footnote Similar to characters in Medieval morality plays.

Question 33

How does Inspector Goole's name play a role in the story?

Answer 33

It sounds like 'Ghoul', which relates to the idea of a ghost. ## Footnote Priestley uses character names to add depth, like Eva/Daisy.

Question 34

What dual role does Inspector Goole serve?

Answer 34

He represents both the police and the courts, tracking down the truth. ## Footnote This is akin to a murder mystery narrative.

Question 35

How do Mr and Mrs Birling perceive Inspector Goole?

Answer 35

They do not see him as having the authority to reprimand them. ## Footnote Their perception stems from his lack of formal police status.

Question 36

What realization do Eric and Sheila have about Goole?

Answer 36

His moral judgement is as important as his legal power. ## Footnote This highlights the theme of moral responsibility.

Question 37

What attitude does Goole exhibit?

Answer 37

He displays the attitude of a philosopher and social commentator. ## Footnote He delivers prophetic warnings to the Birlings.

Question 38

What does Goole warn the Birlings about?

Answer 38

He warns that 'the time will soon come' when they must change their ways. ## Footnote This reflects social critique and foreshadowing.

Question 39

What contributes to Inspector Goole's unsettling presence?

Answer 39

His confidence and ability to create uncertainty. ## Footnote He leads the events and maintains control throughout.

Question 40

How does Inspector Goole assert his authority?

Answer 40

By interrupting dialogue with authority and taking control of conversations. ## Footnote This includes telling Birling that Eric can 'wait his turn'.

Question 41

What impact does Goole's authority have on the characters?

Answer 41

It makes them take him seriously and elevates the importance of his statements. ## Footnote His presence challenges their social status.

Question 42

What is significant about Priestley using a police inspector?

Answer 42

It emphasizes judgment over the Birlings, contrasting with a supernatural figure. ## Footnote It creates tension and highlights social themes.

Question 43

How might an actor portray Inspector Goole's character effectively?

Answer 43

By gradually increasing the volume of his voice as the play progresses. ## Footnote This could enhance his authoritative presence.

Question 44

What distinguishes the Inspector's interests and values from Arthur Birling's?

Answer 44

The Inspector doesn't play golf and is not impressed by Arthur Birling's public profile as former Alderman and Lord Mayor. ## Footnote This highlights the Inspector's detachment from the upper-class values that Arthur Birling represents.

Question 45

What taboo subjects does the Inspector discuss?

Answer 45

Sex and politics. ## Footnote These topics were often avoided in polite society, indicating the Inspector's unconventional approach.

Question 46

How does the Inspector's communication style differ from societal norms?

Answer 46

He interrupts sharply, repeats questions, and pauses in unusual ways for middle-class prewar England. ## Footnote This reflects his authority and challenges the status quo.

Question 47

What does it mean that the Inspector is described as 'classless'?

Answer 47

He comes from outside the class system and treats everyone the same, disregarding the Birlings' class distinctions. ## Footnote This reinforces the theme of social equality.

Question 48

What is the Inspector's view on social class?

Answer 48

He believes that 'We are members of one body' and that classes shouldn't ignore each other's needs. ## Footnote This idea promotes social responsibility and interconnectedness.

Question 49

What does the setting of the Birlings' dining room symbolize?

Answer 49

It symbolizes the middle-class lifestyle, as only well-off households would have had a dining room in 1912. ## Footnote The setting emphasizes the social class context of the play.

Question 50

How is the Inspector portrayed in relation to the class system of the Birlings?

Answer 50

He stands outside the class system and is an outsider in the play. ## Footnote This positioning allows him to critique the Birlings' values.

Question 51

Does the Inspector take a neutral position in the play?

Answer 51

No, he is on Eva/Daisy's side and directly criticizes the Birlings, such as telling Mrs. Birling she 'did something terribly wrong'. ## Footnote His role is to challenge the Birlings' moral failures.

Question 52

In what way is the Inspector considered Priestley's 'mouthpiece'?

Answer 52

The Inspector reflects Priestley's views and delivers his message, especially in the final speech to the Birlings and the audience. ## Footnote This establishes a direct connection between the Inspector's words and Priestley's socialist ideology.

Question 53

What strong message does Priestley convey through the Inspector?

Answer 53

The importance of looking after one another. ## Footnote This theme is central to the social critique present in the play.

Question 54

Fill in the blank: 'He never seemed like an ordinary police inspector — Gosh — what a ______.'

Answer 54

pickle ## Footnote This quote reflects the characters' confusion and the Inspector's enigmatic nature.