The Inspector Flashcards
How is the inspector represented
serious, moral, aggressive, mysterious, purposeful, controlling, persistent
What does the stage direction ‘impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulnees’ show about the inspector
he takes charge immediately and remain in control throughout, he remains solid as each of them breaks down and nothing distracts him from his purpose
How is it shown that the inspector is here to investigate and challenge
he always is ‘looking hard’ at the person he is interrogating before speaking, unnerving the character
How is the inspector shown directing the investigating carefully
he deals with ‘one line of enquiry at a time’ which shows he is controlling the structure of the play
Why is the inspector shown as the teacher
to teach each character and the audience of the importance of social responsibility
What language does the inspector use
emotive and aggressive language to make the characters feel guilty for the part they played in Eva Smith’s death ‘she died in misery and agony’, imagery, speaks his mind and is plain and direct, Mr Birling finds him rude and offensive
What is the inspector relationship with Mr Birling
he challenges him and takes charge, he gets impatient as he is clearly unwilling to learn his lesson. ‘Don’t stammer and yammer at me again, man. I’m losing all patience with you people.’
What is the inspector relationship with Mrs Birling
he angers her as she doesn’t like the fact that ‘his manner was so severe’.
What is the inspector relationship with Sheila
he warms to her as her character changes as she supports his views.
What is the inspector relationship with Eric
Eric learns from him, the Inspector has hope in the younger generation as they are ‘more impressionable’
What is the inspector relationship with Gerald
he acknowledges that Gerald ‘at least had some affection for her and made her happy for a time.’ we do get the impression that Gerald is going to change for the better; however, he goes out of his way to prove that he is a fake when the inspector leaves
What is the inspector relationship with Eva Smith
although the Inspector never knew her, he fights her case after her death, he stands up for the working class, like Priestley
Why is the inspector a significant role in the play
priestley’s voice - he represents his strong moral views, trying to make the characters change their attitudes, face up to what they have done and start taking responsibility. heightens drama - his entrances and exits are well timed in order to create maximum tension. controls structure - each revelation moves the play one step forward
What are the key attributes of the inspector
arrives at a critical time, takes charge, challenges them, directes the investigation carefully, teacher, aggressive language
The inspector is a symbol of
socialism, Priestley’s voice, equality, justice
