The Inspector

Question 1

‘He creates at once a sense of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness.’

A1

Answer 1

Immediately emphasises the importance of his role as he creates an impression of dominance

Further emphasised with the tricolon of adjectives

Question 2

(dryly) I don’t play golf.

A1

Answer 2

The verb ‘don’t’ accentuates how the Inspector chooses not to play golf, which was a symbol of the upper class (he rejects them). His tone is in contrast to Birling who needs to use his connections to the ‘chief constable’ to defend himself.

Question 3

(massively taking charge) A1
(massively) A2
(taking charge, masterfully) A2

Answer 3

The adverb ‘massively’ shows how authoritative the Inspector is.

Question 4

‘Apologise for what- doing my duty?

Answer 4

Inspector to Arthur Birling after Sybil complains that he’s being too harsh

Question 5

(massively) ‘Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.’

A2

Answer 5

Here the Inspector, who by this middle act of the play is gaining in power and control over the situation, “massively” silences Birling with a putdown. It is not the first or last time that Birling is cut off mid-thought, showing his power over him.
Priestley’s use of ‘Massively’ also shows how important the Inspector’s words are, thus placing a large importance on social responsibility.

Question 6

‘One Eva Smith has gone- but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us’

A3

Answer 6

Through the repetition of “millions”, Priestley seems to open up the play from the limited scope of the Birlings’ dining room to a more far-reaching concern.

Polysyndeton of ‘millions’ emphasises the importance of them and also slows the sline, giving it a solemn tone.

First person plural pronoun ‘us’ portays the WC symbiotically existing with the UC

Question 7

‘They will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.’

A3

Answer 7

The metaphor suggests that conflict will happen if the moral is not learned.
Vivid, hellish imagery which shows how dire potential consequences are
Polysyndeton

Question 8

He walks straight out, leaving them staring, subdued and wondering.

A3

Answer 8

The Inspector’s abrupt departure at the end of this speech indicates that there is no room for discussion as the situation is clear-cut – the audience should now go and help others, and play their role in moving society towards a socialist ideal.
The tricolon of verbs also indicates how much the Inspector shocked them