An Inspector Calls Paper Essay Example

will move on to another family. The worn appearance of the suitcase indicates the passage of time and his life's experiences. The realistic portrayal of rain falling on stage engrosses and captivates the audience right from the beginning of the play.

In the play, the inspector's duty is to inspect and interrogate the Birling family. The character Edna introduces him as "Inspector Goole," which immediately captures our attention. Despite the spelling, the name evokes the connotation of a ghoul or ghost, adding to his eerie aura.

Although it may have a macabre connotation, the spirit that supposedly draws energy from corpses, takes on the persona of Eva Smith while interacting with the Birling family. Upon the Inspector's arrival, marked by the sharp sound of the doorbell, it becomes evident that he means to expose the superficiality of the Birling household. As the Inspector and the Birlings stand in contrast to each other, it becomes apparent that their values do not align. The Inspector's arrival heavily impacts the family's celebratory mood, as he interrupts their festivities.

It is important to note the timing of entrances. Just as Birling shares news of his soon-to-be knighthood and the belief that one must prioritize oneself and their own, the Inspector arrives. During interviews, the Inspector handles each member of the family in a distinct manner. Those who resist confessing are subjected to greater pressure in hopes they will give in. In contrast, some characters admit to their errors without needing urging.

The inspector's interrogation technique involves exerting control over the room and repeatedly asking questions in a stern manner. This approach often leads the characters to surrender information quickly. For instance,

when interrogating Mrs. Birling, he repeats the question with a menacing tone and a warning to intimidate her: "I warn you..."

According to the text, Mrs Birling was asked why she refused to take any more money. The Inspector did not interrogate her directly, but rather Mrs Birling's own daughter encouraged her to speak. This suggests that the Inspector successfully broke down Sheila and demonstrated that the younger generation is open to change, while the older generation remains set in their ways with an unwavering belief in their own perspectives.

Even though the younger characters are easy for the Inspector to manipulate due to their vulnerability, he speaks more kindly to the women than the men. However, when Mrs Birling refuses to confess, he becomes more forceful and aggressive. Upon analysing the Inspector's language, it becomes clear that Priestly utilises short sentences for dramatic effect. For example, when interviewing Gerald, the Inspector says "Come along, Mr Croft," which speeds up his confession after a slow start due to interruptions from other characters. As Gerald opens up and reveals his secrets, the Inspector sits back and listens rather than speaking.

In a calm expression, the Inspector acknowledges with "I see." that Priestly uses brief statements to encapsulate the Inspector's thoughts. The audience is able to deduce Gerald's confession. Moreover, the Inspector conveys that he is attentive to what has been stated while insinuating that he possesses more information than he discloses.

"Furthermore, it is evident that he possesses omnipotent qualities as he demonstrates his dominance and authority over the room while stating, 'And anyhow I already knew'. Alternately, he speaks using lengthy statements, often reminiscent of the narrative of

Eva Smith. As stated by her, 'she felt there would...'

In order to create empathy for Eva Smith, the Inspector recounts information about her life to both the characters and audience. He portrays Eva as a kind individual who did not deserve the unfortunate circumstances that led to her demise. Conversely, the secrets and wrongdoings of the Birling family all had a direct impact on Eva Smith. Using Eva's diary entries as evidence of her mindset prior to her suicide, the Inspector highlights how personal and meaningful those thoughts were to her. One such quotation the Inspector shares is, "At the end of January.."

. The speaker tells the victim's story in order to elicit sympathy from both the Birlings and the audience. Furthermore, he employs lengthy sentences that are punctuated in a way that generates a rhythm, emphasizing the logic behind his words.

The Inspector's speech to the Birlings and Gerald emphasizes how one event may have led to a chain of events and ultimately drove the girl to suicide. His matter-of-fact words, such as "Yes, she's dead," have a dramatic impact.

Although the Inspector's tone may come across as harsh, he presents harsh truths that have an impact on the characters. By referring to Daisy/Eva as "Your mistress" to Gerald, the Inspector highlights how Gerald treated her as an object. While the term is pejorative, it effectively shocks the audience and cast and elicits a reaction of disgust towards Gerald. Despite their flaws, figures like Gerald and Mr Birling play important roles in their community.

Mr Birling repeatedly asserts his position to the Inspector, highlighting his status by stating "I'm still on the bench".

He takes pride in his authority and role as a councillor within Brumley's legal system. The police seek the approval of Mr Birling to issue warrants. Despite the irony that lies within his role as a representative of justice, responsible for upholding what is right and wrong, he also contributes to improving the lives of his community's poorer residents through his wealth.

Despite Mr. Birling's supposed positive qualities, he showcases a negative behavior when he fires Eva Smith due to financial disagreements. His nonchalant response of "Did she go on the streets?" to the Inspector's inquiries implies that such actions are acceptable, despite his responsibility in the community. He holds himself in high regard and expects to receive a knighthood and title in the next honours list.

Mr. Birling's wealth and connections increase his chances of receiving a knighthood and he uses his influence to obtain privileged information, as shown in Act 3 of the play.

Gerald holds significant status in the community and is on the verge of acquiring a title. Along with managing his father's enterprise, which happens to belong to the prosperous Croft clan, Gerald's soon-to-be sister-in-law Sheila is marrying into the Birling family. Furthermore, he has the ability to access information using his influence, as evidenced by his prior exchange with a police officer.

Despite his role allowing him to indulge in immoral behavior and get away with it, he utilizes his position to manipulate and win over Eva/Daisy by assuming a protective role towards her. However, this act serves only to satisfy his own needs temporarily as he abandons her once he loses interest. While he portrays himself as a protector both towards

Eva and at his workplace, he is actually only protecting himself. Although his actions may not be illegal, they are undeniably unethical.

In contrast to Mr Birling and Gerald, the Inspector embodies opposing qualities. Despite lacking a public role and not being a police officer, the Inspector demonstrates a role reversal by assuming the responsibilities that come with power. Advocating for the underprivileged and upholding moral values, the Inspector represents an ethical stance, evident even prior to clarification of his official role.

He embodies loyalty and responsibility, qualities that Mr Birling and Gerald should demonstrate in their positions. The Inspector functions as a moral authority, utilizing his knowledge to create the impression of a being who is both omniscient and detached from the community. He doesn't partake in the same activities as the other men in Brumley, thus reinforcing his outsider status. "Just used her for.."

He is "not a person" who uses women as objects, and he is above their social class. He predicts the future and knows that men must learn the lesson, as demonstrated by how Gerald and Eric treated Eva/Daisy. While it may not have been legally wrong, it was morally wrong, which he represents.

The irony is that he actually foresees the Birlings' fate at the end of the play, as he says, "I tell you that the time will soon...learn that lesson." Although he uses the word "soon," he has knowledge of what will happen to them, which is a mysterious aspect.

Furthermore, the Inspector demonstrates courage in confronting Birling, a behavior that intimidates other individuals due to his dominant persona. He firmly asserts, "(Rather savagely) You started it," exhibiting strength. These

admirable traits imbue the Inspector with a sense of authority and enigma. Priestly utilizes the Inspector as a trigger for accountability, encouraging others to confront their actions with his remark, "I don't think any of you forget." Despite extracting confessions from the Birlings and exposing their wrongdoings, he hopes that this will inspire the family to reform.

The Birlings must make a decision regarding their morality and whether they will change their ways. The Inspector, who is voiced by Priestley, represents strong moral views and relies on the conscious of others to induce guilt. The younger generation is more open to change than the older generation, who are entrenched in their ways. It is important to note that despite any immoral actions, nothing the Birlings have done is technically illegal.

The Inspector prioritizes morals over legalities and rejects the rich versus poor divide. He emphasizes the importance of unity, stating that all individuals are equal regardless of their circumstances. This belief in equality is uncommon for a policeman and appears to have religious connotations. The characters in the play become suspicious early on, even suspecting that the Inspector is not actually a police officer. "Yes, that's true."

"She goes up to him with a look of wonder and says, 'I don't understand you.' Shelia, at the beginning of the play, questions the Inspector's identity. However, revealing who he really is would spoil the play's structure and add to the Inspector's mystique. The audience begins to see his true position as the play continues. Though he initially appears as a police officer, his task is more moral than legal. This makes him different from typical law enforcement and

raises suspicions about his identity. Despite his persistent questioning and control over events - qualities expected of a policeman - it is these very traits that spark suspicions about him towards the end of the play.

The character's lack of intimidation is demonstrated when he is confronted with Mr. Birling's threat of knowing the constable. Priestly's detailed stage directions effectively convey the desired tone and delivery of the lines, enhancing the play's use of stagecraft. A notable contrast can be observed between Mrs. Birling and the Inspector, as both initially remain calm. Mrs. Birling's confidence turns to agitation as the Inspector insinuates her involvement, as evidenced by the stage directions "Agitated now," "Rather cowed," "Dubiously," and "Stung."

The character is depicted as lacking emotional composure, consistently exposed by the Inspector. On the other hand, Goole's demeanor is commonly described as stern, severe, deliberate, cool, grave, steady, and calmly authoritative, indicating that he maintains emotional equilibrium and exercises control over himself and other characters throughout the story.

The Birlings and the Inspector exhibit contrasting emotions throughout the play, with the former displaying less control. The Inspector's anger in response to the Birlings' selfish behaviour is evident when he does express emotions. The stage directions are useful in highlighting the differences in characters' reactions to Goole's interrogation and underscore their various responses to Eva's death, thereby contributing to the dramatic impact of the play and reader comprehension of characters' emotions. Ultimately, the Inspector's appearance has a significant impact on the Birling family's evening.

There is ambiguity surrounding the Inspector's intentions and his relationship to Eva Smith, causing confusion among both characters and audience. Priestley suggests that Goole may be

a creation of the Birlings' inebriated minds. By presenting the photograph of Eva to each individual separately, the Inspector's motives are called into question. Perhaps he intended to duplicitously trick the family or maybe he knew each person had mistreated different girls and aimed to expose their misdeeds. Regardless of his true nature, it is hoped that the Inspector's presence had a positive impact on the Birling family.