An Inspector Calls - Key Character (Inspector Goole)

A key character needed to revise for An Inspector Calls including their purpose/relevance and quotes!

Why is The Inspector a key role within the play?

Inspector Goole is the mysterious figure who arrives to investigate Eva Smith's suicide. His name, sounding like “ghoul” (a ghost or spirit), hints at his supernatural nature. He may represent Priestley's own socialist voice, the collective conscience of society, or a spiritual figure sent to judge the Birlings.

Unlike a real police inspector, Goole isn't interested in legal guilt but moral responsibility with his final speech bringing a moral warning to the end of the play showing that the form of the play is didactic.

“We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” - Inspector Goole

(Said in final speech Act 3)

Language Techniques: Biblical allusion, Repetition, Tricolon, Direct address

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Community and Socialism

This quote emphasises the association of society and the moral obligation of affiliated individuals to support one another. Through the Inspector’s assertion, Priestley highlights the need for collective responsibility to prevent social injustices. The biblical allusion to "one body" (1 Corinthians 12) gives the message religious authority. The simple sentences and repetition of "we" creates a moralising quality. This encapsulates the play's central message. It underlines that social harmony relies on mutual care and accountability, aligning with Priestley's call for social change.

Link to post-war context - the play advocates for the welfare state. Compare to Birling's capitalist individualism.

“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish” - Inspector Goole

(Said in final speech Act 3 as a final warning/prophecy before departure)

Language Techniques: Prophecy, Tricolon, Biblical language, Dramatic irony

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Consequences and War

The prophecy references both World Wars (the play is set in 1912 but written in 1945). The listing creates a sense of inevitable, escalating horror. "Fire and blood and anguish" evokes biblical apocalypse. Priestley warns that ignoring social responsibility leads to destruction.

The 1945 audience knew the prophecy had come true. Link to Priestley's belief that society must change. Can pair this with the quote before.

“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” - Inspector Goole

(In Act 2 he directly challenges Mr Birling after he tries to intimidate the Inspector with status and local influence)

Language Techniques: Direct address, Balanced structure, Challenge to authority

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Class and Power

The Inspector directly challenges upper-class entitlement. The balance of "responsibilities" and "privileges" suggests they should be equal. "Public men" implies those with power are accountable to society. This undermines Birling's self-serving philosophy.

Contrast with Birling's "a man has to mind his own business." Shows conflicting ideologies.

“We are all interlinked as one community” - Inspector Goole

(Said in Act 3 when he gives the major climax finishing speech)

Language Techniques: Organic imagery, Inclusive pronoun "we"

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Community and Interconnection

The organic metaphor of being "interlinked" suggests society is a living organism where each part affects the whole. "Community" emphasises shared responsibility. This directly opposes Birling's individualist capitalism.

Link to Priestley's socialism. The family literally is "interlinked" to Eva through their actions.

“One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us”- Inspector Goole

(In one of his final dialogues in Act 3 presenting a didactic message by universalising Eva's story in his final speech.)

Language Techniques: Repetition, Symbolism, Universal application

Relating themes: Social Responsibility, Class and Universal message

The repetition of "millions" emphasises the vast scale of social injustice. Eva becomes a symbol for all exploited working-class people. The common name "Smith" makes her a representative of ordinary people. The Inspector challenges the Birlings to see beyond their individual case.

Eva represents the entire working class. Priestley wants the audience to see their own responsibility to "millions" of people.

“Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it.”- Inspector Goole

(The Inspector assigns collective guilt to the family.)

Language Techniques: Imperative verbs, Direct address, Short sentences

Relating themes: Collective Responsibility, Guilt, Memory

The imperative "Remember" and "Never forget" create a moral obligation. "Each of you" ensures no one can escape blame. The simple, direct sentences carry the weight of a verdict. The Inspector acts as judge, ensuring the family cannot deny their role.

The Inspector functions as judge and conscience. His commands echo moral and religious instruction.