Inspector Goole – Real or Ghoul?
Inspector Goole is arguably the central character in the play An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley. The inspector is first introduced during an evening event, an engagement prepared by the Birling’s (Act 1). The presence of the inspector turns the celebration into an investigation about the death of one Eva Smith, who used to work at Birling’s company. There have been numerous arguments on the reality of Inspector Goole. While some question his reality, there are many possibilities of what or whom the inspector could be. Could he be a ghost, the voice of Priestley (the author), Birling’s own imagination, Birling’s conscience taunting his actions, a dream or could he be a real inspector? This essay aims at attempting to unravel who or what exactly the inspector was which in turn will help reveal if he was real or a ghoul (ghost) figure.
Firstly, the inspector could be a ghost on the assertion of his two names; Goole which could denote
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In the play, he seems to know so much than anyone else and also knows more about Eva Smith and how the Birling’s are involved in her suicide, yet the girl died a few hours ago. In reality, no investigator could have the ability to know that much in such a short time. Goole disguises the knowledge on some sort of diary left by Eva (Act 1). Lastly, Inspector Goole may appear unreal in the form of a god or a prophet who has been sent to give warnings and instructions. This is depicted in Priestley and Bezant (Act 3) in Goole’s last speech. He speaks in a language similar to the on used in the biblical Old Testament. He uses a serious and threatening tone similar to a person preaching to an audience. Quoting an instance, “Fire, blood and anguish…” (Act 3) makes him sound like a prophet of God. He warns everyone that God will come and those who are evil will suffer punishment. This last evidence points out that the inspector is not
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J.B. Priestley's Inspector Calls. An Inspector Calls is a play set in spring 1912. The writer, J. B. Priestly, tries to build up a view of Mr Birling through the set. stage directions and in his speeches.
A Comparison of Characters of Mr. Birling and Inspector Goole in J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls
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