The Effectiveness of the Character of Inspector Goole in J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls

The Effectiveness of the Character of Inspector Goole in J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls

The Play is about a wealthy family from Brumley (an industrial city in

the North Midlands) set in the year 1912 Mr Birling owns a successful

and thriving business. Because of his family’s extreme wealth and

social importance they have a very high opinion of themselves and a

low opinion of the lower class. The Play begins with the family

sitting down to a family meal to celebrate the engagement of Mr

Birling’s only daughter Shelia to Sir Gerald Croft who is the son of a

wealthy businessman. Their celebrations are soon interrupted by the

arrival of an inspector at the door of the Birlings mansion. To answer

the question I will be looking at key points like: character,

behaviour, language and stage directions.

The inspector’s first words in the play are direct and shocking. He

interrupts the Birlings families cosy dinner party to explain that a

girl has ‘burn’s her insides out’. As soon as the inspector arrives Mr

Birling makes his importance know explaining that he has contacts in

the police force. Mr Birlings does this to try and impress the

inspector and to make inspector Goole respect him. As soon as the

inspector mentions Mr Birling’s potential role in the death of Eva

Smith he tries to change the subject to avoid the damage of his

valuable reputation.

“Yes, yes horrid business. But I don’t understand why you should come

over here inspector”

On the inspectors arrival to the Birling residence Inspector Goole

name is read out by the Birlings made Edna and later on is spelt out,

and is continually repeated there after. The reason for this constant

repetition I believe is to emphasize the inspectors name so it is

clear in the readers mind.

“GOOLE G double O-L-E”

The Younger charcters in the play are horrified by the news of the

girls death especially Shelia.

“Sorry! It’s just that I can’t help thinking about that girl

destroying her life so horribly “