An Inspector Calls
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'An Inspector Calls' is a play written by J.B. Priestley, and was set in 1912, but was first written and performed in 1945. In the play, a girl commits suicide, and an inspector arrives to interview the Birlings - a very rich family - who seem to be involved in the crime. Inspector Goole interrupts their happy, celebrative dinner to prove to them that they were collectively responsible for the death of Eva Smith. He contributes to the play in a wide range of areas; playing different roles, exploring motives and his positions.
In many ways, the Inspector can be referred to as a priest. The language he uses with the Birlings sounds religious, for instance, "they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.'' He does this to intimidate the Birlings, and to add dramatic effect, he uses three apocalyptical words that are vivid and have a visual impact on the characters. This way, he gets his message across more efficiently. In addition, the Inspector makes biblical references in his dialogue, "It's better to ask for the earth than to take it." This shows he is speculative and gives his guidance, like a priest. Traditionally, priests have supported those in need. He warns them about the consequences of their actions, and lectures them about raising their awareness. He represents the lower class on the social spectrum; he guides the upper class (the Birling family) and shows them the errors of their ways in order for them to feel guilty, as well as to empathise with those they have wronged. "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." He wants equality between people, "It would do us all good if we tried to put ourselves in the place of these young women.' Again, he uses the
effect of putting his point across in a set of three rhetorical statements. The repetition of 'we' emphasises his point, as if he were trying to impress it in their minds. Furthermore, he seems to be the only one to keep control once all the truth
'An Inspector Calls' is a play written by J.B. Priestley, and was set in 1912, but was first written and performed in 1945. In the play, a girl commits suicide, and an inspector arrives to interview the Birlings - a very rich family - who seem to be involved in the crime. Inspector Goole interrupts their happy, celebrative dinner to prove to them that they were collectively responsible for the death of Eva Smith. He contributes to the play in a wide range of areas; playing different roles, exploring motives and his positions.
In many ways, the Inspector can be referred to as a priest. The language he uses with the Birlings sounds religious, for instance, "they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.'' He does this to intimidate the Birlings, and to add dramatic effect, he uses three apocalyptical words that are vivid and have a visual impact on the characters. This way, he gets his message across more efficiently. In addition, the Inspector makes biblical references in his dialogue, "It's better to ask for the earth than to take it." This shows he is speculative and gives his guidance, like a priest. Traditionally, priests have supported those in need. He warns them about the consequences of their actions, and lectures them about raising their awareness. He represents the lower class on the social spectrum; he guides the upper class (the Birling family) and shows them the errors of their ways in order for them to feel guilty, as well as to empathise with those they have wronged. "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." He wants equality between people, "It would do us all good if we tried to put ourselves in the place of these young women.' Again, he uses the
effect of putting his point across in a set of three rhetorical statements. The repetition of 'we' emphasises his point, as if he were trying to impress it in their minds. Furthermore, he seems to be the only one to keep control once all the truth