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Mr Birling and Inspector Goole: Easy Symbolism Explained!

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amelie xx

23/05/2023

English Literature

an inspector calls character analysis (all characters)

Mr Birling and Inspector Goole: Easy Symbolism Explained!

An Inspector Calls explores themes of social responsibility, class divide, and moral accountability through the investigation of Eva Smith's death. The play critically examines the character analysis Mr Birling and other members of the privileged Birling family, while the Inspector Goole symbolism english literature serves as a catalyst for moral awakening. Eva Smith universal oppression symbol analysis demonstrates how she represents all vulnerable members of society.

  • The Inspector acts as both a moral compass and supernatural entity, forcing the Birlings to confront their actions
  • Class divisions and social responsibility are central themes, highlighted through the contrast between the wealthy Birlings and working-class Eva
  • The younger generation (Eric and Sheila) show capacity for change while the older generation remains stubborn
  • Dramatic irony and symbolism are used extensively to reinforce the play's socialist message
  • Character development reveals the impact of guilt, responsibility and moral awakening
...

23/05/2023

780

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 2: Inspector Goole's Role and Characteristics

Inspector Goole serves as a mysterious and powerful force for social justice. His rejection of alcohol symbolizes his moral integrity and commitment to duty.

Quote: "we are members of one body" - emphasizing collective responsibility

Highlight: The Inspector functions as Priestley's mouthpiece for socialist ideals

Vocabulary: Omniscient - all-knowing, reflecting the Inspector's supernatural qualities

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 3: Eva Smith's Symbolic Significance

Eva Smith represents universal oppression and the victims of social inequality. Her name carries deep symbolic meaning within the play's context.

Definition: Nomenclature - the system of names and their significance

Highlight: The surname "Smith" being common represents all of humanity

Example: Eva's name change to Daisy represents her desperate attempt for a fresh start

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 4: Edna's Role and Class Commentary

Edna's character reinforces the play's commentary on class divisions and social hierarchy through her interactions with the Birling family.

Quote: "yes maison" and "yes sir" - demonstrating subservient behavior

Highlight: The similarity between Eva and Edna's names symbolizes their shared social status

Definition: Supercity - excessive politeness often displayed by servants to their employers

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 5: Eric's Character Development

Eric undergoes significant transformation throughout the play, representing hope for generational change.

Quote: "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?" - showing developing social consciousness

Highlight: His relationship with alcohol reveals the effects of poor parenting

Vocabulary: Metamorphosis - complete transformation, describing Eric's character development

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 6: Sheila's Growth and Understanding

Sheila represents the potential for positive change in the younger generation, showing genuine remorse and understanding.

Quote: "these girls aren't cheap labor - they're people" - demonstrating moral growth

Definition: Ingenue - an innocent or unsophisticated young woman

Highlight: Her character arc shows the possibility of breaking free from class prejudices

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 7: Mrs. Birling's Moral Failings

Mrs. Birling exemplifies the worst aspects of upper-class prejudice and moral blindness.

Quote: "I think I was justified" - showing her unremorseful nature

Highlight: Her treatment of Eva reveals class prejudice despite her charitable work

Definition: Repugnance - strong dislike or aversion

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

View

Page 8: Gerald Croft's Ambiguous Character

Gerald represents a middle ground between generations but ultimately aligns with the old guard's values.

Quote: "I knew it couldn't last" - revealing his casual attitude toward Eva

Highlight: His treatment of Eva as an object reveals ingrained class prejudices

Vocabulary: Ambivalent - having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas

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Mr Birling and Inspector Goole: Easy Symbolism Explained!

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amelie xx

@amelie444222

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An Inspector Calls explores themes of social responsibility, class divide, and moral accountability through the investigation of Eva Smith's death. The play critically examines the character analysis Mr Birling and other members of the privileged Birling family, while the Inspector Goole symbolism english literature serves as a catalyst for moral awakening. Eva Smith universal oppression symbol analysis demonstrates how she represents all vulnerable members of society.

  • The Inspector acts as both a moral compass and supernatural entity, forcing the Birlings to confront their actions
  • Class divisions and social responsibility are central themes, highlighted through the contrast between the wealthy Birlings and working-class Eva
  • The younger generation (Eric and Sheila) show capacity for change while the older generation remains stubborn
  • Dramatic irony and symbolism are used extensively to reinforce the play's socialist message
  • Character development reveals the impact of guilt, responsibility and moral awakening
...

23/05/2023

780

 

10/11

 

English Literature

11

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

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Page 2: Inspector Goole's Role and Characteristics

Inspector Goole serves as a mysterious and powerful force for social justice. His rejection of alcohol symbolizes his moral integrity and commitment to duty.

Quote: "we are members of one body" - emphasizing collective responsibility

Highlight: The Inspector functions as Priestley's mouthpiece for socialist ideals

Vocabulary: Omniscient - all-knowing, reflecting the Inspector's supernatural qualities

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

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Page 3: Eva Smith's Symbolic Significance

Eva Smith represents universal oppression and the victims of social inequality. Her name carries deep symbolic meaning within the play's context.

Definition: Nomenclature - the system of names and their significance

Highlight: The surname "Smith" being common represents all of humanity

Example: Eva's name change to Daisy represents her desperate attempt for a fresh start

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

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Page 4: Edna's Role and Class Commentary

Edna's character reinforces the play's commentary on class divisions and social hierarchy through her interactions with the Birling family.

Quote: "yes maison" and "yes sir" - demonstrating subservient behavior

Highlight: The similarity between Eva and Edna's names symbolizes their shared social status

Definition: Supercity - excessive politeness often displayed by servants to their employers

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 5: Eric's Character Development

Eric undergoes significant transformation throughout the play, representing hope for generational change.

Quote: "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?" - showing developing social consciousness

Highlight: His relationship with alcohol reveals the effects of poor parenting

Vocabulary: Metamorphosis - complete transformation, describing Eric's character development

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 6: Sheila's Growth and Understanding

Sheila represents the potential for positive change in the younger generation, showing genuine remorse and understanding.

Quote: "these girls aren't cheap labor - they're people" - demonstrating moral growth

Definition: Ingenue - an innocent or unsophisticated young woman

Highlight: Her character arc shows the possibility of breaking free from class prejudices

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

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Page 7: Mrs. Birling's Moral Failings

Mrs. Birling exemplifies the worst aspects of upper-class prejudice and moral blindness.

Quote: "I think I was justified" - showing her unremorseful nature

Highlight: Her treatment of Eva reveals class prejudice despite her charitable work

Definition: Repugnance - strong dislike or aversion

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

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Page 8: Gerald Croft's Ambiguous Character

Gerald represents a middle ground between generations but ultimately aligns with the old guard's values.

Quote: "I knew it couldn't last" - revealing his casual attitude toward Eva

Highlight: His treatment of Eva as an object reveals ingrained class prejudices

Vocabulary: Ambivalent - having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas

english lit paper 2
allows his workers.
to suffer
↑
it's my duty
to keep [.] costs (
down
I cant accept any
responsibility"
in denial
may da

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Page 1: Mr. Birling's Character Analysis

Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist upper class, characterized by his arrogance and materialism. His physical description as a "heavy looking rather pretentious man" mirrors his inflated sense of self-importance.

Quote: "unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable" - referring to the Titanic, demonstrating dramatic irony

Highlight: His denial of responsibility and attempt to intimidate the Inspector reveals his moral bankruptcy

Definition: Capitalist - Someone who believes in private ownership and profit-driven business practices

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.