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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

781

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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English Literature

781

23 May 2023

8 pages

Mr Birling and Inspector Goole: Easy Symbolism Explained!

user profile picture

amelie xx

@amelie444222

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... Show more

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 contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

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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 contentIt's free!

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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 contentIt'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 contentIt's free!

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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

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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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

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Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user