Inspector Goole Quotes and Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

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Katie Toppin

17/10/2023

English Literature

An Inspector Calls: The Inspector Key Quotes & Analysis

Subjects

English Literature

Inspector Goole Quotes and Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls: A powerful exploration of social responsibility and class dynamics in early 20th century Britain. The play critiques capitalism and promotes socialist ideals through the enigmatic Inspector Goole's interrogation of the Birling family.

Inspector Goole serves as Priestley's mouthpiece, emphasizing collective responsibility
The play highlights the interconnectedness of society and the far-reaching consequences of individual actions
Themes include social class, capitalism vs socialism, and personal vs public responsibility
Dramatic techniques like repetition and metaphor reinforce key messages
The Inspector's final speech warns of dire consequences if social change is not embraced

17/10/2023

Act 3
Inspector Gode (social responsibility)
Short, consecutive declartive
Sentences enforces the concept
of social responsibility and
empha

Act 3: Inspector Goole on Judgment

In this powerful section, Inspector Goole delivers a chilling warning about the consequences of failing to embrace social responsibility.

Quote: "They will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."

This apocalyptic imagery evokes biblical references, particularly the Book of Revelation. The Inspector foresees a future of suffering resulting from continued selfishness and disregard for others.

Highlight: The use of a triple (fire, blood, anguish) creates a semantic field of conflict, war, and death, emphasizing the vital importance of social responsibility.

The Inspector's warning serves as a stark reminder that morality transcends class and wealth. It underscores the play's central message that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, should treat others with dignity and respect.

Example: The imagery of "fire and blood and anguish" could be interpreted as foreshadowing the horrors of World War I and II, which Priestley had experienced firsthand.

This dramatic moment reinforces the play's themes of social responsibility in An Inspector Calls and the potential consequences of ignoring one's duty to others.

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Act 2: Inspector Goole on Power and Responsibility

In Act 2, Inspector Goole emphasizes the connection between power and responsibility, particularly for those in positions of authority.

Quote: "Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges."

This statement directly challenges Mr. Birling's self-important attitude and highlights a key theme of the play: social responsibility in An Inspector Calls.

Definition: Public men - In this context, refers to individuals holding positions of power or influence in society.

The Inspector's words echo Priestley's socialist views and suggest that in a more democratic Britain, public figures are not necessarily of a higher social class, even if they have more privileges.

Highlight: The play explores different types of responsibility. The Inspector advocates for collective responsibility towards others, while the Birlings focus on individual blame and avoiding scandal.

This contrast in perspectives on responsibility is central to the play's critique of capitalist individualism and its promotion of socialist ideals of community and shared accountability.

Example: Mr. Birling's initial dismissal of his responsibility for Eva Smith's fate illustrates the self-centered attitude the Inspector is challenging.

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Act 3: The Universal Nature of Social Responsibility

In the final act, Inspector Goole delivers a powerful statement emphasizing the widespread nature of social injustice and the need for collective action.

Quote: "There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths."

This use of repetition and hyperbole highlights that Eva Smith's story is not an isolated incident but a pervasive societal issue.

Highlight: The names "Eva" and "John Smith" are deliberately common, suggesting that this could happen to anyone, regardless of their background.

The Inspector's words imply that without significant social change, these tragedies will continue to occur in a never-ending cycle. This encourages the audience to consider their own role in accepting social responsibility.

Example: The "millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths" could represent various marginalized groups in society, such as the working class, women, or immigrants.

This powerful statement reinforces Priestley's socialist views and serves as a direct challenge to capitalist ideologies. It emphasizes the play's central themes of social responsibility in An Inspector Calls and the need for collective action to address societal issues.

Vocabulary: Hyperbole - Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

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Subjects

English Literature

Inspector Goole Quotes and Social Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

Katie Toppin

@katietoppin

289 Followers

Inspector Goole serves as Priestley's mouthpiece, emphasizing collective responsibility
The play highlights the interconnectedness of society and the far-reaching consequences of individual actions
Themes include social class, capitalism vs socialism, and personal vs public responsibility
Dramatic techniques like repetition and metaphor reinforce key messages
The Inspector's final speech warns of dire consequences if social change is not embraced

...

17/10/2023

1977

10/11

English Literature

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Act 3: Inspector Goole on Judgment

In this powerful section, Inspector Goole delivers a chilling warning about the consequences of failing to embrace social responsibility.

Quote: "They will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."

This apocalyptic imagery evokes biblical references, particularly the Book of Revelation. The Inspector foresees a future of suffering resulting from continued selfishness and disregard for others.

Highlight: The use of a triple (fire, blood, anguish) creates a semantic field of conflict, war, and death, emphasizing the vital importance of social responsibility.

Example: The imagery of "fire and blood and anguish" could be interpreted as foreshadowing the horrors of World War I and II, which Priestley had experienced firsthand.

This dramatic moment reinforces the play's themes of social responsibility in An Inspector Calls and the potential consequences of ignoring one's duty to others.

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

Act 2: Inspector Goole on Power and Responsibility

In Act 2, Inspector Goole emphasizes the connection between power and responsibility, particularly for those in positions of authority.

Quote: "Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges."

This statement directly challenges Mr. Birling's self-important attitude and highlights a key theme of the play: social responsibility in An Inspector Calls.

Definition: Public men - In this context, refers to individuals holding positions of power or influence in society.

The Inspector's words echo Priestley's socialist views and suggest that in a more democratic Britain, public figures are not necessarily of a higher social class, even if they have more privileges.

Highlight: The play explores different types of responsibility. The Inspector advocates for collective responsibility towards others, while the Birlings focus on individual blame and avoiding scandal.

This contrast in perspectives on responsibility is central to the play's critique of capitalist individualism and its promotion of socialist ideals of community and shared accountability.

Example: Mr. Birling's initial dismissal of his responsibility for Eva Smith's fate illustrates the self-centered attitude the Inspector is challenging.

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

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Improve your grades

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Act 3: The Universal Nature of Social Responsibility

In the final act, Inspector Goole delivers a powerful statement emphasizing the widespread nature of social injustice and the need for collective action.

Quote: "There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths."

This use of repetition and hyperbole highlights that Eva Smith's story is not an isolated incident but a pervasive societal issue.

Highlight: The names "Eva" and "John Smith" are deliberately common, suggesting that this could happen to anyone, regardless of their background.

Example: The "millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths" could represent various marginalized groups in society, such as the working class, women, or immigrants.

Vocabulary: Hyperbole - Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

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Improve your grades

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Act 3: Inspector Goole on Social Responsibility

Inspector Goole delivers a powerful message on social responsibility in Act 3, using short, declarative sentences to emphasize its importance. His speech promotes Priestley's socialist views while critiquing capitalism and rigid class structures.

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body."

This statement highlights the interconnectedness of society and the ripple effect of individual actions. The repetition of "we" reinforces the collective nature of responsibility.

Highlight: The Inspector's language echoes biblical themes, suggesting a sacred duty to care for others in society.

Example: The concept of being "members of one body" draws parallels to religious teachings about community and shared humanity.

The Inspector's words serve as a moment for both the audience and the Birling family to reflect on their actions and their wider impact on society.

Vocabulary: Declarative sentences - Statements that make a claim or assertion, often used to convey information clearly and directly.

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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.

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

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