How does Priestley use the character of Inspector Goole in An Inspector Calls?
An Inspector Calls is a play that revolves around a central mystery. In this play, it is shown that a young woman has died and the characters are all involved in different ways. Priestley writes this play to express clearly that society is guilty of abusing the defenceless members of society, in this case the proletariat. He expresses his opinions through an omniscient Inspector, one who respects social class and exercises social responsibility. JB Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls in 1945 but set it in 1912, for many reasons. He knew that at the time, rigid social boundaries were put in place and nothing was to change. But in 1945, most limitations were released and JB Priestley wanted to ensure that these changes would permanently be banished. Throughout the play, Priestley shows that the Inspector is a powerful and respectable figure; a microcosm of socialism. He is Priestley's spokesperson and expresses his socialist views through the Inspector. He purposely makes Goole a formidable character, giving a warning to the characters as well as the readers; mankind needs to change and work as one, becoming a collectivistic society instead of an individualistic society.
At the start of the play, the audience is introduced to the characters, and are told that they are celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft. When Arthur Birling, the main microcosm of capitalism, begins a speech on his views, the entrance of Inspector Goole is announced.
Priestley signifies his entrance by 'the sharp ring of a front door bell.' The use of this stage direction suggests that Inspector Goole has arrived to cease Birling's capitalist ideologies and bring forth a new system of socialism that promotes equality. The use of his arrival being in the midst of Birling's speech suggests a sudden halt in the current social system and a new change which shall be put in place. Priestley describes the lighting as 'pink and intimate' during the beginning of the play; this is soon changed to a 'brighter' and 'harder' atmosphere when the Inspector arrives. This theatrical device acts as dramatic irony because the audience sees how Priestley changes the physical setting to also change the atmosphere and foreshadow the change that the Inspector will initiate. This connects to Freud's dream theory that the Inspector represents the inner desires and secrets of the Birling family. The Inspector is a spokesperson for JB Priestley, used to criticise and punish the bourgeoisie for their sins.
JB Priestley uses the Inspector to convey that he wants society to change and become 'responsible for each other.' He suggests that the bourgeoisie should be more empathetic towards the proletariat instead of perceiving them as objects. When the Inspector arrives, he immediately informs the characters that a young girl, Eva Smith, has committed suicide because 'she'd swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant that burnt her inside out.' The use of graphic language and the violent verb 'burnt' creates an emotional response with the audience as well as the characters involved. Priestley's language stimulates a sense of sympathy for Eva Smith and possibly the whole social class of the Proletariat. Eva Smith's suicide highlights the difficulties and continuous struggles faced by the Edwardian lower class and indicates that the bourgeoisie choose to ignore this issue. Priestley's violent imagery makes the audience also feel guilty for their ignorance and dismissiveness towards the working class and can altogether persuade them to reflect and take responsibility for their actions, becoming more empathetic.
Priestley also uses the Inspector to convey the consequences of what will happen if society doesn't change. He announces in his speech to the Birlings that they will be 'taught' in 'fire' and 'blood' and
'anguish.' This play was written in 1945, after the two World Wars but was set in 1912. This forms a connection with Ouspensky's time theory that if society doesn't learn from their mistakes they will be taught continuously until they do. The World War is a clear exmple of this which is mentioned in the play on several occassions. Society did not learn their lesson the first time, therefore there was a Second World War, and the cycle will continue until they finally accept responsibility. By mentioning
this to the Birlings, Inspector Goole is portrayed as a God-like, omniscient being, imposing judgement on society. This creates fear which would persuade the audience to change their views and feel ashamed of their actions- what Priestley intends for them to do.
Pristley challenges an underlying issue of the 20th century through the Inspector. During the play, it is evident that Arthur and Sybil Birling refuse to accept responsibility for their actions, almost pleading innocence in front of the omnipotent Inspector. Goole states that instead of being ignorant 'we have to share our guilt.' The use of the plural pronoun 'we' gives the audience a sense of unity and togetherness. During the 20th century society was divided by not only gender, but also social class, therefore by using the term 'we' Priestley challenges the social boundaries of the time. Priestley also uses the imperative verb 'have to' implying that the theory of socialism is not a choice, rather a command that in order for society to progress, they "have to" change their views. The use of the word 'share' suggests that the Inspector urges the Birlings to adopt socialist views and opinions, further encouraging the audience to reflect on their own actions which spreads the message and moral of the play.
JB Priestley uses the character of Inspector Goole as an omnipotent, formidable being who is used to highlight issues of society. Priestley wants to convey his message of Socialism to the audience. He wants the bourgeoisie to stop exploiting the proletariat for their own financial gain, but instead to treat others equally and work as one being. The Inspector's identity is unknown to portray him as a neutral, unbiased figure to the audience; this would persuade them to listen to him and reflect on the message Inspector Goole is sending.