Inspector Calls

4 Pages 883 Words

An Inspector Calls
J.B. Priestly


‘An Inspector Calls’ written by J.B. Priestly, 1945, but was set in 1912. As he had lived through both wars he could see what had actually happened in the time the play was set. In the play, he uses the characters to express his views about socialism and possibly about class divisions. This essay will show the role of the inspector, ‘Inspector Goole’ and how Priestly puts across his views.

The play ‘An Inspector Calls’, is about the Birling family, who are quite well off, and they are celebrating their daughters engagement with her ‘to be’ husband, Gerald. The father is happy that his daughter is getting married to him as Gerald’s father is the owner of a company who Birling would like to have closer to him. Maybe start a partnership. The inspector comes to the celebration and breaks up the party, questioning the family on the death of a young girl, Eva Smith, who had died by drinking disinfectant.

On the arrival of the inspector, he seems like a regular inspector, and the Birlings don’t seem to act as if much is wrong. Mr. Birling has a few jokes with the inspector, expecting he was just there because of trouble with a warrant, until he gives the idea that they are being questioned on a girls death.

‘I’d like some information, if you don’t mind, Mr. Birling. Two hours ago, a young woman died in the infirmary…’ Act one, page 11.

This is where the attitude of Mr. Birling and the Birlings change, as they can see that the inspector is being serious.

Goole doesn’t give any hints that he isn’t a real police inspector until later in the play. He seems like a real inspector in the entire first act.

Goole’s actions are consistent of those of a real police inspector in many ways, one of which by him refusing a drink as they aren’t allowed to drink on duty.

Mr. Birling: Have a glass of port – or a little whisky?
Inspector: No thank you, Mr....