Topic > Defining the Character of the Inspector in An Inspector Calls

In the play "An Inspector Calls", the character of the Inspector is used as a dramatic device in a number of different ways which helps the show become more interesting and compelling. In this essay, I will aim to analyze and explore these dramatic devices. Our perception of this work's genre often changes over its course, starting as a "mystery" work and developing into a didactic work with a strong moral message. The Inspector is crucial to the play as he is the one who helps us see the transition between genres and allows it to happen. This is just one of the many roles played by the inspector; works as a narrator, acts as a catalyst for action, is used as a vehicle for socialist views, and conveys Priestley's political views. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Inspector is used to convey Priestley's views and the general socialist point of view. This political view was shared by Priestley and therefore by having the most dominant and interesting character represent these ideas, these are conveyed directly to the audience through the language used and the Inspector's overall actions and movements. Most of these ideas manifest themselves in the Inspector's last two speeches in which he states that "we do not live alone", "we are members of one body", and "we are responsible for each other". These are great examples of how the inspector not only speaks to the other characters, but also directly to the audience, therefore conveying the socialist point of view much more clearly and with greater effect. Furthermore, the inspector's omniscience helps to both emphasize the socialist vision and criticize capitalist views. Using highly emotional language like “fire, blood and anguish” and linking it to man's ignorance really helps to accomplish both of these tasks simultaneously and effectively. The prediction of impending war, which contradicts Birling's earlier statement, suggests that the Inspector is not all he seems. It also contradicts Birling's previous ideas, further emphasizing Priestley's hatred of capitalism and introduces the idea that he is a visionary capable of predicting the future. The Inspector's name, Goole, may symbolize some sort of ghostly presence, and this is further confirmed throughout the book. play thanks to the inspector's actions and his omniscient abilities. Priestley may have used this name to communicate to us from the beginning of the play that this character is not all he seems and that he will be a mystical character. The language she uses is also very strange, using phrases that insinuate her knowledge, such as "because what happened... drove her to suicide." This statement shows that the inspector already knows everything that happened, knows what each family member did and knows how to make them blame each other for this. This all adds to the theory that the Inspector is a very ghostly and disturbing presence, omniscient and omnipresent and that he knows how to manipulate the room to add dramatic effect. Additionally, the lighting changes when the inspector enters from a pink, cozy light room to a rather cool blue. This adds to the effect as it sets the tone for the Inspector's character as soon as he enters and shows the clear division between the Birlings' cozy life and the harsh reality that the Inspector brings with him. The Inspector's final speech, which is only one of two extended monologue sections he has, strongly imposes Priestley's ideas and opinions on the audience. It is at this point that we begin to see this spectacleas didactic and we begin to understand the message that the work tries to convey. This final speech also serves as closure to the inspector's overall narrative and control of the work thus far. Up until this point, Goole has been controlling the other characters, "intervening massively", "taking charge massively", and doing everything "with calm authority". These captions help us to clearly see that the inspector aims to dominate a situation and take control over what happens. He hears only what he needs, and when he's done with what he needs, he steps in and asks another question or makes another statement. This, therefore, means that the game is quite fast paced. Since he only lets the other characters say what he wants to hear, he gathers all the necessary information and moves on rather hastily and this is another way Priestley shows the Inspector's dominance and that he is an unstoppable force. He also acts as a sort of puppeteer, controlling when other characters enter and exit, which helps, once again, to show the inspector's dominance within the play's setting. Priestly often uses dramatic irony in "An Inspector Calls" to show the Birlings to be selfish narcissists with no real understanding of current affairs, in contrast to the Inspector's interruptions and insinuations which contradict those of the Birlings and turn out to be true. Mr Birling thinks that "there is no possibility of war", while the Inspector, in his final speech, contradicts this with a correct statement alluding to war, as men "will be taught in fire, blood and 'anguish". ' This use of the juxtaposition of these statements and the overall juxtaposition of the inspector in that environment adds tension and irony to the show, making it more fun and exciting to watch. He also further exaggerates the Inspector's dominant personality by expanding it to include intellect as well as just physical actions and mind games. The language the Inspector uses to contradict the Birling family is another way dramatic effect is achieved in this piece, and one such example is "I don't play golf". This shows that the Inspector is telling Birling that he doesn't mind any threat from him and that he will do his duty no matter what. It is an example of when Birling tried to assert his authority, but was immediately blocked by the Inspector, further underlining his sheer dominance of the room. Furthermore, the longer sentence "Miss Birling... with her responsibilities" shows how the inspector is placing the blame on everyone, not just one person. The order in which the inspector chooses to interview the family also creates a very dramatic effect, as he chooses to interview them all in chronological sequence except the last two people, which is done once again for added effect. Priestley likes to manipulate time in his works, and I think this is an example of how he does it superbly. By putting them in some sort of order, the Inspector proves that he knows more than he lets on, and this adds tension as we begin to realize that the Inspector is not all he seems. However, the last two interrogations are chronologically reversed, but work together to create impressive dramatic effect. By hearing Mrs Birling's side of the story first, the Inspector manages to turn her against her own family, making her say that she "should make an example of him" and that "it is thanks to him" that all this happened. This is very clever writing by Priestley as he sets the family against each other and this adds a dramatic effect to the play. The timing of.