Inspector Goole's Role in An Inspector Calls

Inspector Goole: Cosmic Policeman and Moral Arbiter

1. Inspector Goole acts as a cosmic policeman on judgment day. He is the conscience of the characters, a “ghoul” sent to make them admit things to themselves and others. Is he a prophet of things to come? There are multiple interpretations. People who do not learn from the past risk repeating it; one can only change in the future by learning from past mistakes.

This character transforms the play into a kind of traditional 'whodunit' rather than a morality play, making it more commercially acceptable to the audience. It remains unsolved who he is in reality; revealing his identity would have spoiled the ending. The unresolved tension at the end of the play is highly effective.

• Goole makes moral judgments on the characters, unlike a real policeman, undermining their assumption that they are honorable and respectable.
• Another function is to act as the “storyteller,” filling in the gaps in the narrative.
• He also acts as a father confessor, acknowledging guilt and repentance but neither forgiving nor punishing.
• He voices the opinions of Priestley regarding social responsibility, which he considers greater according to privilege.

A “moral” crime has been committed. Has his attempt to enlighten them been in vain? Perhaps in the case of the older generation, but the younger generation shows signs of hope to construct a fairer society.

Notes on Inspector Goole

2. Make reference to the fact that it is not only a traditional 'whodunit,' but other elements are more important to the author. However, this format is more easily accepted by an audience and creates greater commercial possibilities. Characters are implicated and then discarded, creating a widening circle of guilt or responsibility.

Eva Smith: The Unseen Victim

Eva Smith is a character we never meet, yet she dominates the action—a skillful dramatic achievement. As she sinks lower, she becomes more honorable and noble. She represents how innocence can be destroyed by the indifference of others unless accorded the dignity to which all human beings are entitled.

Post-War Context and Social Change

The period saw:

• Full employment.
• The welfare of workers as a national priority.
• Classes mixing through evacuation and armed forces.
• Uniforms and clothing rationing making everyone the same.
• People fighting for the same cause.

Generational Differences in Conflict

Consider the fates of the characters:

Sheila

In the factory, helping the war effort.

Eric

Might die stupidly in the trenches, skewered, or from food poisoning.

Gerald

In a comfortable position miles away from the trenches, moving things on a board and not getting his hands dirty.