What Is the Function of the Inspector In

What is the function of the Inspector in

the play?

The character needs to work on two levels:

1. a realistic level - to convince the family that he is a real Inspector so they will co-operate

2. a symbolic level - to convey a moral and social message to the characters and to the audience

His function:

1. On the realistic level:

· to make the characters confess

· to make them reveal what he already seems to know through careful manipulation.

· to allow the characters to see how their behaviour affects others

to encourage the characters to learn from what has happened and change their behaviour

How does Priestly do this?

In a theatrical sense he uses the Inspector as a dramatic device, by:

· giving him the power to control the action on the stage

· giving him powerful speeches, e.g. final speech, which involve the audience as well as the characters on stage

· creating mystery about who or what the Inspector is, e.g. is he a time traveller, is he a spirit?

· making the play work in three different time zones: 1912, 1945, present day

2. On the symbolic level to act as a vehicle for Priestley’ s moral message:

He encourages the audience:

· to learn from the mistakes of the past

· to recognise that selfish pursuit of riches and power can be destructive

· to see that Capitalism has many victims

· to be aware that our lives are all linked and that our behaviour affects one another to see the need to create a better society

How successful is the character of the Inspector in conveying Priestley's message?

· Look at each character, how do they react initially and to what extent do they accept responsibility?

· What hope is provided, if any?

· As a member of the audience has it affected the way you think and feel about community and society?