Inspector As A Metaphor example essay topic

The play 'An Inspector Calls', was written in 1945 just after the Second World War but is set before World War One (in 1912). The time span between the dates used (1912-1945) is intentional and encourages the reader to reflect on the mistakes of this era. The choice of this date is significant because it was a time of complacency prior to one of great turmoil. Priestley skilfully produces a play that may be viewed at a number of different levels. The story may be just an inspector investigating a murder or a subtle use of metaphors to discuss reasons why the World went to war twice within three decades. The central figure is the inspector and he may be viewed at a number of different levels.

At one level the play is very neatly constructed. As a murder mystery, it has an apparent ending (we know each character is going to be implicated), apart from the final twist. However, this rather obvious construction actually supports the view that the Inspector is not intended to be viewed as 'real' but rather a vehicle for a moral message, to represent truth and be a representation of justice. There could also be a logical / practical reason behind Eva's death and the Inspector could be viewed as a super-natural force. His name, Inspector Goole (compare with ghoul) suggests this, as does his melodramatic way of arriving at the house of Mr and Mrs Birling. His words are very prophetic and this could explain why all the suspects are compelled to answer questions instantaneously.

He is moralistic as exemplified in the middle of Act One: Birling: Rubbish! If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth. Gerald: I should say so! Inspector: They might. But after all it's better to ask for the earth than to take it.

The reader has to decide whether the inspector is unusually moral as a policeman or is Priestley using him for metaphorical purpose to discuss the intolerance of society. Priestley presents the inspector's personality as inquiring but also emotional. A real police inspector may not get so involved. Is this the emotion of a man or is Priestley trying to use the inspector as a metaphor to describe how moral views can produce unexpected passion?

Here is an extract from the play (end of Act 2): Inspector: (Birling tries to protest, turns on him) "Don't stammer and yammer at me again, man. I'm losing all patience with you people... ". It is likely that a real police inspector would have more respect for Mr and Mrs Birling, especially as Mr Birling is a friend of the chief of police! This extract is from the beginning of Act 2: Sheila: (urgently cutting in) You mustn't try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If you do then the Inspector will just break it down.

And it " ll be worse when he does. Mrs B: I don't understand you. (To inspector) Do you? Inspector: (very plainly) Yes.

And she's right. Mrs B: (haughtily) I beg your pardon! Inspector: (very plainly) I said yes - I do understand her. And she's right. Mrs B: That, I consider to be a trifle impertinent, Inspector. Again the reader can decide whether the inspector is an exceptional individual or this may be a metaphor for being decisive when faced with difficult decisions.

Sometimes appeasement may not be the brave decision. The character of the Inspector is described as creating "an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness... ". He speaks carefully, weightily and has a habit of looking hard at the person he is addressing. This increases the dramatic tension and the reader anticipates the person being questioned will tell something important about the death of Eva Smith.

There is little background information about Inspector Goole but he seems to be very knowledgeable about the issues relevant to the death of Eva. Priestley may intentionally give little background about the inspector because World history between 1912 and 1945 is well known. Perhaps he wants to concentrate on the reasons relating to this time rather than the facts. The lack of description about the Inspector gives him an eerie air and increases the feeling of mystery.

The reader instantly anticipates dramatic tension. With the mixture of lighting and the Inspector creating an impression of massiveness, one can start to relate back to the possibility that the Inspector is more than just a man. Much of the Inspectors speech is highly prophetic and this is present when he says, "I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish". The inspector may be preaching or this may be a metaphor relating to the First and Second World Wars. Priestley uses the dates very cleverly because the play is set in 1912 but written at the end of the Second World War. Priestley was writing at a time when many people in the world had been traumatized by the effects of the two wars and were looking for an explanation for why the wars had started and how they might be prevented in the future.

The prophetic speech and the very demanding, very cutting, incisive manner in which he cross-examines each character draws a reaction from the reader. Gerald: (showing annoyance) Any particular reason why I shouldn't see this girl's photograph, Inspector? Inspector: (coolly, looking hard at him) There might be. Eric: And the same applies to me I suppose? Inspector: Yes... The INSPECTOR is watching BIRLING and now BIRLING notices him.

Inspector: I think you remember Eva Smith now, don't you, Mr Birling? The inspector may be just questioning a suspect or the metaphor may represent the lying or denial of murderers after the wars. Another example for the Inspector's prophetic manner is when he says: "But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish...

". (Relating to the First World War that will soon come). This again is linked to the title and supports the view that the Inspector is used as a vehicle for a moral message. With the above points in mind, the play can be seen as metaphorical. The Birling represent bad qualities in humanity e.g. Greed (Birling), lack of charity (Mrs Birling), Jealousy (Sheila), Lust (Gerald) and drunkenness (Eric). The family is used as a metaphor in the same way as the Inspector is and this reminds us what people can be like.

The Inspector helps Priestley show us how the middle class people act in society and the way in which they regard lower citizens. He hopes we will realise how the younger generations are the ones who can change the society in which we live. He shows this when Mr and Mrs Birling learn nothing from their mistakes while Eric and Sheila reflect and change. The inspector brings the play to a close, summarising Priestley's message when he says, "We don't live alone.

We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other", exactly the opposite of what we are told to believe by Mr Birling, that everybody should look after himself or herself. Priestley conveyed his message well, showing us how the situation can be changed and who to depend on to change it. This play is more than a simple murder story, it questions the values of Priestley's society in 1945..