An Inspector Calls-J.B Priestley

[The_Lord_of_Light]

After reading the play, and watching the TV adaptation by the BBC, I was curious to what others thought of the character Inspector Goole and what/who he is?

[chytach18-]

Some people think he was God/consciousness. I also read the play and watched the TV adaptation and I am proud to live in the same town where John Boynton Priestley lived. When I go to work every morning, I pass his statue (it's standing in front of the Media Museum).

[Morgan Jones]

I studied An Inspector Calls this year while taking Literature as an GCSE subject. Probably one of the best dramas I have ever read. The name 'Goole' itself is very clever and significant which perfectly matches the nature of the Inspector. I thought the Inspector was a very captivating character; authorative, strong, fearless and powerful. He's not once afraid of the hierarchial difference between him and the Birlings; which is very impressive since at the time the play was written, it was all people cared about. The ending was probably one of the most shocking things I have ever read, because I certainly wouldn't have expected it in a million years. I have been in love wirh Priestley (the author) ever since, because he's such a creative, genius. Kept me on the edge of my seat till the very last page.

[oliverrichmond67]

I also think that as God. But what a superb character!!!!

[CriticCymraeg]

This play is set in 1912 and details an evening with the Birling family. They are an upper middle class family who seem to have perfect lives-until an inspector arrives. It explores the ideas of social divide between classes, sexism and socialism vs capitalism. I will warn you that J.B Priestley was a socialist so the book tends to show socialism in a positive light and capitalism in a very negative way, often mocking it subtly. Overall I think this book is a perfect read for any murder mystery fans or young adults. It uses a mixture of foreshadowing, dramatic irony and stage directions to create a thoroughly enjoyable read. The only negative is the predictable ending and bias political view,(has sparked anger with capitalists in the past),but the play displays a social divide and the excitement of a murder mystery perfectly. The play is certainly still relevant today in its values.