Analysis Of The Inspector
Inspector Goole is the central catalyst of Priestley’s play, functioning far beyond a standard dramatic detective. Analysing his character effectively requires looking past what he says to focus on how he says it and what he represents. This lesson is applicable to all GCSE exam boards and is designed to equip you with sophisticated terminology and close-analysis techniques for your Inspector essays.
We’ll explore Goole's structural role as both protagonist and antagonist, examining how Priestley utilizes stage directions, blunt language, and controlled conversation dynamics to establish authority on stage. I’ll also walk you through high-level analysis of key linguistic and dramatic techniques (including symbolism, extended metaphors, dramatic irony, and his function as a foil to the Birling family) giving you plenty of concrete evidence to elevate your essays.
Timestamp
0:00 Antagonist and Protagonist
2:15 Stage directions
4:40 Conversation terminology
9:08 Sentence Moods
12:49 Blunt Language
17:09 Symbolism
20:14 Metaphor
24:11 Listing
32:24 Dramatic Irony
43:53 Foil
This video is on my YouTube channel. However, there are a few benefits to watching it here instead:
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There are also resources to help you in the Study Materials section:
An Inspector Calls Vocabulary Bank
The words in this vocabulary bank will help you to develop a more sophisticated and high level understanding of the key ideas and concepts in 'An Inspector Calls'.
As well as providing a range of words, their definitions and an example sentence, this book also suggests a number of activities that you can use to revise and put the vocabulary into practice.
Bonus - it's completely free!
An Inspector Calls AQA GCSE Model Answers (Coming soon!)
This resource will have model answers for multiple years of AQA past papers, giving you the ability to see what high grade essays look like for a range of essay questions.
An Inspector Calls Edexcel IGCSE Model Answers (Coming soon!)
This resource will have model answers for multiple years of Edexcel past papers, giving you the ability to see what high grade essays look like for a range of essay questions.
An Inspector Calls Flipped Learning (Coming soon!)
This resource is designed for teachers and students: it is a workbook designed to be completed alongside all of my An Inspector Calls videos. It is essentially a structured way for you to take notes and ensure that you are squeezing every ounce of advice my videos have to offer.
I fully intend to add more videos and study materials on this play. If there's something in particular you're looking for, then register and get in touch to let me know what would help you.
