Question 1: Describe how Inspector Goole's character is introduced in the play. What stage directions and dialogue clues help establish his personality?

Answer: Inspector Goole is introduced as a serious and authoritative figure. Stage directions often describe him as 'mysterious' or 'firm,' and his entrance is marked by a commanding tone of voice. His dialogue is direct and probing, with a calm but assertive manner that demands attention. The use of pauses and deliberate speech helps establish him as a figure of moral authority who challenges the Birlings' and Gerald's complacency.

Question 2: Perform a short improvisation where you act as Inspector Goole questioning a character. Focus on using a firm tone and deliberate pacing. Describe your approach and what drama techniques you would use.

Answer: To perform as Inspector Goole, I would adopt a calm, authoritative stance, maintaining steady eye contact to convey confidence. I would use controlled, deliberate speech, pausing slightly after each question to create emphasis. Body language would be upright and assertive, with minimal gestures to reinforce seriousness. This approach uses tone, pace, and posture to portray Inspector Goole's moral authority and probing nature.

Question 3: Compare Mr Birling’s attitude at the beginning of the play to his attitude towards the Inspector’s questions. How does his body language and speech change?

Answer: At the start, Mr Birling appears confident, boastful, and dismissive of the need for social responsibility. His body language is relaxed, possibly with hands in pockets or gesturing confidently, and his speech is self-assured and humorous. When questioned by the Inspector, his body language becomes more defensive—he may cross his arms or shift uneasily—and his speech becomes more strained or defensive, revealing discomfort and an attempt to deflect blame or downplay serious issues. This contrast shows his unwillingness to accept responsibility.

Question 4: Describe how you could use voice modulation and facial expressions to differentiate between Mr Birling's arrogant attitude and his moments of vulnerability.

Answer: To show arrogance, I would use a strong, confident tone, with a clear, steady voice and a proud facial expression, perhaps with a slight smirk or raised chin. When portraying vulnerability, I would soften my voice, speak more quietly, and add hesitant pauses. Facial expressions would include raising eyebrows or looking away, conveying discomfort or regret. Using these vocal and facial cues helps distinguish between his confident facade and his moments of self-awareness or fear.

Question 5: Identify a dramatic technique used in the play to reveal character traits of Inspector Goole. Explain how this technique influences how the audience perceives him.

Answer: One key dramatic technique is the use of stage lighting and sound to create a mysterious atmosphere around Inspector Goole. For example, dim lighting when he enters or a sudden change in lighting can make him seem otherworldly or morally powerful. Additionally, his tone of voice and measured delivery add to his authority. These techniques make the audience see him as a moral figure who has a deeper understanding of social issues, adding to his aura of authority and moral superiority.

Question 6: Write a short scene where Mr Birling reacts to hearing about Eva Smith’s death. Use stage directions to show his emotional state and body language.

Answer: Scene: Mr Birling sits back in his chair, initially dismissive. When he learns of Eva Smith’s death, his posture stiffens, and he leans forward slightly, frowning. He runs a hand through his hair nervously, then looks away, voice trembling slightly. Stage directions could include: 'Mr Birling's face hardens, and he clenches his fists on his lap. He pauses before speaking, voice strained.' This shows his discomfort and the emotional impact of the news.

Question 7: In small groups, perform a short scene where Mr Birling dismisses the Inspector’s questions. Use dramatic pauses and body language to emphasize his attitude. Afterwards, discuss how these choices affect the audience’s view of him.

Answer: In the scene, Mr Birling might cross his arms, lean back, or look away when dismissing the Inspector, with a dismissive tone in his speech. Use pauses after each question to suggest he is avoiding or dismissing the moral implications. These choices portray him as arrogant and unwilling to accept responsibility. The audience may see him as narrow-minded, self-interested, or cowardly because of his body language and tone.

Question 8: Describe how you would use voice and physicality to portray Inspector Goole as both a moral enforcer and a mysterious figure. Include specific actions or vocal traits.

Answer: To portray Inspector Goole as a moral enforcer, I would speak slowly, clearly, and with authority, emphasizing key words to highlight moral points. My voice would be steady, with a calm but commanding tone. Physically, I would stand upright, make deliberate gestures with my hands, and maintain strong eye contact. To add an element of mystery, I might use a slightly lower or softer voice during certain moments and employ minimal movements, creating an aura of calm control and otherworldliness.

Question 9: Draw or describe a costume and props you might use to represent Mr Birling in a performance. Explain how these choices reflect his character.

Answer: I would choose a smart, slightly outdated suit with a tie, reflecting Mr Birling’s middle-class, business-minded persona. A pocket watch or a cigar could be props to symbolize his confidence and self-importance. The costume’s neatness and traditional style would show his conservative values and pride in his social status. These choices help the audience understand his character as a proud, materialistic businessman who values appearances.

Question 10: Reflect on how the characters of Inspector Goole and Mr Birling represent different social attitudes. Write a brief paragraph comparing their attitudes and styles of communication.

Answer: Inspector Goole and Mr Birling have contrasting social attitudes. Inspector Goole represents moral responsibility, social justice, and the need to consider others, speaking in a calm, commanding, and probing manner that challenges complacency. Mr Birling, on the other hand, embodies self-interest, capitalism, and social conservatism, often speaking confidently, dismissively, or defensively. His body language and tone suggest arrogance and ignorance, while Inspector Goole’s style emphasizes authority and moral seriousness. These differences highlight the play’s themes of social responsibility versus self-interest.