Question 1: Describe the character of Inspector Goole. What are his main characteristics and what is his purpose in the play?

Answer: Inspector Goole is portrayed as a serious, authoritative, and moral figure who acts as a catalyst for the play’s moral message. He is confident, calm, and commanding in his speech, often using interrogation techniques to uncover the truth. His main purpose is to challenge the Birlings’ and Gerald’s moral complacency, prompting them to reflect on their actions and the consequences of their behaviour. He symbolizes social responsibility and justice.

Question 2: Perform a short improvisation where you act as Inspector Goole questioning a member of the Birling family about their actions. Focus on using a firm tone and clear questioning techniques.

Answer: Students should adopt a serious and commanding tone, maintaining eye contact and using direct, calm language. They should ask open-ended questions like, 'Can you tell me what you were feeling when you made that decision?' or 'How do you think your actions affected others?' Emphasize clarity in speech, control of gestures, and a confident posture to embody Inspector Goole’s authoritative presence.

Question 3: Compare and contrast Mr Birling’s attitude at the beginning and at the end of the play. How might his character be shown through his dialogue and actions?

Answer: At the beginning, Mr Birling is confident, self-assured, and eager to impress others with his capitalist views, dismissing the idea of social responsibility. His dialogue is boastful and prejudiced. By the end of the play, after the Inspector’s visit, he becomes more anxious and defensive, realizing that his actions have consequences. His language shifts to defensiveness and denial, but he still struggles to accept responsibility. His character is revealed through his dismissive attitude initially and his nervous realization later.

Question 4: Describe how you would portray Mr Birling in a dramatic performance to show his personality. What voice, posture, and gestures would you use?

Answer: To portray Mr Birling, use a confident and assertive voice with a slightly booming tone to suggest authority. Maintain a upright posture with broad gestures when speaking to show self-importance. Use dismissive hand gestures, such as waving away concerns, and avoid slouching. When he becomes nervous, soften your voice slightly, and fidget or shift position to reflect his growing discomfort. These choices help communicate his initially cocky attitude and later his anxiety.

Question 5: Analyze the social message that both characters—Inspector Goole and Mr Birling—represent in the play.

Answer: Inspector Goole represents social responsibility, morality, and the need to consider others’ feelings and consequences of one’s actions. He challenges the selfish capitalist views of Mr Birling. Mr Birling embodies capitalist arrogance, individualism, and self-interest, often dismissing the importance of social responsibility. The play contrasts these characters to highlight the importance of community and moral accountability, warning against greed and neglecting social duties.

Question 6: Draw a simple scene where Inspector Goole interrogates Mr Birling. Label the stage directions, dialogue, and your character’s actions clearly.

Answer: Students should sketch a basic stage with positions labeled for Inspector Goole and Mr Birling. Include dialogue such as Inspector: 'Mr Birling, what was your role in Eva Smith’s life?' and actions like the inspector standing firmly while Mr Birling appears nervous or defensive. Label stage directions like 'Inspector stands assertively, pointing slightly' and 'Mr Birling shifts uncomfortably.' This helps visualize character interactions and performance choices.

Question 7: What do the characters of Inspector Goole and Mr Birling reveal about Victorian and Edwardian attitudes towards social class and responsibility?

Answer: Mr Birling’s character reflects the Victorian and Edwardian emphasis on class distinctions, individual success, and capitalism, often dismissing the needs of the working class. Inspector Goole challenges these attitudes by emphasizing social responsibility, moral duty, and the interconnectedness of society. His presence and questioning highlight a shift towards more socially aware values, advocating that everyone has a responsibility to others regardless of social class.

Question 8: Practise a monologue as Inspector Goole explaining why he is so passionate about social responsibility. Use persuasive language and dramatic emphasis.

Answer: Students should write or perform a monologue that uses strong, emotive language such as, 'We do not live alone. Our actions affect others. It is our moral duty to stand for justice and kindness.' Use pauses for dramatic effect, vary your pitch to emphasize key points, and project your voice confidently. This performance demonstrates understanding of the inspector’s moral stance.

Question 9: Reflect on how the characters of Inspector Goole and Mr Birling might interact if they were in a real-life debate about social responsibility. Write a short paragraph explaining your ideas.

Answer: In a real-life debate, Inspector Goole would probably argue passionately for the importance of caring for others and taking responsibility for societal issues. He would emphasize moral duty and community. Mr Birling might respond with a more pragmatic, self-interested stance, emphasizing personal success and economic freedom. Their interaction would likely be tense, with Inspector challenging Birling’s beliefs and urging him to consider a more ethical approach to society.