Discussion Topic
The persuasive devices and key points in the inspector's final speeches in "An Inspector Calls"
Summary:
In "An Inspector Calls," the inspector's final speeches employ persuasive devices such as repetition, rhetorical questions, and moral appeals. Key points include the interconnectedness of society, the consequences of selfish actions, and the importance of social responsibility. The inspector emphasizes that everyone shares collective responsibility for each other's welfare, urging the characters to reflect on their actions and change their ways.
What are the key points in the inspector's final speeches in "An Inspector Calls"?
Inspector Goole's final speech is delivered almost as a sermon. He has given the impression throughout the play that he is at least detached from, or above the other characters. The pun on the name Goole/ghoul suggests ghostly qualities as does the intimation of the events being re-run at the end of the play. His ability to hone in on each of the private guilts of the other characters seems beyond mere detective work.
'We are responsible for each other...If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.'
This gives us an insight into the true moral purpose of the Inspector's visit. He is not merely investigating a suicide, or solving a series of petty crimes and social injustices, he is tying each member of the cast together in a web of social responsibility.
What persuasive devices does the inspector use in his final speech in An Inspector Calls?
As the inspector is...
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leaving the Birlings' house, he says that although Eva Smith is dead, "there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, with hopes and fears." He reminds the family that members of society are responsible for each other. The persuasive device that the inspector is using is pathos, or appealing to the emotions of the Birling family, to convince them that what they all did to Eva Smith is wrong and that they have a responsibility for people in the working class. He also says that if people don't learn that lesson, they will eventually have to learn it "in fire and blood and anguish." Again using pathos, he reminds the audience of the anguish that they will continue to cause if they don't amend their ways. To reinforce his point, he also uses the device of repetition, as he repeats the words "millions" and "with." His repetition of these words reinforces the idea that the society is made up of countless people like Eva Smith, who upper class people like the Birlings are taking advantage of.