Inspector - BEFORE LEAVING

Question 1

“There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us…”

Answer 1

The repetition of “millions” creates a cumulative effect, emphasising scale and urgency. This is Priestley’s direct socialist message, urging the audience (both 1945 and modern) to recognise structural inequality. In post-war Britain, the welfare state was emerging—Priestley supports these reforms and criticises pre-war individualism.

Question 2

“We don’t live alone. We are members of one body.”

Answer 2

A key line using inclusive pronouns (“we,” “members”) to promote collective responsibility. The metaphor “one body” suggests interdependence, drawing from socialist ideals, important to Priestley’s 1945 audience.

Question 3

“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”

Answer 3

The conditional clause (“If men will not learn…”) acts as a warning, not just to the characters but to the audience. Biblical reference, list of three. References the World Wars. The dramatic irony makes the warning more powerful as it implies that such irresponsibility is the cause of war, so Priestley almost blames the audience for the war, encouraging them to change. Since this echoes the Old Testament prophecy, it gives the Inspector a moral authority - almost supernatural.

Question 4

“Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it.”

Answer 4

Short, declarative sentences carry a forceful and accusatory tone. The imperative verbs “Remember” and “Never forget” command moral reflection and lasting guilt. Shows Priestley’s focus on collective responsibility, highlighting Priestley’s argument that actions have social consequences.
Priestley’s 1945 audience, shaped by the two world wars (which affected all classes) and the birth of the welfare state, would hear this as a call to acknowledge interdependence - contrasting sharply with Edwardian individualism.