An Inspector Calls-J.B Priestley

Use this section to discuss drama books and poetry books. Drama includes plays but not novels. This includes work by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Miller etc. Poetry anthologies can also go here.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
The_Lord_of_Light
Posts: 7
Joined: 18 Mar 2016, 16:34
Currently Reading: The Time Machine
Bookshelf Size: 6
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-the-lord-of-light.html

An Inspector Calls

Post by The_Lord_of_Light »

After reading the play, and watching the TV adaptation by the BBC, I was curious to what others thought of the character Inspector Goole and what/who he is?
User avatar
chytach18-
Posts: 405
Joined: 18 Jul 2015, 10:17
Favorite Author: John Fowles
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 3">Strange Case of Dr Jekill and Mr Hyde</a>
Currently Reading: Dark Corners
Bookshelf Size: 98
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chytach18.html
Latest Review: "Smiling Exercises, and Other Stories" by Dan Malakin
fav_author_id: 2947

Post by chytach18- »

Some people think he was God/consciousness. I also read the play and watched the TV adaptation and I am proud to live in the same town where John Boynton Priestley lived. When I go to work every morning, I pass his statue (it's standing in front of the Media Museum).
Latest Review: "Smiling Exercises, and Other Stories" by Dan Malakin
User avatar
Morgan Jones
Posts: 453
Joined: 16 Apr 2016, 12:24
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 138
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-morgan-jones.html
Latest Review: Fate Won't Compromise by Catherine Blakely

Post by Morgan Jones »

I studied An Inspector Calls this year while taking Literature as an GCSE subject. Probably one of the best dramas I have ever read. The name 'Goole' itself is very clever and significant which perfectly matches the nature of the Inspector. I thought the Inspector was a very captivating character; authorative, strong, fearless and powerful. He's not once afraid of the hierarchial difference between him and the Birlings; which is very impressive since at the time the play was written, it was all people cared about. The ending was probably one of the most shocking things I have ever read, because I certainly wouldn't have expected it in a million years. I have been in love wirh Priestley (the author) ever since, because he's such a creative, genius. Kept me on the edge of my seat till the very last page.
oliverrichmond67
Posts: 11
Joined: 13 Apr 2016, 04:21
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by oliverrichmond67 »

I also think that as God. But what a superb character!!!!
User avatar
CriticCymraeg
Posts: 1
Joined: 04 Sep 2018, 14:05
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by CriticCymraeg »

This play is set in 1912 and details an evening with the Birling family. They are an upper middle class family who seem to have perfect lives-until an inspector arrives. It explores the ideas of social divide between classes, sexism and socialism vs capitalism. I will warn you that J.B Priestley was a socialist so the book tends to show socialism in a positive light and capitalism in a very negative way, often mocking it subtly. Overall I think this book is a perfect read for any murder mystery fans or young adults. It uses a mixture of foreshadowing, dramatic irony and stage directions to create a thoroughly enjoyable read. The only negative is the predictable ending and bias political view,(has sparked anger with capitalists in the past),but the play displays a social divide and the excitement of a murder mystery perfectly. The play is certainly still relevant today in its values.
Post Reply

Return to “Drama and Poetry Books”