Inspector Goole's entrance is very important as it affects the whole mood and atmosphere. It says in the stage directions that the lighting should be pink and intimate, as it is a joyful occasion for the Birling family, until the Inspector arrives and then it should change to be brighter and harder. I think this is because Priestly wants to create a noticeably colder atmosphere upon the Inspectors presence. In the Royal National Theatre production …showed first 75 words of 1113 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1113 total…the Inspector's identity as a hoaxer or as some kind of "spirit" would have spoilt the unresolved tension that is so effective at the end of the play. I think the play is still relevant today because it would make any audience wonder if they believe "a man has to make his own way - has to look after himself" or whether they believe "what we think, say and do affects people's hopes and fears".