In "An Inspector Calls", what does Inspector Goole symbolize?

Inspector Goole symbolizes social responsibility and moral conscience, serving as a catalyst for the other characters to confront their actions and their implications on others. Throughout the play, he embodies the idea that individuals are interconnected and that one's actions can have far-reaching consequences. His probing questions and revelations about the fate of Eva Smith compel the Birling family to reflect on their moral responsibilities toward one another and society as a whole.

The Inspector’s character is pivotal in critiquing the prevailing attitudes of the time, demonstrating that wealth and privilege come with an obligation to act ethically. By representing a voice of social morality, he challenges the characters to acknowledge their role in societal issues, promoting the theme of collective responsibility. In doing so, he provokes both the characters and the audience to examine their own contributions to social injustice, making him a powerful representation of conscience and accountability.