Act 1 Flashcards
Mr Birling: “A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family too, of course.”
Highlights Mr. Birling’s capitalist and individualist views. This is contrasted later by the Inspector’s message of collective responsibility.
Mr Birling: “The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”
Dramatic irony: The play is set in 1912 but was written in 1945 after two World Wars. The audience knows this statement is false, undermining Birling’s credibility.
Mr Birling: “The Titanic—she sails next week… and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
Dramatic irony. The Titanic’s sinking reflects Birling’s arrogance and inability to foresee the consequences of his actions.
Sheila: “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
Sheila begins to challenge her father’s capitalist views and demonstrates early signs of empathy and social responsibility.
Inspector: “It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it.”
The Inspector criticizes the exploitation of the working class by the wealthy. This embodies Priestley’s socialist views.
Inspector: “If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt.”
The Inspector emphasizes the theme of collective responsibility, central to the play.
Eric: “Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.”
Eric questions his father’s treatment of Eva Smith, foreshadowing his later remorse and alignment with the Inspector’s message.
Gerald: “After all, y’know, we’re respectable citizens and not criminals.”
Reflects Gerald’s complacency and belief in social superiority, which is challenged as the play unfolds.
Mrs Birling: “Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things—”
This demonstrates her obsession with maintaining propriety and social decorum. She represents the rigid, class-conscious attitudes of the upper class.
