Act 3 Flashcards
Mr Birling: “Look, Inspector – I’d give thousands – yes, thousands –”
Shows his desperation to fix the situation with money, revealing his capitalist values and inability to accept moral responsibility.
Mr Birling: “You’ll have a good laugh over it yet.”
Demonstrates his relief and dismissive attitude when he believes the Inspector isn’t real, showing his lack of accountability.
Mr Birling: “I’m absolutely ashamed of you.”
Directed at Eric, showcasing her hypocrisy and refusal to accept her own role in Eva Smith’s downfall.
Mrs Birling: “He certainly didn’t make me confess.”
Indicates her pride in resisting the Inspector’s questioning and her inability to reflect on her actions.
Sheila: “You don’t seem to have learnt anything.”
Reflects her maturity and moral growth, as she criticizes her parents for refusing to change.
Sheila: “But that won’t bring Eva Smith back to life, will it?”
Emphasizes her recognition of the real consequences of their actions, contrasting with her parents’ denial.
Eric: “I’m not likely to forget.”
Shows his guilt and growing understanding of the need to take responsibility for his actions.
Eric: “You killed her – and the child she’d have had too – my child – your own grandchild.”
Expresses his emotional turmoil and directly blames his mother, highlighting the deep fractures in their family.
Inspector: “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
The Inspector’s final speech encapsulates Priestley’s central message of social responsibility and collective accountability.
Inspector: “And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”
A prophetic warning of the consequences of ignoring social responsibility, referencing the world wars.
Gerald: “What about this ring?”
Shows his desire to return to the status quo and reveals his lack of genuine change, as he overlooks the significance of the evening’s events.
Gerald: “That man wasn’t a police officer.”
Focuses on the technicalities rather than moral lessons, reflecting his alignment with Mr. Birling’s perspective.
