AIC key quotes Flashcards
- Sum up the whole idea of capitalism and the order in which Mr. Birling holds importance in his life
- It’s ironic as later in the play we see how all of their business is exposed, as well as hypocritical as they interfere and ruin the life of Eva.
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.” - Mr.B
- Highlights the battle between capitalism and socialism and how women were used as a medium for pleasure or success in a capitalist society.
- Sheila was ‘sold’ to Gerald for the sake of the business
- She is starting to gain power and oppose the judgement of her parents.
“These girls aren’t cheap labour, they are people.” - Sheila
- An attempt to wipe his hands clean from any sort of responsibility for the death of Eva Smith
- Ironic as it has become awkward for the Birlings: their actions have been exposed and scandals made public
“If we were all responsible for everything… it would be very awkward.” - Mr.B
“As if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive”
-Constantly attempting to shift over the blame onto others and reject responsibility
- Lacks morality, and is shown to be ignorant as she then alters her judgement at the revelation of it being Eric “If only I knew”
” Secondly, I blame the young man who was the father of the child.” - Mrs.B
- Shows the privilege of rich men at the time, and also the way in which women of a lower class were being used as objects.
- Links to “Girls aren’t cheap labour”, showing the contrasting beliefs.
“I wasn’t in love with her or anything -but I liked her- and she was pretty and a good sport.”- Eric.
“Young and fresh” - Gerald
- Highlights the key message of the Inspector and how responsibility is shared, and we are all linked and responsible for each other.
- He acts as the voice of socialism, and openly contradicts Mr. Birling.
“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”- Inspector
- Highlights the change in character of Sheila, compared to ‘Mummy’ at the start.
- Power of socialism transformed her, yet she is still being ignored- the power of capitalism is much greater?
- She speaks on behalf of all the people of the lower class and who’s voices are ignored.
“You don’t seem to have learnt anything.” - Sheila.
- They will receive punishment for their moral crimes.
- Could act as dramatic irony for WW2, where even the upper class will suffer.
“They will be taught in fire, blood and anguish.” - Inspector
- Highlights the role of women in society during the time, being used as an object and source of benefit for their husbands.
- Capitalist mindset will continue through generations
- Sheila is not mature enough to understand this.
“When you’re married, then you’ll realise.” - Mrs.B
- Shows how women were judged on their appearance and this decided how much respect they received.
“Clothes mean something quite different to a woman” - Mr.B
- Repetition emphasises his arrogance of nature and how he is intent in the Titanic’s power
- titanic serves as a symbol of power and wealth (capitalism) and the dramatic irony is that it sunk on its maiden voyage.
“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” - Mr.B
- How women were looked on at the time and highlights how the respect that you get is based on you class and gender.
“Girls of that class” - Mrs.B
Shows how he is willing to bribe and pay off the Inspector, as his public name is more important and he is attempting to stop a scandal.
“Thousands, yes thousands” - Mr.B
- Shows how Gerald and the older generation fail to understand the true message of the Inspector. They are using Sheila as a medium for wealth and not taking into account her feelings.
“Everything’s all right now Sheila. What about this ring?” -Gerald
- Shows character’s reactions to the death of Eva, which shows a lot about their character
“[Distressed]”- Gerald
“And know I am to blame”- Sheila
“You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened.”- Eric
“It makes all the difference”- Mr.B
