An Inspector Calls Flashcards
‘there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’
Extended metaphor - represents the number of working class men and women who were exploited on a daily basis by the greed of capitalism.
‘squiffy’ and ‘steady the buffs’
words that Sheila and Eric use in the play more than once, but their parents never would, making it dialogue that is associated with the youth of the play. By using the word, this is exactly the point Priestley is making. The generations are different, and they also use different words, have different attitudes and by the end of the play this becomes significantly clear.
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.’
makes him question his fathers economic and political ideology. Contrast= comparative and superlative adj. Makes workers requests seem reasonable and capitalist businesses (like Mr B’s) seem exploitative of workers
‘A man has to look after himself’
allows Priestley to present his political debate by contrasting Mr Birling’s capitalist individualism to Eric’s socialist views.
‘I know I’m to blame’
Unlike Mr/Mrs Birling Sheila as more mature. She accepts that she takes a part in Eva’s death. Reflects Priestley’s view that hope for social change lies with the younger generation. Many of the younger generation watching post WW2 and want to change society.
‘She treated me- as if I were a kid’
The noun ‘kid’ highlights that Eric is less mature than Daisy. Daisy had to grow up faster due to a less privileged working class life and no parents; had to fend for herself
‘She looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn’t be sorry for her’
Reflects class prejudice. Eva does not appear to be vulnerable or needy therefore Sheila does not regret her actions. Audience perceives Sheila as spoilt and unsympathetic in abusing her power to get Eva sacked.
‘A hoax… the whole thing’s different now’
Mr B thinks he is off the hook if it is not real. Irony = nothing is different including Mr B, he does not change his behaviour and attitudes or learn responsibility for his actions.
‘Like bees in a hive’
Simile - Suggests Mr B feels socialism strips people of their individuality and makes them drones of the state working together for the common good of society (represented by hive)
R= performed first in Russia 1945. Priestley= socialist. Audience lack of sympathy for Mr B increases sympathy for P’s socialist argument.
Contrasts with Eric’s socialist views.
‘You mustn’t build up a kind of wall between us and the girl’
Metaphor - could represent the class divide that Mrs B tries to assert; could also represent Mrs B’s denial to accept social responsibility.
