An Inspector Calls

Question 1

5 quotes for the inspector

Answer 1

1. “it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it.”- Inspector criticizes capitalist greed, implying that it is more ethical to ask for help (as Eva Smith did) than to exploit and take from others (as the Birlings do).
2. “A chain of events.”- suggests that Eva Smith’s downfall wasn’t caused by just one action but a series of events.
3. “We are members of one body”- we are all humans in this world and we need to help eachother
4. “There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”- there still many people who need help.
5. “taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”- can be seen as WW1 or seen in a religious way (hell)

Question 2

3 quotes for Shelia

Answer 2

1. “never do it again to anybody.”- shows her better ways of thinking and that the younger generation is better. She wants to change unlike her parents.
2. “It frightens me the way you talk.”- Sheila is horrified by her parents’ refusal to change. She recognizes their moral failure
3. “I suppose we’re all nice people now.”- This is sarcasm—Sheila mocks her parents and Gerald for believing that because the Inspector might not be real, their actions don’t matter.

Question 3

3 quotes for Mr Birling

Answer 3

1. “The Germans don’t want war”- ironic as they did, opposite view to Eric (younger generation)
2. “I can’t accept any responsibility.”- Unlike Sheila and Eric, Birling refuses to take responsibility, shows how the generations have different ways of thinking
3. “I was almost certain for a knighthood.”- cares more about his public image then he does his own son

Question 4

Two quotes for Mrs Birling

Answer 4

1. “It’s his responsibility.”- Irony at its best — without realizing it, she condemns her own son, Eric. This shows her quickness to pass blame
2. “She had only herself to blame.”- lack of empathy and refusal to take responsibility. Shows again how the younger generation have better views

Question 5

2 quotes for Gerald

Answer 5

“We are respectable citizens and not criminals.”- shows his belief that their wealth and status make them above suspicion. Shows the difference between the upper and lower class.

“most important person in her life – you understand?” This rhetorical question suggests the power imbalance in their relationship.

Question 6

3 quotes for Eric Birling

Answer 6

1. “I’m ashamed of you as well”- toward his parents when he realizes their lack of responsibility for their actions
2. “a chap easily turns nasty”- unlike his parents Eric confesses his role, highlights his troubled mind at the time.
3. “You never even tried.”- towards his parents, revealing the generational divide, angry at them as they still arnt accepting full responsibility.