An Inspector Calls- Mrs Birling quotes Flashcards
Act 1
‘About fifty, a rather cold women’ (stage directions)
‘Her husband’s social superior’
‘What an expression, Sheila! Really, the things you girls pick up these days!’ ( snobbish, Sheila refers to Eric as being ‘squiffy’ )
‘When you’re married you’ll realise that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business.’
Act 2- Part 1
Classist Snob attitude, believes she is morally and socially superior.
‘Girls of that class’
Accuses Sheila of staying for: ‘Nothing but morbid curiosity’
Intimidation ‘You know of course that my husband was lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate.’
Lying to cover her back ‘Though naturally I don’t know anything about this girl’
Thinks upper class are perfect ‘(staggered) Well, really! Aldermand Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight’
‘It’s disgusting to me.’ (Gerald’s affair)
‘(with dignity) Yes. We’ve done a great deal of useful work in helping deserving cases.’
Act 2- Part 2
Classist Snob because Eva used her name. ‘Yes I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence.’
‘she had only herself to blame’
‘look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.’ ( Mrs Birling blames Eric)
‘I accept no blame for it at all’
‘He should be made an example of. If the girl’s death is due to anybody, then it’s due to him.’
Naive, Ignorant ‘I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it’ (Realises Eric is the father)
Act 3
‘(with a cry) Oh – Eric – how could you?‘
‘(very distressed now) No – Eric – please – I didn’t know – I didn’t understand-‘ (Eric blames her for Turing Eva Smith away)
‘(Triumphantly) Didn’t I tell you? Didn’t I say I couldn’t imagine a real police inspector talking like that to us?’ (Hasn’t learnt a lesson, remains ignorant)
‘I was the only one who didn’t give in to him’ ( almost sounds proud of her actions despite her previous confessions )
The final line: [As they stare guiltily and dumbfounded, the curtain falls.]
